EDB continued to secure high value investment commitments in 2025 amidst a volatile global operating environment

The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) recorded a resilient investment performance in 2025 despite a challenging global operating environment marked by geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, rapid technological change, and climate-related risks.In 2025, EDB secured S$14.2 billion in Fixed Asset Investment (FAI) commitments and S$8.9 billion in Total Business Expenditure (TBE) commitments. These projects are expected to create 15,700 jobs and generate S$18.0 billion in value-added over the next five years, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a trusted global business and innovation hub.EDB noted that global competition for investments has intensified, with companies reassessing supply chains, technology strategies, and market access. Against this backdrop, Singapore continued to attract quality investments by offering a stable business environment, strong connectivity, and deep capabilities across manufacturing, services, and innovation-driven activities.Manufacturing remained the primary contributor to fixed asset investments in 2025, accounting for approximately S$12.1 billion of total FAI commitments. Companies invested across a range of advanced manufacturing activities, including semiconductors and AI-related manufacturing, electric vehicle and advanced mobility solutions, biomedical manufacturing in biopharmaceuticals and medical technology, specialty chemicals and sustainable materials, as well as aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities.Total Business Expenditure commitments reached S$8.9 billion, with the majority coming from headquarters activities, professional services, and research and development. Technology companies continued to form the largest share of new and expanded headquarters operations in Singapore, reflecting the city-state’s role as a regional and global base for corporate management, innovation, and digital capabilities.Investment commitments in 2025 are expected to create 15,700 jobs, with employment opportunities spanning services, manufacturing, and research and development. Services-related roles accounted for about 40 per cent of committed jobs, followed by manufacturing at 37 per cent, and research and innovation activities at 23 per cent. Approximately two-thirds of these jobs are expected to offer gross monthly wages above S$5,000, underscoring the focus on higher-skilled, higher-value roles.The committed jobs span a broad range of functions, including product management, data science, and business development roles in services; engineering and technician roles in manufacturing; and research, robotics, user experience design, and innovation-focused roles in R&D activities. EDB emphasised that these roles will support Singapore’s efforts to deepen skills, raise productivity, and strengthen its talent base for future industries.EDB highlighted continued momentum in several priority growth areas in 2025. These included advanced manufacturing and semiconductors driven by rising global demand for AI-enabled hardware, biomedical sciences with expansions in biopharmaceutical and medtech capacity, artificial intelligence and digital technologies supporting both manufacturing and services applications, and the green and bio-based economy through investments in sustainable materials and decarbonisation-related projects.For context, in 2024, EDB secured S$13.5 billion in FAI commitments and S$8.4 billion in TBE commitments, which supported 18,700 jobs and generated S$23.5 billion in value-added. While total job numbers moderated in 2025, EDB noted that the focus remained firmly on attracting investments that deliver higher productivity, stronger innovation outcomes, and long-term economic value.Looking ahead, EDB expects global investment conditions to remain highly competitive, with job creation becoming more challenging amid economic uncertainty and technological disruption. In response, EDB will continue to focus on strengthening existing growth sectors, building new engines of growth, and preparing the Singapore workforce for future opportunities through close partnerships with enterprises, workers, and training institutions.EDB Chairman Png Cheong Boon said the 2025 investment outcomes demonstrate Singapore’s continued standing as a trusted hub for enterprises seeking resilience and long-term value creation. He added that EDB remains committed to supporting companies in navigating global uncertainties while creating quality jobs and sustainable growth opportunities for Singaporeans.