SINGAPORE – A recent study has found that 68 per cent of youth in Singapore are open, actively or passively, to new job opportunities.

Financial gain and job stability ranked as their top two priorities, while flexible work arrangements and work-life balance were also important, according to the study by the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS).

Results from the study on youth employment were released on Oct 10 during a media briefing held at A Good Place, a community hub at One Holland Village.

The study’s principal investigator is Associate Professor Justina Tan, vice-president of strategic partnership and engagement at SUSS.

The findings were drawn from a survey conducted from June to July of over 1,000 young people – both Singaporeans and permanent residents – and more than 250 employers across sectors. Researchers also held 12 focus group discussions with about 90 participants.

The study, which was supported by funding from the Tote Board, also analysed findings by youth education levels and three age groups: 18 to 25, 26 to 30, and 31 to 35.

Among those in the 18 to 25 age group, 35 per cent are actively seeking new roles, compared with 20 per cent of those aged 26 to 30 and 19 per cent of those in the 31 to 35 age group.

And 30 per cent of those in the oldest age band are not considering a job change, versus 23 per cent to 27 per cent for the younger groups.

The study’s results were released alongside a youth forum held by SUSS on Oct 10. It was attended by about 180 participants.

In a speech at the event, SUSS president Tan Tai Yong spoke about the importance of soft skills, against the backdrop of increased economic disruptions and greater competition for full-time roles.

Preparing young people to thrive in workplaces is not just about giving them technical know-how, he said. “It is about building resilience and the human skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing work sp...