Core Insights - The article discusses a structural shift in the global white-collar labor market due to the rise of generative AI, leading to a preference for experienced employees over entry-level positions [2][7]. Group 1: Impact of AI on Employment - A study by Harvard scholars Seyed M. Hosseini and Guy Lichtinger provides evidence that generative AI is causing companies to favor experienced employees, significantly impacting entry-level job availability [3][7]. - The research utilized a large database of approximately 62 million LinkedIn profiles and 198 million job postings from 2015 to 2025 to analyze the effects of generative AI on job demand [6]. Group 2: Identification of AI-Adopting Companies - The researchers developed a two-step identification method to pinpoint companies actively adopting generative AI, focusing on those posting "AI integrator" job listings [10][14]. - Approximately 10,599 companies, representing 3.7% of the sample, were identified as "AI adopters," indicating a significant shift in hiring practices [16][19]. Group 3: Changes in Job Structure - From mid-2022 onwards, the growth rate of entry-level positions began to decline sharply, while senior positions continued to rise, suggesting a causal relationship between AI adoption and the reduction of entry-level jobs [25][26]. - By the first quarter of 2023, entry-level positions in AI-adopting companies decreased by approximately 7.7% compared to non-adopting companies [32][36]. Group 4: Recruitment Trends - AI-adopting companies reduced their external hiring of entry-level employees by an average of 3.7 per quarter, equating to a 22% decrease in their previous hiring rates [37]. - Interestingly, the turnover rate for entry-level employees in these companies decreased, while internal promotions accelerated [38]. Group 5: Industry and Educational Background Impact - The wholesale and retail sectors experienced the most significant decline in entry-level job postings, with a nearly 40% drop in AI-adopting companies compared to non-adopters [44]. - Graduates from mid-tier universities (Tier 2 and Tier 3) faced the most substantial employment impacts, while those from top-tier and lower-tier institutions were less affected [46][49]. Group 6: Recommendations for Job Seekers - Job seekers should focus on developing skills that are difficult for AI to replace, such as complex problem-solving, creativity, and effective communication [55]. - Understanding how to leverage AI as a complementary tool rather than viewing it as a threat is crucial for both entry-level and mid-career professionals [57].

Economic Performance - Singapore's GDP grew by 3.8% year-on-year in Q1, down from 5.0% in the previous quarter [1] - The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) revised the GDP growth forecast for the year from 1.0%-3.0% to 0.0%-2.0% due to uncertainties such as the US's "reciprocal tariffs" [1][3] Sector Performance - Manufacturing output grew by 5.0% year-on-year in Q1, a decrease from 7.4% in the previous quarter, with a seasonally adjusted quarter-on-quarter decline of 4.9% [1] - Construction output increased by 4.6% year-on-year, maintaining the previous quarter's growth rate of 4.4%, but saw a seasonally adjusted quarter-on-quarter decline of 2.3% [1] - Wholesale and retail trade, transportation, and warehousing sectors grew by 4.2% year-on-year, down from 5.6% in the previous quarter [2] External Factors - MTI highlighted that the US's imposition of a 10% "baseline tariff" and increased tariffs on countries with significant trade surpluses will negatively impact global trade and economic growth [3] - The decline in external demand is expected to adversely affect Singapore's economy and the ASEAN region, leading to reduced consumer confidence and domestic investment [3][4] Financial Sector Impact - The financial and insurance sectors are anticipated to experience reduced trading activity due to risk-averse sentiment, negatively impacting net fees and commissions from banking and financial services [5] - The uncertain economic environment may suppress corporate capital investment and limit credit intermediation activities [5] Overall Economic Outlook - MTI expects external demand to weaken significantly by the end of the year, particularly affecting export-oriented sectors like manufacturing and wholesale trade [4] - The economic growth forecast for Singapore is expected to slow from 4.4% last year to between 0.0% and 2.0% this year [5]