Employment outlook for fresh graduates less rosy this year

Employment outlook for fresh graduates less rosy this year

Channel NewsAsia - Wednesday, January 21

SINGAPORE: The employment outlook for new graduates this year will be less rosy compared to previous years.

Acting Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong said despite the weak economic outlook, there are still growth areas that will see continuing demand for workers.

For example, the healthcare sector and civil service are continuing to hire while integrated resorts are expected to create 20,000 jobs for the tourism sector.

In his written reply to a parliament question from Holland—Bukit Timah MP Liang Eng Hwa, Mr Gan said the Manpower Ministry and the Workforce Development Agency will work with the education institutions to organise job fairs for graduating students.

Universities and polytechnics are also stepping up their efforts to secure job placements for graduates.

Mr Gan said some of the graduating students could consider continuing with post—graduate studies and defer entering the job market until the situation improves.

— CNA/vm

For those who are graduating this year (2009), what are your plans? Continue to study?

- wong chee tat :)