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Adapting to a New World Order: How SMEs Offer Unique Career Opportunities

By Mr Ang Yuit, President

Association of Small and Medium Enterprises

 

 

Dear Students,

 

As university students in Singapore, you are entering a job market that is evolving rapidly, unlike anything witnessed in the past 50 years. Two major challenges lie ahead: the significant power contest between the East and the West, and the ascent of AI with its far-reaching implications for the global economy.

 

For businesses, particularly SMEs, agility is paramount. As global dynamics shift, some opportunities may dwindle while new ones emerge. SMEs, due to their smaller scale and flexible structures, offer firsthand exposure to this flux. Some SMEs will adapt swiftly, providing you with learning opportunities as an employee. Others may lag, affording you the chance to catalyse change and cultivate new leadership skills early in your career.

 

As a job seeker navigating this dynamic landscape, proactivity is critical. Staying alert for new opportunities and being adaptable to novel work methodologies are essential. This entails focusing on three key skill sets: technical proficiency, effective communication, and leadership capabilities.

 

Firstly, acquire a technical skill. A comprehensive understanding of technology, beyond mere user familiarity, is increasingly vital. Whether in data analysis, programming, or grasping digital marketing tools, possessing technical expertise renders you indispensable to employers, regardless of their size.

 

Secondly, refine your communication skills. In an age where AI assumes many routine tasks, effective communication is more critical than ever. This encompasses clear and concise verbal and written communication, as well as adeptness in collaboration and team dynamics.

 

Lastly, nurture your leadership abilities. The capacity to lead coworkers and project teams is pivotal for accomplishing objectives and steering projects towards success. Leadership transcends mere management; it entails inspiring, motivating, and guiding teams towards shared goals.

 

In conclusion, while the future job market poses challenges, it also presents compelling opportunities, particularly within SMEs. Opting to work in an SME offers invaluable experiences, rapid adaptation to change, and positions you at the vanguard of emerging developments. This can lay the groundwork for a rewarding and successful career in an ever-evolving world.

 

 

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