Transcript of soundbite by Minister of State for Trade and Industry Gan Siow Huang at Engagement with Polytechnic Students

The government is closely monitoring the employment situation for our fresh graduates. We know that given the economic uncertainties, some of our graduates are naturally feeling anxious about job placement.

That is why the education career coaches in our Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), as well as WSG and NTUC’s e2i, are working more closely to support our fresh graduates in their job search. I am heartened to hear from the focus group discussions we have had so far that IHLs are stepping up their support for our fresh graduates. They are doing more career fairs, providing workshops, getting industry experts to share networks as well as information with our fresh graduates who are looking for jobs. WSG and e2i are also working more closely with the education and career coaches in cross referral of fresh graduates who need additional support, especially from certain sectors.

The Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce that is led by DPM Gan is studying ways that we can further support students who are looking for jobs. At the moment, the job climate is still rather steady – we know that companies are still hiring, and jobs are still available. We encourage our fresh graduates to stay optimistic, where possible, broaden their job search, and for those who need, do go to a career coach.