Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam warned that the first rung of employment – the first job after graduation – is now seeing less demand. This alert matters to anyone planning their first career step after university.

Speaking at the IMF and World Bank 2026 Annual Meetings in Bangkok on Oct. 12, 2026, President Shanmugaratnam said the evidence of falling demand is already very clear. He noted that the trend is most evident in sectors that are heavily exposed to artificial intelligence.

He also cautioned that the rapid spread of AI could create a “new divergence” between developing and advanced economies. Such a split could widen economic gaps as some countries adapt faster than others.

The president’s remarks were delivered during the IMF/World Bank annual meetings at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. His warning highlights a growing risk for fresh graduates worldwide.

In short, AI is shrinking the pool of entry‑level positions that new graduates can rely on, especially in AI‑intensive industries. Understanding this shift is essential for anyone preparing to enter the job market soon.