About 25,000 students graduated from Singapore’s five polytechnics in May 2026, with another 20,000 university students expected to graduate from May onward [1, 2]. The economy is forecast to grow between 2 and 4 percent this year, much slower than the 8.9 percent growth experienced in 1995 [1, 2].
The author, a mother with 31 years of experience in journalism, editing, and writing, advised graduates to focus on developing human skills such as creativity, empathy, and communication. These skills, she said, provide a competitive edge over artificial intelligence in the job market [1, 2].
She emphasized the importance of pursuing work that aligns with personal passion to ensure career longevity. "A master's degree? No, I don’t have a master’s and you don’t need one to work," she said, challenging the notion that advanced degrees are essential for employment [1].
With economic growth slowing, graduates face a more challenging job market than previous generations. The author’s advice highlights the value of soft skills and practical experience over academic qualifications alone.
The next batch of university graduates will continue entering the workforce in the coming months, adding to the competitive landscape as Singapore’s economy adjusts to slower expansion [1, 2].