Singapore Business Review · 26 Oct, 21:30 · Business briefing

Digital economy to reach $39.6b in 2026: report

A recent report projects that the digital economy will expand to $39.6 billion by 2026.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

A recent report projects that the digital economy will expand to $39.6 billion by 2026. This forecast underscores the accelerating integration of digital technologies across various sectors. For professionals, this indicates a sustained shift towards data-driven operations and online engagement strategies. The growth trajectory suggests that organisations will continue to prioritise digital infrastructure and innovation. Understanding this economic expansion is crucial for anticipating market demands. It highlights the increasing reliance on technology for business continuity and competitive advantage. This factual overview provides context for the evolving professional landscape, where digital fluency becomes a baseline requirement rather than a niche skill set for career progression.

Employer demand for Data Science skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

You must adapt to this rapid digital expansion to remain competitive. Traditional roles are evolving, placing a premium on technical agility and data literacy. You should prioritise upskilling in areas that drive digital efficiency, such as data analysis and secure system management. Professionals in marketing, finance, and operations will find their value increases significantly when they can leverage digital tools effectively. Do not wait for your organisation to mandate these changes. Instead, proactively seek courses in data science to interpret complex information and cyber security to protect digital assets. By mastering these high-demand skills, you position yourself as an indispensable asset capable of navigating the $39.6 billion digital landscape. Take immediate action to audit your current skill set against these emerging requirements.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Data Science, Cyber Security, Digital Marketing and AI Strategy — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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to benefit.

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