Technology is constantly reshaping our world, especially within the workplace. Indeed, the pace of change is nothing short of remarkable. Just a decade ago, everyone was abuzz about  Industry 4.0 and how it will change the way we live and work. Now, business leaders are preparing for Industry 5.0 and 6.0 where human workers are expected to work more closely with robots powered by AI to propel productivity to new heights.

While technological advancement continues to drive innovation, it also disrupts our traditional job markets. According to the World Economic Forum, a staggering 23 per cent of jobs are projected to be affected within the next five years by technological shifts. Some jobs may not exist anymore while others will be transformed.

In aspiring smart cities like Singapore, the government is doing its best to prepare its present and future workforce for the next industrial revolution. According to the latest tech news in Singapore, these efforts include the promotion of continuous learning and the adoption of new technologies. These government initiatives ensure that the city-state remains at the forefront of tech skills.

In many fields and industries, tech skills are essential for driving innovation, increasing efficiency, and remaining competitive in today’s digital landscape. They include abilities and expertise related to technology, such as programming, data analysis, and cybersecurity. For students, job seekers, or professionals looking for a career change, here’s a list of these important tech skills that will still be in demand in the near future.

Cybersecurity Skills

While the digitization of the economy brings convenience, connectivity, and opportunities, it also has a dark side in the form of cyber threats and attacks. According to the latest figures from Statista Market Insights, cybercrime costs are projected to continue increasing, potentially peaking at USD 13.82 trillion by 2028.

Given this projection, skilled cybersecurity professionals proficient in areas such as ethical hacking, network security, and information security management will be in high demand. As a matter of fact, there’s a widening job gap in the field of cybersecurity. In a 2022 Forbes article, it noted that 3.4 million workers were needed to fill cybersecurity jobs driven by 26 per cent increased demand from the previous year. This just underscores how much cybersecurity professionals are still needed in the tech industry.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Expertise

AI and machine learning are driving innovation across various industries, from healthcare and finance to retail and manufacturing. With the majority of firms investing in AI and machine learning technology, demand for workers with AI and machine learning experience will only grow.

Currently, many professionals use AI and machine learning for their daily tasks. Moreover, there are emerging niche fields with pioneering professionals, such as machine learning engineers, business intelligence developers, big data engineers or architects, and natural language processing (NLP) engineers at the helm. These specialists develop intelligent algorithms, natural language processing models, and machine learning solutions to provide more efficient ways of processing and interpreting vast amounts of data.

As the demand for AI and machine learning continues to grow, these niche fields offer exciting opportunities for professionals seeking to make a significant impact in their respective industries.

Data Skills

Data analytics, data science, and data engineering play complementary roles in the field of data-driven decision-making, proving their value across various industries. To accomplish these roles proficiently, job seekers need to develop their data skills.

Data skills encompass abilities such as data analysis, visualization, statistical analysis, database management, machine learning, data mining, data warehousing, and data governance. With these skills in the bag, workers can effectively harness the power of data to derive actionable insights and perform data-driven decisions for their organizations.

As the job market continues to evolve, individuals with strong data skills are well-positioned to thrive, adapting to changing roles and seizing new opportunities that emerge in the increasingly data-driven future.

Cloud Computing Skills

Since the mid-2000s, cloud computing has revolutionized how businesses access and manage computing resources, storage, and applications. It has provided a scalable, portable, and cost-effective way for enterprises to operate. In fact, the cloud computing market is projected to reach a staggering USD 679 billion in 2024.

Skilled cloud architects, engineers, and administrators are in demand to design, deploy, and manage cloud infrastructure and services. With more organizations migrating to the cloud, the job market for cloud computing expertise is projected to increase.

User Experience (UX) Design Skills

UX design plays a crucial role in creating intuitive and engaging digital experiences for users. It’s a vital part of software, app, and website development, and it will continue to be in high demand for the foreseeable future.

In fact, the global market for UX services reached an astounding USD 2.59 billion in 2022. Furthermore, it’s expected to still expand significantly, with projections indicating growth from USD 3.50 billion in 2023 to an estimated USD 32.95 billion by 2030, reflecting a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.8 per cent.

UX designers who can conduct user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing are highly valued. For the most part, companies that prioritize UX design see improvements in customer satisfaction, retention, and revenue. As businesses focus on delivering exceptional user experiences across digital platforms, the job market for UX design expertise is expected to grow.

The vast field of technology continues to innovate and rapidly evolve. To cater to this constant transformation, workers need to acquire and hone their tech skills and expertise. By investing in skill development, job seekers and future workers will be well-positioned to thrive in the dynamic world of tech.