Singapore’s fresh graduates are finding it harder to land jobs and Labour MP Patrick Tay says it is time for urgent action.
In a recent Facebook post, Tay, who is the Member of Parliament for Pioneer and Assistant Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), raised concerns about the growing difficulty young Singaporeans face in securing meaningful employment, as the job market becomes increasingly disrupted by technological shifts like Artificial Intelligence and global economic uncertainties.
Referencing recent reports from The Business Times and The Straits Times, Tay pointed out that graduate unemployment is a rising trend that cannot be ignored. Some graduates are pivoting careers and pursuing further studies due to limited job prospects, while internships are becoming the new entry point to full-time roles.
A Growing Concern
With global trade challenges including Trump-era tariffs and the accelerating adoption of GenAI, Tay warned that both unemployment and underemployment could worsen in the months ahead.
The unemployment issue may be further exacerbated, especially with a mismatch between skills and market needs, he said.
As a long-time advocate for professionals, managers, and executives, Tay said this trend has both economic and social implications for Singapore’s future. He expressed particular concern that today’s graduates might struggle to keep up unless more support structures are put in place.
What Needs to Happen
Tay called on the tripartite partners — the Government, employers, and unions — to work together and create more structured pathways for fresh graduates to enter the workforce.
We must do more to help our fresh graduates land meaningful employment and remain employable, he wrote. He suggested revisiting initiatives like the SGUnited Traineeships, which were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to help young people gain work experience.
He stressed that investing in fresh graduates is not just about supporting individuals. It is about preparing Singapore’s workforce for the future.
Fresh graduates represent our future leaders. Supporting them now is an investment in Singapore’s continued success in the AI age, Tay said.
And in a reminder of his longstanding message: Every Worker Matters, and that includes those just starting their career journey.
