Debated in Parliament on 5 May 2026.
Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Ministry has compared fresh graduate wages in Singapore with those in other East Asian economies; (b) if so, what the wage differences are and what accounts for them; and (c) what the Government's strategy is to sustain Singapore graduates' wage competitiveness amid disruption from automation and offshoring.
Based on the latest available comparable data for 2023 and 2024, the median wage among fresh graduates in Singapore was higher than most major East Asian economies. When adjusted for purchasing power, Singapore's median wage among fresh graduates was higher than China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, but slightly lower than Hong Kong.
The observed wage differences, after adjusting for purchasing power, reflect differences in economic structure and the types of activities undertaken across economies. Singapore's economy is more akin to Hong Kong's, with a greater concentration in high value-added industries and services, and deeper integration into global supply chains. Singapore also hosts a strong base of multinational corporations and regional headquarters, which play an important role in job creation. These firms compete internationally for talent and offer competitive wages to candidates who possess the skills and qualifications that the jobs demand.
To sustain wage growth for our fresh graduates, we must continue to grow good jobs in Singapore by attracting investments, raising productivity and supporting growth sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, as well as the green and digital economy. At the same time, we will continue to equip our fresh graduates, in schools and after entering the workforce, with industry-relevant skills that supports sustainable wage growth.
PAPERCUTS