NTUC’s first job security chief has two worries: fresh graduates and older PMEs
NTUC's first job security chief, Caryn Lim, is focusing on supporting two vulnerable groups in Singapore's changing labor market: fresh graduates and older professionals, managers, and executives (PMEs). Fresh graduates, referred to as 'first-jobbers,' face challenges in maintaining motivation and finding stable employment, while older PMEs struggle with re-entering the workforce after retrenchment and securing comparable salaries. To address these issues, Lim emphasizes expanding NTUC's support through industry training officers, leveraging technology like AI for career coaching, and scaling up company training committees (CTCs) that involve collaboration between management, workers, and unions. These CTCs, present in around 3,800 companies, aim to adapt to AI-driven economic disruptions and improve workforce readiness. The government plans to expand CTCs as part of its broader strategy to protect workers during technological change.
Alvin Tan, a 30-year-old former software engineer, has chosen to abandon his stable S$10,000 monthly salary for a hawker stall selling Hokkien mee, a popular prawn noodle dish. The decision came after his employer, Meta, announced plans to retrench approximately 10 per cent of its workforce in May 2026. Rather than risk being among those laid off, Tan voluntarily left his job when his contract with Meta expired, opting instead for self-employment. Now working up to 12-hour days, he earns around S$4,000 a month, significantly less than his previous income, but with greater autonomy over his professional life. Tan's transition from the tech industry to street food began with a strategic move inspired by his previous profession. Like many software engineers, he embraced a methodical approach, starting small, testing ideas, and gradually scaling up. Initially, he cooked at home and gave away plates of Hokkien mee for free, using social media to build interest. He later participated in food events before securing a spot at a hawker center in Geylang, where he opened his stall, named Umami, in July 2025. The process was deliberate, reflecting his belief that launching a business should not be done all at once. Despite his careful planning, Tan faced early challenges. While he focused on perfecting the taste of his Hokkien mee, he overlooked the economic reality of running a food business. He initially priced his meals at S$5 to S$6, but soon realized that balancing ingredient costs with customer willingness to pay required more attention. Adjustments followed, including raising prices to S$6 or S$8 per plate. His stall currently generates up to S$19,000 a month, though 45 per cent of that goes toward ingredients. After deducting rent, utilities, and labor expenses, he retains roughly 20 per cent of the revenue. The path to profitability was not immediate. For several months, Tan sold fewer than half the number of plates needed to break even. There were days when he discarded unused ingredients, a painful reminder of the financial risks involved. However, as word spread and regular customers began visiting, sales improved. Today, his stall operates daily, drawing both locals and tourists who appreciate the quality of his food. Maintaining profitability remains a constant struggle. Rising costs, particularly for gas and prawns, have forced Tan to absorb some of these increases rather than pass them on to customers. He acknowledges that there is limited flexibility in adjusting pricing, especially given the competitive nature of the hawker scene. “Where can it eat into?” he asked, referring to the margins available for cost adjustments. “It can’t eat into your manpower unless you have to fire someone. It can’t eat into your other things.” Tan’s experience highlights the broader shift in Singapore’s job market, where uncertainty surrounding AI-driven automation has prompted some professionals to reconsider traditional career paths. According to a recent survey cited by Money Mind, nearly a third of young workers in Singapore view job loss due to AI as a major concern. For Tan, the decision to leave the corporate world was not just about avoiding potential redundancy, it was a conscious choice to reclaim control over his future. His journey continues, marked by resilience and a commitment to building a sustainable livelihood through his own efforts.
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