Post by Janet N.Y.W

The benchmark for entry-level recruitment in Singapore has shifted fundamentally. Speaking at the Asia Tech x Summit panel, The Future Of Work: Jobs And Skills In An AI-powered World, industry and academic leaders highlighted that fresh graduates are now expected to step into roles traditionally reserved for professionals with at least two years of work experience. Key takeaways from the Asia Tech x Summit strategic dialogue: 1. The Experience Prerequisite: Organizations like Singtel note that due to AI integration, entry-level vacancies have been elevated. Hirers increasingly look for a minimum of two years of high-quality, field-relevant internship experience to ensure candidates can perform at an intermediate level from day one. 2. Systematic Cultivation of Human Qualities: As SMU President Professor Lily Kong observed, universities must look beyond traditional knowledge transfer. Higher education must focus intentionally on nurturing soft skills—such as leadership, communication, and adaptability—which are primarily developed through CCAs, community service, and global exposure. 3. Continuous Reskilling over Resumes: Linear career progression is being replaced by a premium on learning agility. Employers now value an active attitude toward retraining, noting that a professional who continuously upskills remains far more competitive than one relying on static credentials. 4. A Non-Prescriptive Future: Senior Minister of State Jeffrey Siow advised graduates to remain agile rather than prescriptive. With technical skills like coding quickly shifting, long-term career resilience will depend on a student's confidence, foundational training, and willingness to embrace economic transitions. #HigherEducation #UAS #FutureOfWork #ATxSummit2026 #AIEconomy #GraduateEmployability #SoftSkills #Reskilling