13-7-2023 (SINGAPORE) As Singapore emerges as a preferred hub for manufacturing operations, efforts are being made to develop talent in the supply chain management (SCM) sector. The government has announced plans to create 700 new jobs in the industry by 2025 and has launched training initiatives to attract and retain skilled professionals.
SCM professionals play a crucial role in managing the flow and optimization of goods and services, from sourcing to production to delivery. However, nearly one-third of SCM jobs could become outdated within two years due to global trends impacting operations and workflow, according to a recent government report.
To address this, the new positions within the 70,000-strong sector will focus on professionals, managers, executives, and technicians (PMETs) with digital and SCM knowledge. Roles such as data analysts and system designers will be in high demand.
In addition to job creation, upskilling programs have been introduced to equip the local workforce with the necessary skills for SCM roles, including supply chain planning, sourcing and procurement, and logistics management.
The findings from the SCM-Jobs Transformation Map (JTM) highlight that employees in certain SCM roles will need to acquire new responsibilities and skills to remain relevant. For example, customer service officers will need to develop advanced digital skills like big data analytics to engage with a larger customer base.
The report, a collaboration between the Economic Development Board (EDB), SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), and Workforce Singapore (WSG), identifies three key trends transforming the industry. These include the increasing demand for digital literacy as technology automates manual tasks, the need for resilience and agility in the face of conflicts and pandemics, and the growing focus on sustainability.
Singapore has become an attractive destination for companies looking to diversify their supply chains and mitigate global uncertainties. A recent survey revealed that nearly 50% of businesses with supply chain operations in the Asia-Pacific region plan to expand or establish new manufacturing capacities in Southeast Asia within the next three years.
Companies like consumer electronics giant Dyson have already relocated their global headquarters to Singapore, citing the country’s central role in their supply chain operations and its reputation as a hub for high-tech businesses.
To support the development of talent in the SCM sector, government agencies, including SkillsFuture, will collaborate with institutes for higher learning to offer training programs. These initiatives aim to upskill the existing workforce and provide individuals with the relevant knowledge to enter or advance in the sector.
SCM professionals in Singapore command a median salary of approximately S$5,900, surpassing the national median salary of S$4,680, according to the EDB.
To guide training providers and enterprises, the EDB and SSG have developed a reference guide on the evolving trends in SCM jobs, in-demand skills, and training information. The guide will be available on the EDB website from July 31.
