More than a job: What young Singaporeans say they need to help build their careers
Young Singaporeans express career concerns, with 52% worried about keeping up with skills needed in a fast-changing economy.
Intelligence analysis by Qwen 2.5 (3B)
Young Singaporeans share their career worries, with many concerned about staying relevant in a rapidly changing job market.
Young people in Singapore are worried about their jobs because the world is changing fast and they might not have the skills they need. They want more help from people who have more experience.
Analysis
Guidance and Mentorship
The Importance of Guidance
Nearly half of youth surveyed by the National Youth Council (NYC) are stressed by future uncertainty, and 52% worry they may not keep up with the skills needed in a fast-changing economy. Mentorship opportunities under Mentoring SG aim to offer 20,000 mentoring opportunities a year by 2030, according to the NYC.
The Impact of the Pandemic
A lack of guidance has been one of the biggest challenges in Tay's career. She lost her previous role as a creative and public relations strategist after a restructuring exercise in May 2025. Tay values growing her capabilities, receiving feedback, and building connections in her career. She hopes mentors can share insights and advice from their own experiences.
Technological Disruptions
Concerns About AI
Nearly two in five youth view artificial intelligence as a threat to job opportunities, according to the SG Youth Plan. Young Singaporeans fear AI is eroding entry-level jobs and making certain skill sets redundant. Candidates should focus on adapting to workplace transformations driven by AI, according to ManpowerGroup's regional president Francois Lancon.
Opportunities for the Future
Building AI Bilingualism
The NYC's SG Youth Plan includes opportunities for young Singaporeans to build 'AI bilingualism' – combining human strengths with the effective use of AI across different fields. This will boost employability, according to Lancon.
Key points
- Nearly half of young Singaporeans worry about keeping up with the skills needed in a fast-changing economy.
- Mentoring opportunities under Mentoring SG aim to offer 20,000 mentoring opportunities a year by 2030.
- Young people are concerned about AI taking away their jobs, but experts say they should focus on learning how to work with AI.
The SG Youth Plan aims to help young people become more confident and connected, which could lead to better job opportunities and more support for their career development.
Some young people are afraid that AI will take away their jobs, but experts say they should focus on learning how to work with AI instead of being afraid of it.
