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The global race for talent is about systems, not geography

As AI reshapes the skills landscape and global competition for financial talent increases, the risk of clinging to traditional talent acquisiton models is clear

    • To maintain its position as a leading talent hub, Singapore will need to keep deepening its investment in skills and education while ensuring access to global expertise.
    • To maintain its position as a leading talent hub, Singapore will need to keep deepening its investment in skills and education while ensuring access to global expertise. PHOTO: BT FILE
    Published Thu, Oct 16, 2025 · 07:00 AM

    SINGAPORE’S financial sector is growing fast. Hedge fund assets under management in the Republic grew 37 per cent last year to just over S$6 trillion, according to the Singapore Asset Management Survey 2024. Employment in the financial sector increased by 4,800 in 2023, with senior roles held by Singaporeans trebling over a seven-year period, said Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong in a speech on Sep 13, 2024.

    However, this expansion poses a pressing question. How will the industry’s ability to find and develop talent keep up the pace?

    Traditional talent acquisition remains stubbornly linear, relying on familiar credentials and established recruitment channels. This approach assumes that good people are rare and that the best talent comes from predictable places.

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