With Asia hailed as the world’s fastest-growing market for chemicals, a career in Singapore’s established chemical sector is a solid option for graduates.
Fuelled by the global demand for cost-efficient and sustainable chemicals, Singapore’s position as a leading chemical hub is set to grow, particularly in the area of specialty chemicals.
The drive for research and development will intensify as the industry continues to diversify to offer more customised solutions and to support emerging niche sectors such as industrial biotechnology and synthetic biology.
Digitalisation and advanced technologies are other forces that are reshaping careers in the industry. These technologies enable higher levels of manufacturing efficiency, leading jobs within the industry to increasingly emphasise on digital skills, innovation, and business growth.
With climate change and a decline in natural resources, chemical companies have to boost their environmental performance by prioritising innovation and sustainability across their value chains.
CAREER PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
With over 100 global chemical companies located here, Singapore is a vibrant chemical hub that offers numerous opportunities for graduates looking for a career in the chemical sector.
Employers in the chemical sector seek talents in areas such as production and process engineering, health, safety and environment, engineering and maintenance, quality assurance and quality control, technical service, and application and product development. Additionally, there are roles in business areas such as sales, marketing, and finance for jobseekers from non-technical backgrounds.
With increasing digitisation in the workplace, professionals in the chemical industry will need to continually upskill to effectively manage advanced machinery, while plant managers will be expected to hone their ability to interpret data to derive business insights. Increasing emphasis is gradually placed on soft skills such as decision-making, collaborative and communication skills.
One thing to bear in mind is that certain entry-level jobs may require employees to work long hours in shifts. This is particularly true of roles in manufacturing plants.
RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
- Degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related disciplines
- Genuine interest to build a career in the chemical sector and a willingness to learn
- Troubleshooting, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
WHAT RECRUITERS LOOK FOR
- Digital literacy and an ability to quickly pick up new technologies
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- A high level of integrity and sense of responsibility
