Singapore’s digital transformation is gaining momentum, but a critical skills gap threatens its progress — Temus offers solutions

Singapore’s digital landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and data analytics. Yet, as Ng Lai Yee, chief executive of Temus, explains, this rapid development has exposed a critical challenge: a growing skills gap between industry demands and the local workforce’s capabilities.

"One of Singapore’s most pressing challenges in recruiting digital talent is the growing skills gap between the rapid pace of technological advancement and the workforce’s ability to keep up,” she says. Temus, a forward-thinking digital transformation services firm, is dedicated to supporting private and public sector organisations in their transformation journeys and bridging the talent gap in Singapore’s technology sector.

Ng, 51, notes that while industries increasingly depend on cutting-edge technologies, the talent supply remains constrained. “There is a misconception that only those with formal backgrounds in computer science or programming are suited for tech roles, which narrows the talent pool and overlooks individuals from diverse backgrounds.”

But the issue extends beyond recruitment. Ng points out that applying newly acquired skills to real-world scenarios can be a significant hurdle even when workers are upskilled. This, in turn, limits the effectiveness of reskilling initiatives. To address this, she emphasises the importance of ongoing training and development, underscoring that digital skills must be learned and correctly applied.

However, the former managing partner and country leader at IBM Consulting is optimistic about Singapore’s ability to overcome these challenges, particularly with collaborative efforts between businesses, government and educational institutions. “Singapore must address these talent needs by promoting broad-based upskilling and creating a workforce adaptable to the rapid technological changes,” she says.

The digital talent dilemma and staying ahead of the curve

At Temus, Ng leads efforts to cultivate local digital talent through an inclusive and multi-disciplinary approach. “Our commitment to multiplying local digital talent is built on a holistic approach that emphasises inclusivity, skill development, and collaboration,” she explains.

Temus’s Step IT Up tech career conversion programme is a crucial initiative driving this effort. It has proven to be a game-changer for many mid-career professionals and fresh graduates. “Two-thirds of our trainees are mid-career professionals, and one-third are fresh graduates. They come from various educational backgrounds and bring their diverse industry experiences to the table.”

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Temus also recognises that upskilling is an ongoing process in the rapidly changing world of digital transformation. Central to this effort is TalentForge, an AI-powered platform that identifies skills gaps and creates personalised development plans for employees. “What sets Temus apart is our focus on maintaining a high-touch employee experience, even as many companies shift towards automation,” says Ng. “We believe that in a people-first business, a high level of engagement is crucial for building a strong organisational culture.”

Ng explains that Temus’s learning and development programmes nurture a collaborative environment where employees can share knowledge and work on real-world challenges. “Learning at Temus is more than just credentials; it’s about creating a community of continuous growth,” Ng affirms.

A people-first approach to talent retention

Ng is equally proud of Temus’s ability to retain talent in a competitive market. The company’s strong growth — now over 400 employees — can be attributed to its entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative culture. “We provide our employees with the autonomy to innovate and take ownership of high-impact projects,” says Ng. The dynamic opportunities Temus offers and a sense of purpose have contributed to employee loyalty.

“We hope that while our team may come for the cutting-edge work, they stay for the culture and values we are building,” she adds. The company also emphasises creating an enjoyable work environment. “Events like holiday gatherings or our end-of-year Christmas party ensure that while we work hard, we also celebrate our achievements together.”

As Temus grows, Ng is confident that Singapore can maintain its competitive edge as a digital hub, aligned with the nation’s Smart Nation 2.0 and National AI Strategy 2.0 initiatives. “We aim to grow as a digital champion for Singapore and beyond, fostering innovation within our ecosystem to create a brighter future,” she says.

Temus is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s ongoing digital transformation by focusing on AI-driven solutions and cultivating a diverse talent pool.

Ng summarises, “It’s about cultivating the right mindset — one of continuous learning, curiosity, and collaboration — to ensure that we stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving digital landscape.”