Debate on President’s speech: Sharael Taha on job mismatches and rising business costs

The debate on the President’s speech began on Monday (Sep 22), more than two weeks after President Tharman Shanmugaratnam delivered the address at the opening of the 15th Parliament of Singapore. MP Sharael Taha moved a motion of thanks, noting that the President had laid out profound transitions of a world in flux that are creating key challenges for Singapore. Mr Sharael elaborated on several topics, including a fundamental mismatch between graduates not being able to find jobs and businesses not being able to find workers, as well as the rising costs of doing business. He offered suggestions such as expanding structured apprenticeships to more sectors, providing incentives or recognition to landlords who adopt a fair tenancy framework, and seizing opportunities in growth industries such as AI, biotech and sustainability. Mr Sharael also called for the building of a "We First" society, such as by harnessing technology to build a more inclusive Singapore.