How can we bridge the talent gap and help our local youths be equipped for global opportunities, by maximising their cross-border competencies and interpersonal soft skills?

As a student who is graduating this coming May, I am very glad to see such initiatives that aim to connect us with more regional opportunities and empower us to be more future-ready. I believe that mentorship is key in bridging the gap. In university, such mentorship sessions with industry professionals are not uncommon, however it is not a coordinated or continuous process. I hope that TYS would be able to guide youths in knowing what to expect from different industries, which jobs do their degree/skill sets apply to, and what else is needed if they would like to pursue a particular career. It might be unusual to say this but I feel that TYS indirectly helps to bridge the differences in social class. For example, friends whose family or relatives are in the finance industry, know to advise them on the skill sets needed and which internship to go to better secure a permanent job, whereas friends who do not know anyone in the industry may find themselves being misguided or simply put, have a more difficult time. I hope that TYS will bring more exposure and opportunities to youth and help all of us excel. Lastly, the thing about global or regional opportunities is that many Singaporeans do not see themselves working overseas. Reasons included the assumption that they lack many cross-border competencies, or often it is due to personal reasons as well. Therefore having a community to guide and welcome you in another country may be a good incentive for youths to seek better employment opportunities overseas, rather than staying in Singapore to fight in an overly competitive market.

Problem: In order to develop an online hub for connecting youths together and to act as a one-stop job aggregator for ASEAN-China savvy youths, although there are plenty of opportunities from markets outside of Singapore, youths must be educated on not only how they can approach these markets but what are the contributions they can make there as well, be it as an individual or an organization. Solution: Provide an overall comfort that The Young SEAkers (TYS) is not only just merely a promotional channel but act as an ambassy for those who are trying to breach into the market, with greater support overseas, locals will have an ease of mind that business can be made if they know they are insured and that there is a trustworthy source they can fall back on if their partners were to go back on their words. Stuff like legal aid, business advice, overseas adjustment, community support and rapport check-up can go a long way.

As a fresh graduate myself, I empathise with the struggles that my fellow graduates go through. I believe there are many opportunities, be it in ASEAN or in China, and companies are willing to hire talent from Singapore. However it requires a mindset change from Singaporeans, or perhaps even giving up things like family time, friends, comfort, just for their first few years when starting a career. To aid with this transition, overseas internship opportunities during studying years are important. These internships give the exposure as well as refines what the person wants / is looking for in life, career included. With these overseas internships, the time spent overseas for the first few years of career could also be shortened. As seen from the COVID situation, working from home might be the future workplace. Foreign companies could hire a Singaporean but is situated in Singapore. This is also in line with the government plans for Singaporeans to come back and contribute, and also to start families. The overseas internship also provides a platform to network, hence increasing knowledge for such opportunities.

Great great opportunity! I think China and the region are really growing economies to become a powerhouse, and this initiative will help youths capture the opportunity at the best time (which is now) when growth is so exponential. Also, was thinking on how to learn culture from an online website and information panel. Conversations are definitely taking place through networking sessions but maybe we can have also interactive insights for more business culture and practices.

This is a great topic to discuss! As someone with a biological science degree to now a head of marketing for a financial company, networking and mentorship opportunities can be a great way to open doors for our young talents in Singapore. Another point of view to consider is to also think about how our youths can speak up and show their skills on their social medias (and even on LinkedIn!). We now live in a world where social media is king. By speaking up publicly on issues, it not only generates public interest, but it also shows that you are a person who cares about the society and are serious about global opportunities. This would get a person more likely to be noticed, as compared to a person who has no social media presence.

I looked at your website and it seems catered to people who are interested in the region, but there isn’t much information on the ASEAN countries or China and the opportunities available. I’d love to see a feature like “Discover Thailand” or “Discover China” with sections on the various opportunities available and what living there would be like, etc.

I would be interested to participate in this! I think one issue I've encountered with this sort of event is the lack of follow up or long-term development - usually what is organised are one-off events. I think what would help young people like myself to build our competency in working with other people in ASEAN and China would be real life experience working and building relationships with them. E.g., working on a project with ASEAN-China youth.

It WOULD be Cool to do a research report to understand what MNCs/regional companies are looking for when hiring fresh grads and come up with a list of traits and then plan programmes to help youth achieve those traits. these could include language, cultural competencies/sensitivity, understanding basic business fundamentals, etc. at the same time could also explore what are the key motivations for youth who want to venture abroad or work for regional companies and help create that strategic fit. AWESOME WORK!! Been attending your online events!!

I personally found out about the program from Facebook and attended the Meal & Mingle program. Absolutely loved it and enjoyed making new connections. I learnt beyond the formal rules and cultures which allowed me to explore the informal institutions that hold back the region. With funding from YAC, I'm sure such opportunities can become more expansive and give other singaporean youths such opportunities too.

I personally found out about the program from Facebook and attended the Meal & Mingle program. Absolutely loved it and enjoyed making new connections. I learnt beyond the formal rules and cultures which allowed me to explore the informal institutions that hold back the region. With funding from YAC, I'm sure such opportunities can become more expansive and give other singaporean youths such opportunities too.

I feel NYC can support and work closely with you as the strengths of your program seems to be sustained interaction rather than on paper interaction at conferences which might not yield any results. Staying and keeping in contact and prolonging these engagements will be helpful! Kudos to a such a well formed team too! All your backgrounds lend so much credibility compared to other ASEAN or youth led organisations. Keep up the good work! Looking forward to joining as a member

I really really really love the project! I think one of the problems I have been facing is a lack of follow up after regional interactions or only being afforded regional interactions when I reach a certain level of being a student leader. Love it hope this gets funded and goes far!

Just a side note but I feel that topics taught in secondary and primary schools aren't relatable to real life scenarios. Maybe we can have an elective where students learn about investments and insurance when they are young? I remember stepping into adulthood being lost and needing people to guide me. :/