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Written Answer to PQ on Statistics on Resident Employed in Outward- and Domestic-Oriented Sectors

NOTICE PAPER NO. 419 OF 2026 FOR THE SITTING ON 4 FEBRUARY 2026
QUESTION NO. 839 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

MP: Mr Shawn Loh

To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the number and proportion of Singaporean workers in (i) outward-oriented sectors as compared to (ii) domestic-oriented sectors, for the most recent year compared to ten years before that; and (b) whether the employment distribution trend, if any, is expected to continue in the future.

Answer:

1. In December 2025, outward-oriented sectors1 employed 1.25 million residents (or 50.5% of all employed residents), compared to domestic-oriented sectors2 which employed 1.21 million residents (or 48.7%).3

2. These distributions closely mirror the distribution observed ten years ago, when outward-oriented sectors employed 1.14 million residents (or 50.4%) and domestic-oriented sectors employed 1.10 million residents (or 48.6%).

3. Business transformation and technology adoption will continue to change the nature of jobs. The distribution of resident employment between outward-oriented and domestic-oriented sectors may evolve. The Government will continue to work with tripartite partners to equip Singaporeans with the skills needed for future jobs.

FOOTNOTE

  1. Outward-oriented sectors refer to Manufacturing, Wholesale Trade, Accommodation, Transportation and Storage, Information and Communications, Financial and Insurance Services, and Professional Services.
  2. Domestic-oriented sectors refer to Construction, Retail Trade, Food and Beverage Services, Real Estate Services, Administrative and Support Services, and Community, Social and Personal Services.
  3. Data for December 2025 are preliminary. Proportions for the respective time periods do not sum up to 100% due to a residual group of industries that are not separately shown. Source: Administrative Records