Forum: Worrying that more fresh graduates are unemployed
D ata from 2025's graduate employment survey – revealing that the proportion of graduates who remained unemployed grew to 12.9 per cent in 2024, up from 10.4 per cent in 2023 – is worrying (Fewer uni graduates in 2024 found full-time work, but they had higher pay: Survey, Feb 24).
For graduates from private universities, the findings are also bleak (Less than half of private university grads find full-time jobs, despite slight increase in salaries, May 26).
Young graduates are finding it more difficult to secure a permanent position for several reasons, including disruption by artificial intelligence.
It was reported that a substantial number of graduates are taking up internships, part-time or temporary employment, freelance work or gigs.
I applaud the stoicism of the fresh graduates who are open to accepting gig work, contract roles and internships.
However, I hope that employers would be more willing to engage these young job seekers and place them in a permanent position, especially those who have gone through internship.
In Budget 2025, workforce support measures were introduced to help fresh graduates navigate the uncertain economic landscape.
Employers must also do their part in giving young graduates a platform to put their knowledge to use, failing which there may be fewer graduates in time to come, as many may not see the need to seek higher education if they cannot secure a permanent job after four years in a university.
Foo Sing Kheng
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