Key Insights from the NTUC LAB-SMU Dialogue on Youth Employment Challenges

The recent NTUC LAB-SMU Dialogue titled “Young Voices, Work Futures: An NTUC-SMU Dialogue on Youth Employment in Transition” held on 11 February 2026 brought together students, recent graduates, policymakers, employers, and academics at Singapore Management University (SMU). Hosted by NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Patrick Tay, the event highlighted pressing concerns about the shrinking pool of entry-level jobs for young graduates in Singapore's evolving labour market. Discussions centred on how technological disruptions, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), are reshaping entry points into the workforce, forcing graduates to adapt swiftly.

Panellists including SMU Professor Sun Sun Lim, Workforce Singapore (WSG) Assistant Chief Executive Tracy Lee, LinkedIn Head of Public Policy Southeast Asia Trisha Suresh, and Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) Associate Professor Justina Tan shared perspectives under the moderation of SMU Assistant Professor Cao Wenjia from the Resilient Workforce Institute. The dialogue underscored the need for stronger bridges between higher education and employment, with graduates voicing frustrations over intense competition and the necessity to "internship-stack"—accumulating multiple internships to stand out.

Graduate Struggles: Navigating a Competitive Job Landscape

Young graduates at the event expressed real anxieties about securing their first full-time roles. Many highlighted the pressure of competing not just with peers but also with experienced mid-career switchers amid economic caution. The dialogue revealed patterns of underemployment, where qualified individuals take on part-time or gig work below their skill levels, particularly involuntary non-time-based underemployment where hours don't match potential.

This mirrors broader trends in Singapore's higher education landscape, where institutions like SMU, National University of Singapore (NUS), and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) produce highly skilled graduates annually. Yet, the transition from campus to cubicle feels steeper, with graduates feeling the squeeze from AI automating routine tasks traditionally handled by juniors.

AI's Role in Disrupting Entry-Level Opportunities

Artificial intelligence is a double-edged sword in Singapore's job market. While boosting productivity, it eliminates many entry-level positions involving data entry, basic analysis, and administrative tasks. Professor Mark Chong from SMU noted in related discussions that generative AI handles routine work, prompting employers to seek "day-one ready" hires with proven skills.

Higher education must respond by integrating AI literacy into curricula. SMU's new Resilient Workforces Institute (ResWORK), launched in January 2026, focuses on this, studying adult learning and future-of-work dynamics to build workforce resilience. Universities are piloting AI-resistant assessments and interdisciplinary programs to equip students better.

Employment Statistics: A Closer Look at 2025 Graduates

According to Ministry of Manpower (MOM) data, the 2025 university graduate cohort showed improving but uneven outcomes. By July 2025, 55.6% were employed, up from 51.9% in June, with 44% in permanent roles compared to 37% the prior year. Polytechnic graduates fared better, with over 90% securing jobs within six months and 54.2% in full-time permanent positions.

Youth unemployment for under-30s hovered at 5.7% in Q3 2025, above the overall 2% rate, signaling entry-level bottlenecks. MOM listed over 3,790 entry-level jobs paying up to S$5,000 monthly, targeting fresh talent in sectors like tech and finance. For more data, explore MOM's graduate outcomes report.

Photo by Jun Ren on Unsplash

Higher Education's Pivot: Preparing Students for Future Work

Singapore's autonomous universities are ramping up efforts. SMU's ResWORK pioneers research on AI-era workforces, partnering with NTUC LAB for dialogues like this. NUS and NTU emphasize experiential learning through mandatory internships and industry projects, aligning with SkillsFuture Singapore's lifelong learning push.

Programs like SMU Academy offer poly-ITE pathways to degrees, easing transitions. Universities host career festivals; NTUC's event (13-14 Feb 2026) featured 5,000 jobs from Huawei and PwC. Check tips for academic CVs to boost applications.

Government and Tripartite Initiatives Supporting Grads

The tripartite alliance—government, employers, unions—is proactive. WSG's traineeships bridge skills gaps, while MOM's entry-level portal aids matching. Budget 2026 discussions, echoed in the dialogue, eye support for fresh grads via enhanced subsidies and apprenticeships.

• SkillsFuture credits for upskilling
• WSG MySkillsFuture portal for jobs
• NTUC LAB policy inputs from youth dialogues

Patrick Tay urged flexibility: grads needn't stick to majors. Explore higher ed jobs for inspiration across sectors.

Employer Perspectives: What They Seek in Fresh Talent

Employers value adaptability over degrees alone. LinkedIn's Trisha Suresh highlighted networking's role, while WSG's Tracy Lee stressed proactiveness. Firms redesign roles for juniors, blending AI tools with human creativity.

Sectors hiring: tech (cybersecurity), green economy, healthcare. Cautious 2026 outlook predicts 60,000 new jobs, prioritizing contract-to-permanent paths. Visit Singapore higher ed opportunities for local insights.

Real-World Examples: Grads Pivoting Successfully

Many turn challenges into opportunities. Some launch startups via university incubators like SMU's Block71; others freelance on platforms, building portfolios. A SCMP profile detailed grads in stopgap retail roles funding entrepreneurship.

SUSS's Justina Tan advocated resilience training in curricula. Success stories include poly grads entering tech via apprenticeships, earning median S$3,500 monthly.

Photo by Emanuel Haas on Unsplash

Solutions and Actionable Advice for Aspiring Graduates

To thrive:

• Build transferable skills: AI basics, soft skills via career advice
• Leverage internships, even unpaid initially
• Network on LinkedIn, attend career fairs
• Upskill with SkillsFuture courses
• Consider interdisciplinary paths

Universities like SMU offer mentorship; rate professors at Rate My Professor.

Future Outlook: A Resilient Workforce Ahead

Optimism prevails: 2/3 uni grads employed within months. With ResWORK, tripartite efforts, and policy tweaks, Singapore's higher ed will forge ahead. Experimental roles, school-to-work bridges promise brighter transitions. Stay proactive—your skills shape tomorrow's jobs. Explore higher ed jobs, university jobs, and career advice to launch successfully.