{
  "id": 6140273,
  "title": "Graduates can stay confident that S’pore is still creating jobs amid tighter job market: Ong Ye Kung",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/graduates-can-stay-confident-that-spore-is-still-creating-jobs-amid",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-07T13:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/graduates-can-stay-confident-that-spore-is-still-creating-jobs-amid-tighter-job-market-ong-ye-kung"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Coordinating Minister for Social Policies Ong Ye Kung reassured graduating students that Singapore remains a competitive job market despite rising competition, stating that the country’s economy is growing and attracting investments. Speaking at the Kent Ridge Ministerial Forum, Ong highlighted that the job market is dynamic and employers are not looking for a specific set of interns, credentials, or grades. Instead, they seek candidates with resilience, initiative, discipline, empathy, character, and work ethic. He urged employers to look beyond academic achievements when assessing fresh graduates and to avoid creating an overly competitive arms race around hiring standards. Ong emphasized that hiring is about spotting potential in young people and helping them understand that employers are seeking individuals who can bring unique qualities to the table. He also cautioned against relying solely on the strength of the economy and instead encouraged graduates to focus on building mastery in their chosen fields. By honing their skills and demonstrating their passion, graduates can stand out in a market where AI is reshaping job requirements and creating new opportunities for innovation and growth.",
  "summary": "The minister was speaking at the Kent Ridge Ministerial Forum.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}