More Singapore professionals expected to change jobs this year: survey

MORE Singapore professionals are expected to change their jobs this year.

A survey conducted by employment agency MRIC Group and market research firm Ipsos revealed that 33 per cent of Singapore managers and professionals say they will definitely try to make a job change, up from 29 per cent.

Fifty-four per cent (down one per cent) will decide depending on opportunities and 13 per cent (down 3 per cent) will not look for another job.

The job-hopping trend in Singapore contrasts with that in Hong Kong and China, where more professionals intend to stay with their employers compared to 2014, said JB Aloy, senior vice-president at Ipsos.

"Interestingly, intentions to relocate are stable, which implies a challenging local job market in the coming months," he said.

Respondents were also less upbeat about this year's economic and financial outlook compared to the previous year.

Sixty per cent (down 6 per cent) of respondents expressed positive views, 41 per cent (down 7 per cent) expressed neutral views, and 12 per cent (down one per cent) were pessimistic.

Despite this growing proportion of neutral views, there is a significant gap between Singapore and other markets. Optimism is 14 points higher than in China, 22 points higher than in Hong Kong and 30 points higher than in Taiwan.

"Singapore is less impacted by China slowdown. We see many employers shifting or building new manufacturing centres or data processing facilities in South-east Asia. Singapore is an ideal talent centre and coordination hub. Further, restrictions on foreign talent add pressure on the job market", said MRIC CEO Christine Raynaud.

The survey compiles responses from more than 4,500 mid- to senior managers and professionals working in Greater China and Singapore.