Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has called on governments to respond to signs that artificial intelligence is reducing demand for entry-level employees. Speaking at the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok on October 12, 2026, he highlighted the difficulty graduates face when looking for their first jobs, according to Reuters.
Shanmugaratnam said the decline in demand was particularly evident in sectors most exposed to AI. He also warned that countries should prevent technology-driven changes from creating a wider divide between advanced and developing economies. His remarks focused on the employment consequences of AI rather than on any single company's technology or hiring policy.
For students and job seekers, the concern is especially relevant because entry-level positions often provide the first opportunity to gain workplace experience. If employers change how they use AI, graduates may need to demonstrate skills that complement automated systems. The Reuters report does not identify specific occupations or quantify the number of graduate jobs affected, so the scale of the change should not be assumed from these remarks alone.
Shanmugaratnam urged governments to address the issue soon. The report did not announce a specific policy, implementation date or new employment programme. His comments add to the international discussion about how governments can respond to AI-related changes in work while avoiding greater economic inequality.