The fast-changing landscape of tech post-Covid has kept students on their toes, with fresh tech graduates voicing their concerns about their hiring prospects. The Ministry of Education’s annual Joint Graduate Employment Survey, showed that 88.7% of information and digital technologies graduates found full-time permanent work after six months in 2023, down from 93.2% in 2022 and 93.7% in 2021. Commenting on this development, SMU Professor Emeritus of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Practice) Pang Eng Fong believes that “the market is more competitive” for fresh graduates now. He noted that “students are more selective, preferring high-paying tech and finance offers”. And, though only a “very few” will net five-figure salaries, “starting pay is critical for many”.
