Singapore Graduates Embrace AI Skills, but Share Concerns Over Automation in Jobs Market
Singapore’s graduates are meeting the twin forces of opportunity and disruption brought by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation with increasing confidence and pragmatism, according to the CFA Institute 2025 Graduate Outlook Survey. The findings reflect a strong commitment to lifelong learning and increasing recognition of AI’s influence on the future of work.
Career Confidence and Interest in Finance on the Rise
Eighty-eight percent of Singapore graduates are confident about their career prospects—more than the global average of 81 percent and slightly up on last year's Singapore findings (85 percent). The financial services sector remains the top career choice, with 45 percent of graduates expressing confidence in pursuing a career in finance, up significantly from 29 percent in 2024. Meanwhile, interest in STEM careers has dipped slightly to 21 percent (23 percent last year), moving into third place after IT & Telecoms (26 percent).
Singapore graduates feel well prepared for employer expectations. Eighty-five percent say they understand what employers are looking for, slightly above the global average of 83 percent. When asked which skills offer the greatest edge in the job market, soft skills (66 percent), AI skills (59 percent) and quantitative skills (57 percent) topped the list.
In contrast, only 23 percent view grades achieved as important in the jobs market, while the perceived value of professional networks and contacts is returning (37 percent in 2025 vs. 28 percent in 2024) and internships (38 percent in 2025 vs. 28 percent in 2024).
AI and Automation: Opportunities and Challenges
AI-related skills are increasingly seen as a significant factor in career confidence. Fifty-nine percent of Singapore graduates believe AI skills provide a competitive edge – well above the global average (40 percent). Nearly all (96 percent) are confident in their ability to use AI tools at work after graduation (vs. 88 percent globally), and nearly half (47 percent) are interested in jobs that offer AI training tailored to their pace and job role.
Despite their confidence, 47 percent of Singapore graduates surveyed believe AI and automation will make it more difficult to secure their desired job (vs. 67 percent globally). They also express more concern than global peers about limited opportunities in their preferred sector (18 percent vs. 15 percent globally), and competition from peers (16 percent vs. 14 percent globally), and AI screening in the recruitment process (15 percent vs. 10 percent globally).
Continuous Learning Boosts Confidence
Singapore graduates value continued learning. Niney-nine percent see upskilling and professional or post-graduate qualifications as important in the current job market. Over half (55 percent) consider professional industry qualifications as more valuable than a post-graduate degree, slightly below the global average of 60 percent.
Singapore graduates are also less likely today than in 2024 to enter the workforce directly after their undergraduate studies (42 percent vs. 51 percent in 2024), and more likely to pursue a post-graduate qualification or professional qualification (22 percent vs. 16 percent).
Simon Ng, CFA, President of CFA Society Singapore comments:
“Our survey shows that Singapore students and graduates are both confident and forward-looking. They are actively building skillsets required to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape, particularly around AI and finance. At CFA Society Singapore, we are committed to supporting graduates and practicing investment professionals alike with the knowledge, insights and professional qualifications they need to succeed.”
Notes to Editors:
The 2025 CFA Institute Graduate Outlook Survey was fielded via an online survey from March 28-April 22, 2025, by Dynata with a sample of 9,023 respondents studying for a bachelor’s degree or higher, or who have graduated with a bachelor’s or higher within the last 3 years aged 18-25. Markets surveyed include Singapore, China, India, Singapore, Canada, USA, Mexico, Brazil, UK, Spain and Saudi Arabia. In Singapore, the sample size is 300.
About CFA Institute
As the global association of investment professionals, CFA Institute sets the standard for professional excellence and credentials. We champion ethical behavior in investment markets and serve as the leading source of learning and research for the investment industry. We believe in fostering an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. With more than 200,000 charterholders worldwide across more than 158 markets, CFA Institute has 10 offices and 158 local societies. Find us at www.cfainstitute.org or follow us on LinkedIn and X at @CFAInstitute.
About CFA Society Singapore
CFA Society Singapore is a non-profit professional member society of CFA Institute, that serves CFA charterholders, CFA Program candidates, and practitioners in the investment industry locally. Founded in 1987, the society was the first to be established outside of North America and is the 7th largest CFA Society globally with over 4,000 members. The Society runs over 100 events and programmes for members and the wider investment community, including preparatory and executive programmes professional development talks, networking sessions, career development talks, and university outreach events. Visit: CFA Society Singapore.