Trend of Fresh Graduates Being Employed in Contract Jobs Rather Than Permanent Jobs

Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the Ministry tracks the number of fresh graduates taking up employment on a contract basis; (b) whether there is an increasing trend; and (c) whether employers are increasingly offering contract jobs rather than permanent jobs to fresh graduates.

Mr Chan Chun Sing: The Graduate Employment Survey (GES) does not collect information on the number of fresh graduates taking up employment on a contract basis. The GES’ definition of permanent employment includes contracts lasting one year or more. Between 2018 and 2023, about eight in 10 employed fresh graduates were in full-time permanent employment.