Factors Triggering Increased Public Sector Hiring to Support Singaporeans and Fresh Graduate Vacancies in Public Service

Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance in view of the threat of artificial intelligence-driven job displacement, what specific economic indicators or graduate unemployment thresholds will trigger an increased public sector hiring to support Singaporeans as has been done during past economic downturns.

I will answer the questions filed by Mr Low Wu Yang Andre and Mr Pritam Singh together, as they both relate to public sector hiring.

To Mr Low Wu Yang Andre's question, employment rates are affected by various factors, such as economic and labour market conditions. Increases in public sector hiring in response to economic downturns will take the cue from the larger national response to economic conditions.

In deciding whether to trigger further support for Singaporeans during an economic downturn, the Government closely monitors a range of economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product growth and sectoral value-added growth, as well as labour market indicators, such as unemployment rates, employment growth, retrenchments and polls, that track firms' hiring and wage expectations. Beyond specific trigger points based on the economic outlook, we also stay responsive to feedback on the ground to address specific concerns as they arise.

Based on economic and labour market data for 2Q 2025, economic conditions remain stable, but this is set against a backdrop of some uncertainty as a result of trade tensions and geopolitical conflict.

Mr Pritam Singh asked about the status of public sector hiring. Around 45% of the earlier projected 2,400 vacancies in the public sector have been filled. To increase awareness of the job opportunities in the public sector, we have expanded our outreach through additional efforts, such as the SG Public Service Career Fair held on 23 August 2025. The Fair attracted around 1,800 fresh graduates. There will continue to be new vacancies as needs of public agencies evolve. For example, more than 300 new vacancies for fresh graduates have been added as of 11 September 2025. We will continue to hire people with the right skills, values and attitudes to the Public Service, and we welcome capable and committed Singaporeans to come forward to take up the vacancies.

To further support fresh graduates in gaining experience and practical skills that will strengthen their employability, we will be introducing the GRIT@Gov Traineeship Programme from October 2025.

We will continue to monitor the situation and longer-term trends closely.