SINGAPORE: Traditional engineering fields in Singapore are facing a growing talent crisis, as more students and graduates turn away from the profession in search of higher pay and faster career growth in sectors such as finance and technology.
Industry experts told CNA that traditional engineering fields – including aerospace, civil, mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering – have struggled to attract and retain talent.
They warned that the exodus has become more pronounced in recent years, potentially undermining Singapore’s long-term infrastructure development and maintenance.
Association of Consulting Engineers Singapore (ACES) president Chuck Kho said it has become increasingly common for top students to leave for other industries.
“They actually took our best students to join them … So that has become quite a norm today,” he noted.
Declining Interest in Engineering Studies
Figures from the Ministry of Education (MOE) highlight a steep decline in interest over the past two decades.
In 2003, 42.9 per cent of university students were enrolled in engineering sciences. By 2023, that figure had plunged to 22.2 per cent.
Polytechnic enrolment showed a similar pattern, falling from 43.3 per cent to 27.9 per cent during the same period.
At Temasek Polytechnic, courses in aerospace and biomedical engineering still attract students, but interest in mechanical and electrical engineering has slowed.
Entry requirements have also become less competitive.
For instance, NTU’s aerospace engineering course once required three As and one B at A-levels in 2010, but the latest indicative grades show four Cs at the 10th percentile.
Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES) president Chan Ewe Jin attributed the decline to several factors, including long working hours, modest pay and limited recognition for the complexity of engineering work.
“Unlike some other professions, an engineering career develops through mentoring, structured training and considerable hands-on experience, which naturally takes time to acquire,” he said.
Graduate employment surveys show that fresh engineering graduates from NUS, NTU and SIT earn median gross monthly salaries between S$4,000 and S$5,500.
Efforts to Attract and Retain Engineers
Authorities have recognised the need to address the shortage.
For the civil engineering sector, a task force for architectural and engineering consultants has made 11 recommendations, including higher starting salaries, structured mentorships, and changes to procurement practices to help firms invest more in talent.
Industry experts and students welcomed these proposals and expressed hope that similar measures would be applied across other engineering fields.
However, Kho cautioned that the changes would take time. “Surely this cannot be done overnight. It will take continuous, sustained effort over a few years at least to see change,” he said.
Rebranding the Profession
Experts have also called for efforts to improve public perception of engineering.
Society of Women Engineers president Ng Pei Fern said many students avoid the field because it is seen as “hard to score” or overly technical.
“A lot of people think engineering is for nerds, like you’re sitting alone at a computer every day. It’s not like that,” she said.
Kho added that the sector is “too quiet” compared to more visible professions, and ACES is working to rebrand engineering to highlight its broader social and environmental impact.
IES’ Chan said stronger engagement by practitioners could also help.
“When engineers explain the real-life impact and excitement of their work, it helps students see engineering beyond textbooks,” he said.
Meanwhile, Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) have noted growing demand for hybrid disciplines such as data engineering, robotics and mechatronics — reflecting a shift toward digital and interdisciplinary skill sets.
Urgent Need for Talent Renewal
To make up for the shortage of local engineers, Singapore continues to rely on foreign professionals.
Arup Asia-Pacific managing director Chew Tai Chong cautioned that the long-term consequences of a weak local engineering base could be severe.
“Who is going to look after your ageing assets, who will renew and improve them in 50 years’ time, if you don’t have engineers to do that?” he said, calling for a broader mindset shift among young Singaporeans.
“It’s not just about making money. It’s about contributing to humanity and to future generations.”
Public Reactions: Low Pay and Lack of Recognition
On social media platforms such as Reddit and CNA’s Facebook page, many netizens agreed that poor pay, long hours and challenging working conditions are key reasons for the talent crisis.
One user, who claimed to have worked as an engineer for over 20 years, commented that everyone acknowledges the need for more engineers, “but the industry is not paying to attract talents”.
Another said the job comes with “high pressure, especially in calculations and project demands”, with overtime common during busy periods.
“The mediocre pay and recognition right now do not do much justice to this,” the user added.
One user commented that engineers have always been underrated and viewed as a cost centre.
Companies, the user said, do not recognise engineers as an essential part of their business and are often unwilling to pay them fairly.
Another user highlighted the lack of recognition for engineering work.
“Engineering is a highly under-appreciated job. Most things happen in the background without anyone noticing. If something goes wrong, engineers get blamed — but when everything works smoothly, no one cares,” one user remarked.
Graduates Shun Engineering Jobs
Some netizens also commented on the declining interest among graduates.
One user said that “more than three-quarters of my classmates are inclined to do non-engineering jobs after graduation — basically because the money and work environment are better”.
Another echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Many of my peers decided to pivot because of the workload, long hours, and lack of benefits.”
The user noted that many employers expect engineers to take on extensive responsibilities while offering salaries below S$4,000.
Netizens Criticise Government’s Foreign Talent Policy
Others blamed government policies for the situation, citing the preference among companies to hire foreign engineers who accept lower pay.
“Tough job and low pay. Companies are more inclined to employ foreign engineers whose pay demand is lower and who can work more hours,” one user wrote.
Another said that local engineers now have to compete with foreign engineers on salary, as many companies find it cheaper to hire foreigners who benefit from favourable exchange rates.
“The Government created this situation by opening the immigration floodgates and not protecting engineering jobs. It boils down to pay and prospects,” one user commented.
One netizen added that if the Government is serious about stemming the outflow of engineering talent, salaries must be made competitive.
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