NTUC's job security chief, Caryn Lim, is facing a daunting task as she grapples with the challenges of two distinct groups: fresh graduates and older professionals, managers, and executives (PMEs). Lim's concerns are twofold. Firstly, she worries about fresh graduates, whom she calls "first-jobbers," becoming discouraged and losing hope in their careers. Secondly, she is particularly worried about older PMEs, who may struggle to bounce back from retrenchment or find jobs that match their previous salaries. This is a critical issue, as the profile of Singapore's workforce is shifting, with a growing number of PMEs and technicians, making up 64.2% of the workforce in 2025, compared to 53% in 2015. This shift presents unique challenges for these workers. For instance, while there are still many jobs available in the information and communication technology sector, those who have been retrenched may find their skill sets are no longer in demand. This is a stark contrast to the situation faced by rank-and-file workers, who can more easily find new jobs as their skill sets are more widely applicable. Lim's worries extend to younger workers, too. Youth unemployment has been a growing concern, with the unemployment rate for workers below 30 rising from 5.8% in December 2025 to 6.2% in March 2026. This increase is attributed to frequent moves between short-term vacation jobs rather than a lack of job opportunities. Lim emphasizes the importance of optimism for young people, encouraging them to believe in Singapore's opportunities and their ability to afford homes and raise families. She suggests that job security is no longer about staying in one job forever but about finding the right job at the right time. To address these challenges, NTUC is taking several steps. They are enhancing their industry training officers' capabilities to work with companies on job, skills, and capability upgrades. Additionally, they are leveraging technology, such as artificial intelligence, to reach more workers through the revamp of their AI career coach. On a company level, NTUC is scaling up company training committees (CTCs) to better understand evolving employee needs and apply for grants to fund these projects. These CTCs, which exist in around 3,800 companies, are seen as a key tool in Singapore's strategy to combat AI-related job disruption. The government, through Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, has pledged to work with the labor movement to scale up these committees as part of its commitment to "protect every worker" in the face of economic disruption. Caryn Lim's role as the first Chief Job Security officer is crucial in coordinating NTUC's efforts to support workers throughout their job life cycle, from internships to career switching and re-entry into jobs. Her focus on these vulnerable groups and her proactive approach to addressing the changing landscape of employment in Singapore demonstrate a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the workforce. As the economy continues to evolve, Lim's leadership and the initiatives she oversees will be instrumental in ensuring that workers are equipped to navigate the future of work.
