Reskilling isn’t working, PMEs focus on Industrial policies! #budget2025

Written by The Financial Coconut | Feb 24, 2025 4:39:48 AM

 

Is SkillsFuture really helping Singaporeans stay employable, or is it just a Band-Aid solution? Join us as we dive deep into the realities of Singapore’s job market, retrenchments, and whether the government’s policies are truly bridging the gap for workers in crisis. Reggie (a.k.a. The Financial Coconut) is joined by:

  • Adrian Tan, Author - “No More Bosses", Fractional CMO, sharing insights on self-employment and the gig economy.
  • Kai Ning Lim, Co-founder & CEO of The Courage Chapter, a platform that helps senior professionals transition to their second chapters through meaningful flexible projects with companies, for greater business impact.
  • Puay Lim Yeo, Partner, Talentkraft, and former business leader at Glint, offering a fresh perspective on career transitions and workforce challenges.

Key points teased:

  • SkillsFuture Under the Microscope: Is it promoting lifelong learning or just a buzzword?
  • Retrenchment Realities: How are middle managers and professionals coping in a shaky job market?
  • Career Conversion Programs: Do they actually help people switch industries, or are they just a temporary fix?
  • The SME Lifeline: Why small businesses might be the unexpected heroes in hiring returnees and older workers.
  • AI vs. Humans: Is the rise of artificial intelligence making traditional jobs obsolete?

From heated debates about government grants to raw stories of career pivots, this episode is packed with unfiltered insights and actionable advice for anyone navigating Singapore’s ever-changing job landscape.

What We Discuss:

  • 02:21 What key takeaways on employment did you get from the budget?
  • 11:26 Does the SkillsFuture system need improvement?
  • 13:44 How can we improve career conversion programs?
  • 22:29 Thoughts on career conversion programs and how effective is it?
  • 30:45 Is Singapore’s job market strategy too broad?

Episode Resources:


More about Singapore Budget here: 

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