It was recently reported that
7,057 workers lost their jobs in April, up from 5,855 in March, though still
below January’s 10,658. In its latest report, the Social Security Organisation
said manufacturing remains the hardest-hit sector, accounting for more than a
quarter of total job losses in April, followed by wholesale and retail trade as
well as vehicle repair services.
In the above chart, critical
talent shortages are mentioned as well as sectors actively recruiting. AI and
semiconductors are creating demand. Digital capabilities are increasingly
sought even outside traditional technology jobs. The market is moving toward
tech-enabled roles, not only pure tech jobs. Workers in areas such as sales,
finance, marketing, operations and administration are increasingly expected to
use AI tools.
Job losses may need more
detailed work, especially if it is manufacturing. Is this due to manufacturing
plants closing and what skill sets do the workers have? If it is wholesale and
retail trade then that’s more reflective of a general dampening in consumer
demand. some of these workers could be re-trained but many may be too old or
too fixed in their thinking!
Reference:
High-tech
skills a buffer from cuts,
Allison Lai, The Star, 27 May 2026
No comments:
Post a Comment