Did Tan See Leng mean that our graduates shouldn’t overload the job market by seeking employment so soon after graduation?
We have a problem and the problem is us. Fresh graduates in 2025 are feeling stronger competition in their job searches. That’s putting it mildly. Just listen to your neighbours, look at the rants on social media and you’ll realise that our fresh graduates are having problems finding jobs. Is it a sign of the times?
Manpower Minister Dr Tan See Leng explains that it’s partly because more graduates in their cohort are entering the job market immediately after graduation:
“There were about 2,400 more fresh graduates who had entered the labour force instead of taking a break or pursuing further studies as of June, compared to the same time last year. Even though there were about 700 more fresh graduates who were employed, the additional 1,700 active jobseekers who had yet to find a job may have contributed to a stronger sense of job competition among fresh graduates.”
Yao mo gao chor ah? So it’s the graduates’ fault for not going for further studies or taking a long holiday after graduation? Is it their fault for wanting to start work soon after graduation without taking a long holiday or going for further studies. There are only two reasons for ministers to come up with such lame excuses. Firstly, some people really buy the lame excuse. Secondly, there is absolutely nothing that those of us who feel our intelligence being insulted can do anything about it.
So what’s new in Parliament? I didn’t bother to watch. How would they explain the frequent breakdowns? Same thing. Raw numbers. But do these raw numbers say anything about the inconvenience faced by commuters late for work and students late for school? In another city, there are alternatives. But if you’ve ever encounter train breakdowns and delays in Singapore, you’ll find all the alternatives crippled at the same time. You can show the metrics and analytics, but the majority of us have no alternatives unlike other countries. A statement like “we still can do better”, shows no remorse and accountability. Instead of giving us assurance of greater reliability, Mr Jeffrey Siow promised commuters more accurate information on alternative routes and expected delays during an incident. Apparently, that is good enough for all the silent people out there. Why not do a Tan See Leng and say “who asked you to take the train has broken down?”
Yeah, just keep a very close watch on their now very timely information on delays/breakdowns and avoid the train at those times. Problem solved. Move on. Does anybody miss Leong Mun Wai? Does anybody not wish we have a Chee Soon Juan in Parliament now? Nope, people are so afraid of rocking the boat.