Singapore’s largest employer, the Public Service Division (PSD), is stepping up efforts to attract and retain engineering talent, The Straits Times reports.

According to the paper, the country needs 1,000 more engineers each year for the next five years to keep public infrastructure projects such as a new airport and port going.

The PSD is reviewing pay and career progression of its engineers.

A spokeswoman for the PSD was quoted as saying there was a general decline in interest in science and engineering among young people around the world, including in Singapore.

Engineers salaries in the country have risen by 12% to 16% over the last five years.