Singapore’s technology sector, once a bastion of stability and growth, is currently experiencing a turbulent phase. Recent layoffs at global giants such as Meta and TikTok, reported in late February, have triggered intense scrutiny of the city-state’s vulnerability to tech-sector shakeups.
Layoff Waves in Singapore
Meta: In February, Meta (formerly Facebook) laid off approximately 5% of its global workforce—around 3,600 positions—including a number in Singapore. Unexpectedly, several of those impacted were recent parental or medical leave returnees, sparking widespread outrage
TikTok: On 20 February, the company cut at least a dozen employees from its Singapore-based Trust & Safety division. The move was attributed to “operational efficiency” following months of evaluation
These layoffs come amid broader global retrenchments, with Asia-Pacific tech centres such as Singapore bearing the brunt of cuts by firms including Meta, TikTok, and PropertyGuru
Quantifying the Impact
Government data previously revealed that from July to November 2022, around 1,270 local tech-sector workers were retrenched—nearly five times the number in the same period in 2021
While exact figures for 2025 aren’t yet disclosed, industry analysts suggest this smell of past retrenchments is echoing once more. While exact figures for 2025 aren’t yet disclosed, industry analysts suggest this smell of past retrenchments is echoing once more.
Government and Industry Response
In response, Singapore authorities and industry players are ramping up reskilling initiatives:
- The Tech Skill-Up Festival, held in March, invited ITE and polytechnic graduates to fill over 1,000 AI, cloud architecture, and cybersecurity roles. According to Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How, this illustrates continued demand in key tech areas
- The IMDA director Jamin Tan, in a LinkedIn post, urged local employers to consider hiring displaced TikTok staff for data-protection roles, emphasising Singapore’s tight-knit tech community
Sectoral Adjustments & Broader Context
Analysts note the global tech boom during COVID led to overhiring; a post-pandemic recalibration is now underway. Roles most affected include communications, basic programming, and support functions—some shifting offshore to cheaper markets like India, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Meanwhile, demand remains high for AI, machine learning, cloud computing, and cyber-security professionals.
Singapore’s tech layoffs underscore a global phenomenon: the shift from indiscriminate hiring to ruthless efficiency. For affected workers, career uncertainty and emotional turbulence are very real. Yet the proactive response—from government, industry bodies, and community networks—demonstrates a robust ecosystem.
The key to redemption lies in:
- Skill Renewal: Embrace AI, cloud, and cybersecurity expertise.
- Purpose-Driven Empathy: Companies must embed human-centric layoff processes, with respect for life-stage considerations.
- Ecosystem Solidarity: Collective support via career fairs, union assistance, and corporate networking remain essential.
