S'pore can leverage its trust premium for growth opportunities: Chee

Concerns are mounting that hiring in Singapore – especially of fresh graduates – may slow as investors and companies delay investment decisions amid ongoing uncertainty over US President Donald Trump's fluctuating tariff policies.

- Kang Wan Chern

However, Singapore's reputation as a trusted financial hub will enable it to continue attracting global investments, talent and technologies, while a new task force to prepare companies and workers for volatility has positioned the Republic well to navigate the uncertainty, said Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat on June 4.

Speaking at Nomura's annual investor forum at the Ritz-Carlton, Mr Chee, who is also deputy chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), said that while it is understandable for companies to adopt a wait-and-see approach in the current environment, this could affect jobs if adopted on a broader scale.

"We are worried," Mr Chee said, noting that a persistent slowdown could impact job opportunities for workers as well as students who are about to graduate.

Access to financing is also an emerging concern.

"There are companies which actually have viable businesses, products and services but, because of the uncertainty, may face more difficulties in drawing financing," he said.