Sudden wage growth become very strong like a roti prata flip de woh

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Stronger real wage growth gives Singapore workers more spending power; Why Singapore manufacturers are increasingly expanding into Johor: Singapore live news​

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Updated Tue, 2 June 2026 at 9:41 AM SGT
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Singapore workers received smaller salary increases in 2025, but lower inflation delivered stronger gains in spending power than a year earlier. (Photo: ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)
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Singapore workers enjoyed stronger gains in purchasing power in 2025 as real wages rose 4 per cent, up from 3.2 per cent a year earlier, even as nominal wage growth eased to 4.9 per cent from 5.6 per cent. The improvement was driven largely by lower inflation, which slowed to 0.9 per cent from 2.4 per cent in 2024, reducing pressure on household incomes. According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), wage gains remained broad-based, with rank-and-file employees seeing wage growth of 4.8 per cent, junior management staff 5.1 per cent and senior management employees 4.9 per cent.

Across industries, Administrative and Support Services recorded the strongest wage growth at 7.5 per cent, followed by Insurance Services at 6.6 per cent and Financial Services at 5.9 per cent, while Insurance Services and Wholesale Trade were the only sectors to post faster wage growth than in 2024. Business conditions remained supportive, with a larger share of firms reporting profitability and fewer recording losses, although employers showed greater caution as fewer establishments granted wage increases and more kept salaries unchanged. Looking ahead, MOM expects wage growth to remain positive in 2026, supported by a tight labour market and productivity gains, though geopolitical tensions, trade-related risks and broader economic uncertainty could lead to more moderate and uneven wage outcomes across sectors.

 

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A growing number of Singapore-linked companies are expanding or relocating manufacturing operations to Johor as they seek lower operating costs in the region. Businesses have pointed to lower labour, land, rental and utility expenses as key advantages, while recent moves by companies such as Gardenia, H&M, Yeo's and Tiger Beer-related production operations have highlighted a broader shift among manufacturers. Industry observers said Johor's proximity to Singapore allows firms to reduce production costs without losing access to established markets, supply chains and business networks.

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The trend has gained further momentum with the development of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which is expected to improve logistics, facilitate cross-border movement and strengthen investment cooperation. Despite the migration of some manufacturing activities, experts said Singapore continues to hold advantages in finance, innovation, research and development, talent and regional headquarters functions. Analysts noted that many firms are adopting a dual-location strategy, keeping management and strategic operations in Singapore while locating production facilities in Johor rather than exiting Singapore altogether.

 

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Singapore firms turn to Johor as operating costs continue rising​

Rising costs are prompting more Singapore-linked firms to expand manufacturing in Johor while retaining headquarters and strategic functions at home. (Photo: Malay Mail)
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Rising operating costs are prompting more Singapore-linked businesses to relocate or expand manufacturing activities into Johor, as companies seek lower-cost alternatives within Southeast Asia. Businesses cited labour, land, rental and utility costs among the key factors influencing location decisions.

The trend has drawn attention following Gardenia's decision to move manufacturing operations from Singapore to Johor, a move that experts described as part of a broader shift among manufacturers operating in the region. Other Singapore-linked companies, including H&M, Yeo's and Tiger Beer-related production operations, were also cited as examples of firms expanding manufacturing activities across the border.

Industry observers said Johor's appeal stems from significantly lower labour and land costs, as well as lower operating expenses compared with Singapore. The state's proximity to Singapore allows firms to reduce production costs while maintaining access to established markets and business networks.

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) has emerged as another factor supporting investment decisions. Businesses expect the initiative to improve logistics, facilitate cross-border movement and strengthen investment coordination between the two jurisdictions.

Despite the movement of manufacturing activities, experts said Singapore continues to retain advantages in areas such as finance, research and development, innovation, talent and regional headquarters functions. Companies are increasingly separating production activities from higher-value corporate functions, according to the reports

Analysts cited by the media said the trend should not be viewed as a wholesale departure from Singapore. Instead, many businesses are adopting a dual-location strategy that combines manufacturing in Johor with management, financing and strategic operations in Singapore.

 

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'Most companies are essentially failing': Experts warn of a disturbing disparity between 'old' and 'new' era stocks​

Becky Robertson
Sun, 31 May 2026 at 6:00 PM SGT
5 min read
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