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Singapore’s Workforce & Education Crisis: Can GE2025 Policies Bridge the Gap?

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As Singapore grapples with an evolving economy, its education system and labor policies face unprecedented scrutiny. In a TFC GE2025 Special panel, politicians Leki (PSP) and Bryan Lim (SDP) joined experts to dissect proposals for workforce reshaping, education reform, and housing equity. Here’s what could redefine the nation’s future.

Education Overhaul: Beyond Elitism and Exams

The panel criticised Singapore’s exam-centric education system, which prioritises academic elitism over holistic growth. Leki, a PSP candidate, shared a poignant anecdote: “I tutored a Normal-stream student who blossomed when taught practical skills. Yet, the system still labels kids as ‘elite’ or ‘average’ based on grades.”

Adrian Tan, a fractional CMO and author, highlighted the disconnect: “MOE’s 21st Century Competency Framework preaches creativity and resilience, but schools still reward rote memorisation. We’re training PR-ready graduates, not problem-solvers.”

Proposed Fixes :

  • Teacher continuity: Assign the same educator to students for 3–6 years to build trust and personalised support.
  • Skill-focused streams: Expand vocational training and entrepreneurship modules.
 

EP Quotas: Balancing Foreign Talent and Local Jobs

The debate over Employment Pass (EP) policies grew heated. Bryan Lim (SDP) argued: “Companies exploit cheap foreign talent, displacing locals. A 48-year-old retrenched worker can’t compete with a 23-year-old overseas hire.”

Leki proposed radical solutions:

  • “1 EP per $100k local salary”: Tie EP quotas to investments in Singaporean wages.
  • “Train-to-replace” programs: Subsidise firms to upskill locals for specialised roles.

Reggie, the host, questioned feasibility: “Protectionism could deter investors, but without safeguards, our workforce becomes a revolving door for transient talent.”

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Housing Equity: Non-Open Market Flats vs. Subsidy Expansion

PSP’s flagship housing policy—non-open market flats —sparked debate. These flats, restricted from resale to prioritise affordability, aim to curb speculative buying.

Adrian Tan challenged the approach: “Why create a new category? Increasing subsidies for existing HDB flats could achieve the same goal without bureaucracy.”

Leki defended the plan: “Non-open market flats ensure housing remains a right, not a commodity. It’s about long-term equity.”

Retrenchment & Underemployment: The Silent Crisis

Panelists lambasted current retrenchment policies as inadequate. Reggie cited abuse of the $600 reskilling grant: “Firms ‘interview’ laid-off workers while hiring cheaper foreign talent. It’s a loophole.”

Bryan Lim proposed accountability: “Claw back subsidies if companies don’t prove genuine upskilling efforts. Protect mid-career workers.”

Leki warned of systemic underemployment: “A 45-year-old retrained in AI can’t compete with fresh graduates. We need realistic pathways, not empty promises.”

Singapore's unemployment rate hits decade high - HRM Asia

Social Compact: Redefining “Fairness” in Singapore

The panel concluded with a philosophical debate on Singapore’s social contract. Leki critiqued elitism: “We pour 80% of resources into 20% of ‘brightest’ students. That’s not fairness—it’s systemic inequality.”

Bryan Lim urged unity: “Policies should serve the common good, not party interests. Healthcare, housing, and education reforms must prioritise citizens.”

Reggie summed it up: “GE2025 isn’t just about policies—it’s about reimagining who we are as a society.”

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A Fork in the Road
Singapore stands at a crossroads: double down on global competitiveness or prioritise local resilience. PSP and SDP’s proposals offer bold visions, but success hinges on execution. As Leki put it: “We’re not just fixing systems—we’re rebuilding trust.”

With GE2025 approaching, voters must ask: Do we want incremental tweaks or a systemic reset? The answer will shape Singapore’s next decade.

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