Singapore has reached a significant milestone as its population surpasses six million for the first time, with growth predominantly fueled by the non-resident population. According to the annual Population in Brief report by the National Population and Talent Division (NPTD) and partner agencies, Singapore’s population currently stands at 6.04 million, reflecting a 2% increase from the previous year.
The report highlights that out of the total population, 4.18 million are residents, while approximately 1.86 million are non-residents, comprising the foreign workforce, migrant domestic workers, dependants, and international students. The non-resident population experienced a notable surge of about 5% compared to the previous year, with work permit holders contributing significantly to this increase.
As stated in the report, “The (non-resident) population is diverse, and its size and composition fluctuate depending on our economic and social needs.” It emphasizes the importance of the foreign workforce in complementing the local workforce and allowing access to a broader range of skills from the global labor pool.
Moreover, the report reveals that the annualized population growth rate over the last five years has slightly exceeded the rate from the preceding five-year period. This growth has been attributed to the post-COVID expansion in the number of work permit holders in sectors such as construction and marine shipyard.
The NPTD reiterated that Singapore’s total population is projected to be “significantly” below 6.9 million by 2030, as outlined in a Population White Paper from 2013. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Indranee Rajah, emphasized the importance of considering various demographic trends and social-economic needs in planning for the future population of Singapore.
According to the Ministry of Manpower’s quarterly labor market report, Singapore residents continue to fill higher-paying roles, with improvements seen in unemployment rates and labor force participation rate surpassing that of most OECD countries. This indicates Singapore’s ongoing commitment to balancing the needs of its workforce amid demographic shifts.
Thus, as the population continues to grow and evolve, Singapore remains focused on strategic planning to ensure a sustainable and dynamic workforce that meets the demands of the future.
