Employers and Employees Must Adapt to Changing Job Market Needs
Singapore’s upskilling efforts must address various mismatches, from skill shortages to differing employer-employee expectations, as discussed at the SkillsFuture Forum 2024. Experts emphasized that businesses must evolve alongside workforce demands while employees should continuously adapt to remain relevant.
Education Minister Chan Chun Sing highlighted that Singapore’s SkillsFuture initiative relies on collaboration between training providers, employers, and workers. Training programs must align with industry needs, companies must invest in workforce development, and employees should actively pursue skill enhancement.
During a panel discussion, industry leaders stressed the importance of skills-based hiring. Jedrick Tan, CEO of Fei Siong FastFood (Popeyes PLK Singapore), explained that his company prioritizes competencies over academic credentials, particularly for kitchen roles, broadening access to talent.
Dilys Boey, CEO of Workforce Singapore, identified skill mismatches as a major challenge. As the workforce ages and demand for specialized roles increases, companies should facilitate internal mobility by upskilling employees for high-demand jobs.
Gloria Arlini, COO of Generation Singapore, pointed out that hiring benchmarks must evolve. Attributes like confidence and strong communication are often associated with leadership, but employers should reassess such assumptions to support a diverse talent pool, including neurodivergent individuals.
Lim Minhan, head of consulting at Ensign InfoSecurity, warned that today’s skills may become obsolete within five years. Employees must remain future-focused, anticipating industry shifts and proactively enhancing their expertise.
To support adult learners, training programs should be flexible and accessible, offering modular content that fits into workers’ schedules. Additionally, employers must balance job expectations with personal aspirations, rethinking roles and providing structured career pathways.
As industries evolve, success depends on adaptability. Companies that invest in skill development and align expectations will not only retain talent but also drive sustainable growth.
