According to The Straits Times (2025, January 6), “Singapore’s cyber frameworks and practices are set to become global gold standards, with cybersecurity leaders scrambling for talent and chief information officers (CIOs) embracing agentic systems.” This shift highlights the emerging trend of autonomous AI agents in workflows, poised to surpass previous technologies such as generative AI and chatbots. These AI agents will operate independently, collaborating with each other and making real-time decisions without constant human input. For example, AI agents could be deployed to handle complex tasks like negotiating with customers who have overdue bills.
Major tech firms like Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, and SAP are integrating these agents into their software to tackle challenges such as talent shortages, boost productivity, and enhance sales and customer service. However, the full benefits of these systems may only become evident by 2025, as many companies are still in the early stages of adoption.
To fully leverage autonomous AI agents, companies will need to invest in infrastructure, such as data management systems and integration strategies. Additionally, oversight mechanisms will be necessary to ensure these AI systems are used responsibly and to mitigate any potential impacts on employees and stakeholders. These agents have the potential to revolutionize industries by handling complex, time-consuming tasks like customer service and collections (e.g., negotiating overdue payments). This could free up human workers to focus on higher-value activities, improving efficiency and enhancing customer experiences.
As AI systems become more autonomous, issues surrounding accountability, transparency, and ethical use will become increasingly important. Strong oversight is needed to ensure that AI agents operate in alignment with corporate values and societal norms, while also managing their impact on employees and other stakeholders.
The demand for cybersecurity experts is also growing rapidly, as companies increase spending to protect not only their own networks but also those of their suppliers. However, the supply of qualified cybersecurity talent is falling short of this demand. According to the Ministry of Manpower’s Shortage Occupation List, three out of 13 job categories in Infocomm Technology are cybersecurity roles, highlighting the need for foreign expertise. The Cyber Security Agency is also conducting a study to define the minimum skill requirements for cybersecurity personnel, which could further reduce the talent pool.
Several factors are expected to exacerbate the shortage of cybersecurity talent, including the end of support for Windows 10 (after October 14, 2025) and the passing of the Health Information Bill in 2025. The end of support for Windows 10 will leave users vulnerable to cyberattacks due to the lack of security updates, while the Health Information Bill will require healthcare providers to migrate sensitive data, presenting new security and compliance challenges.
The clear shortage of cybersecurity talent requires comprehensive, long-term solutions. Key measures include ramping up investment in training and development programs and fostering closer collaboration between industry and educational institutions to ensure curricula are better aligned with the sector’s evolving needs.
In December, Indeed reported a significant surge in generative AI-related job postings, with a 4.6-fold increase over the 12 months leading up to September, compared to the previous year. Singapore led other developed economies—such as Ireland, Spain, Canada, Britain, the US, Germany, Australia, and France—in the number of AI-related job postings.
The demand for AI skills now extends beyond traditional roles in data analytics, reaching industries such as architecture and medical information. This reflects the growing integration of AI across diverse fields. Callam Pickering, Indeed’s economist for the Asia-Pacific, noted that the demand for generative AI skills is outpacing supply, as these skills are still emerging and evolving. He emphasized that businesses that can effectively reskill and upskill their existing workforce will have a competitive advantage in the future job market.
As Singapore’s technology landscape evolves, the growing demand for cybersecurity and AI professionals presents both challenges and opportunities for enterprises. The rise of autonomous AI agents is set to transform workflows by handling complex tasks independently, boosting productivity, and enhancing customer experiences. However, the successful integration of these systems will require significant investment in infrastructure, oversight mechanisms, and ongoing skill development. Simultaneously, the shortage of qualified cybersecurity talent calls for long-term solutions, such as increased training and closer collaboration between industry and educational institutions.
Reference:
The Straits Times. (2025, January 6) “5 tech trends for Singapore enterprises in 2025”