Prioritise Core Future Skills: Junior Council calls for stronger youth-ready skills in Budget 2026
Pulse of Tomorrow's Junior Council carried a motion moved by Fam Yi Kai calling for Singapore to prioritise youth development in digital and technological skills, critical thinking and problem-solving, and communication skills. The recommendation will be consolidated into the Junior Council’s Budget 2026 youth submission.
Pulse of Tomorrow's Junior Council has carried a motion moved by Fam Yi Kai calling for Singapore to prioritise youth development in three core areas: digital and technological skills, critical thinking and problem-solving, and communication skills. The outcome is clear. Youths want Budget 2026 to strengthen practical, future-ready capabilities so that young Singaporeans can adapt confidently as jobs and industries change.
Why this matters for youths in Singapore
For students and early-career youths, skills are not just about “getting a job”. They shape daily life: how we learn with technology, judge what is trustworthy online, collaborate in team projects, and present our ideas in school and at work. As Singapore pushes ahead with digitalisation and AI, the gap between those with strong foundations and those without can quickly become a gap in opportunities, confidence, and social mobility.
Context: Singapore is already investing, but access and awareness still matter
Singapore has existing national efforts to support upskilling and lifelong learning. SkillsFuture is one example of a major push to build a culture of skills mastery and continuing education. But from ground feedback shared in the meeting, youths still experience uneven awareness of available pathways, and some are unsure how to translate interest into clear next steps. This is where better communication, guidance, and youth-friendly outreach can make a real difference.
Key implications for the community
When more youths build strong digital, thinking, and communication skills: - Employers get a stronger pipeline of adaptable workers who can learn fast and work across teams. - Schools and families benefit when students have better tools to manage information overload and communicate needs clearly. - Communities become more resilient, because people can solve problems together and take part in civic conversations with confidence.
What the Junior Council is doing next
Following the carried motion, Pulse of Tomorrow's Junior Council will consolidate this recommendation into our formal Budget 2026 youth submission. We will also continue ground sensing through youth conversations and skills-focused workshops so that our proposals stay connected to what students and young working adults actually face on the ground.
Why join Pulse of Tomorrow
If you care about a Singapore where every youth has a fair shot at the future, join Pulse of Tomorrow, a youth-led civic platform where young people learn, speak up, and build practical initiatives for the community. For media queries, contact [email protected] or call +65 6042 5410.
