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Company culture/management ranked in the list, with close to three in 10 professionals surveyed indicating it as a factor.
2025 saw organisations working diligently to transform whilst working within budgets. Hiring became more intentional as businesses navigated new technologies, regulatory changes, and shifting regional dynamics.
In fact, a study by Ambition Asia revealed that 50% of employers indicated continued hiring activity over the next six months, with 33% stating they do not intend to hire, and 17% unsure.
At the same time, 64% of professionals stated intentions to change jobs in the next six months, with 21% uncertain, and 15% planning to stay in their current roles.
Top hiring challenges faced by employers in the past six months include managing rising compensation expectations (28%), attracting the right talent (22%), allocation of hiring budget (17%), improving employee experience (17%), retaining talent (11%) and others (6%).
These dynamics are reflected in the roles reported as most difficult to fill, particularly across the engineering, technology / IT, sales & operations, and finance & accounting sectors.
The survey also revealed that 50% of employers displayed openness to hire contract staff, with 33% stating that they mostly hire permanent staff, and 17% actively hire contractors.
However, this enthusiasm from employers was not met by employees, as only 43% indicated 'Yes', with 39% stating 'No', and 18% stating a possibility.
Salary movement in 2025 also remained restrained, with 56% of employer salary increments ranging from 0% - 3%, 33% ranging from 4% - 6%, and 11% ranging from 7% - 10%.
The survey also revealed some factors that professionals consider when accepting a job offer, including:
- Salary: 26%
- Career growth: 18%
- Company culture: 17%
- Work-life balance: 15%
- Flexibility / WFH: 13%
- Benefits: 11%
Reasons as to why professionals leave their previous roles include:
- Career growth opportunities: 35%
- Company culture / management: 28%
- Salary / compensation: 19%
- Work-life balance: 10%
- Lack of flexibility: 8%
When it comes to AI, professionals generally expressed positive sentiments, with 39% indicating that they are in the development stage and adopting AI in multiple teams or functions. Furthermore, 46% of professionals indicated excitement on the impact of AI on jobs.
READ MORE: Asian markets with the highest and lowest minimum wages in 2026
Infographics / Ambition Singapore Market Insights 2026
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