SINGAPORE, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's nominal wage growth slowed in 2025 as inflation eased, although workers continued to see stronger gains in real wages, official data showed on Thursday.
Nominal total wages grew 4.9 percent in 2025, easing from 5.6 percent in 2024, according to the Ministry of Manpower.
The ministry said softer inflationary pressures may have reduced the need for firms to raise wages at the pace seen previously.
After adjusting for inflation, real wages rose 4 percent in 2025, accelerating from 3.2 percent in 2024 and reflecting improved purchasing power among workers.
"Looking ahead to 2026, real wage growth is expected to remain positive, although firms are expected to remain measured in their wage increases amid geopolitical uncertainties and inflationary pressures," said the ministry.
The ministry added that sustaining long-term real wage growth would depend on economic conditions, productivity improvements, workforce upgrading and wage-setting practices.
Separately, business profitability improved in 2025, with 83.1 percent of establishments reporting profits, up from 80.8 percent in 2024, supported by Singapore's continued economic expansion, according to the ministry.
The proportion of firms reporting losses declined to 16.9 percent in 2025 from 19.2 percent a year earlier. ■
