Vietnam's Youth Face 'Low-Wage' Internships: Challenges Seen Through Singaporean Case

In Singapore, graduates with excellent academic records are reportedly being forced to work as interns for less than half the average starting salary, a situation attributed to the economic downturn and the impact of AI technology. This trend underscores broader concerns about youth employment in the region. Lee Jia En, 25, a graduate with honors from a Singaporean university, enrolled in the government's Graduate Research Internship Programme (GRIT). This program is often seen as a temporary solution to gain experience in public agencies or private companies. However, the monthly allowance ranges from 1,800 to 2,400 Singapore dollars (approximately 1,400-1,850 USD), which is less than half the average starting salary for university graduates and about two-thirds of what a trainee manager at McDonald's might earn. Lee initially found it "terrible" to work for such a low wage after four years of study, but she eventually put her pride aside. Like her, many young people view the GRIT program as a lifeline. Experts point to the application of artificial intelligence, hiring freezes, and global economic disruptions as significant factors affecting countries like Singapore, which rely heavily on trade and energy imports. In the first quarter of the year, layoffs reached their highest level in nearly three years. Surveys indicate that the employment rate for full-time graduates in business, arts, and sciences from the six public universities is expected to decrease by about 10% between 2023 and 2025. In response, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has relaunched an internship program, similar to models used during the COVID-19 pandemic. MOM stated that the low allowance was intentionally set to "ensure interns continue to prioritize seeking permanent employment." However, the GRIT program has only attracted just over half of its target number of applicants. While the MOM suggests candidates have declined offers for better opportunities, experts like Associate Professor Kelvin Seah from the National University of Singapore note that many are hesitant due to the low remuneration and the stigma that the program is for those who cannot find other jobs. Lee recalls feeling "ashamed" to join the program while her friends avoided it. Her tasks were limited to simple errands like printing documents, which she felt was "fair given the salary." Many others face precarious job-seeking periods that take a mental toll. Ng Hui, 26, a graduate in Information Systems, stated that the GRIT allowance of 2,400 SGD is "not enough" to cover his 50,000 SGD student loan. After his internship at a government agency, he works as a tutor for secondary school students to supplement his income. Ng stays home during his free time to cut expenses and spends weekends preparing for interviews. After months of struggling, Ng feels "helpless" with no guarantee of permanent employment. Phang Jun, 24, applied to over 100 companies before securing an internship at a tech firm. Sensing limited opportunities for retention, she is networking with colleagues to find other openings and is willing to work in unrelated fields to compete with thousands of other graduates expected to enter the job market next month. "I'll take any job I can get now," Phang said. This situation highlights potential challenges for young people in Vietnam, who, despite benefiting from economic growth, may face similar employment anxieties and career development hurdles amidst evolving economic conditions and technological advancements. Source: VnExpress