Telecommunications is all about connecting people, whether through traditional fixed-line telephones, computers and laptops, or mobile devices.

A key enabler for various fields and regulated by the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA), telecommunications is vital in raising Singapore’s productivity and transforming business processes. As for IT, its involvement in this sector has become essential in Singapore’s bid to become a Smart Nation.

Career overview

Job opportunities are usually divided into two categories: vendors and carriers.

A very wide-ranging industry that covers a broad spectrum, almost all sectors around the world depend on it. Although key areas in Singapore such as the electronics, manufacturing, telecommunications, defence and aerospace fields benefit the most from the hardware industry, it also supports other less typical sectors, much like tourism.

The recent boom in mobile and “smart” technologies have also invigorated the hardware industry.

There’s no denying the growth the gaming industry has been experiencing the past few decades, as well as the impact it has on the current generation. Singapore’s not exempted from this development, and as a result, the government has been very supportive of this relatively young sector within the country.

Thanks to the country’s solid IT infrastructure, ease of communication and transportation and ready talent pool, many international players – such as Ubisoft, Gumi Asia and Tecmo Koei – have set up their regional bases here.

The growth of financial technology, also known as fintech, has led to a time of innovation in financial services and in turn, has opened many employment opportunities in the industry.

Career overview

Graduates keen on entering this field can look forward to working with technologies that are aimed at automating parts of the banking sector, and also programmed to lend support to functions such as handling data management, interactions and transactions between financial firms and their partners and clients.

While not wholly dependent on them, financial organisations still rely heavily on their IT systems alongside a variety of software to provide their customers with smooth and efficient service. From data analysis to planning investments and trading activities, analysts, asset managers and traders trust in either customised or off-the-rack software to help them make informed decisions.

Nearly every function in the retail industry – sourcing of new products and managing distribution networks, to in-store point-of-sale systems and administration responsibilities such as human resources (HR) and finance – requires the involvement of IT and technology to a degree. In most cases, IT’s used to achieve a couple of objectives: to improve the accuracy and availability of information on every level, and to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the business.

The emergence of online retailers, however, have brought the use of IT in retail to a whole new level.

From large multinational corporations (MNCs) to small organisations, any company actively operating in the manufacturing sector needs the support of a dedicated IT department to ensure that their business continues to run smoothly.

On their part, IT and technology have often been credited for improving productivity and reducing costs of many manufacturing organisations, and proved essential in helping them refine their supply chains and data management processes.

Once upon a time, the typical career pathways that come to mind when talking about investment banking included positions such as analysts and associates before proceeding on to vice presidents and directors – most of which require a finance-related degree.