In view of the changing times, Prof Ewe started by addressing some of the challenges that the current and future generation of graduates will face. He quoted from Andreas Schleicher, the OECD education directorate, “A generation ago, teachers could expect that what they taught would last their students a lifetime. Today, because of rapid economic and social change, schools have to prepare students for jobs that have not yet been created; technologies that have not yet been invented; and problems that we don’t yet know will arise.”

On that note, Prof Ewe emphasised that workers of the present age must be knowledgeable. In other words, he explained that the industries are looking into hiring knowledge workers who are able to learn new things. He mentioned that knowledge workers must also possess a growth mindset and empathy. Further elucidating on the changes of education and jobs, he showed graduands a graph on how jobs have changed over 160 years in the United States of America, and again highlighted on the need for graduands to continuously adapt and learn.

He also listed some titles and professionals that will arise in the near future, which included Bio-system Engineer, Performance Technologist, Visual Engineer, Cyber Librarian, Bio-manufacturing, Geo-environmentalist, Information Architect, Genetic Engineer and Drone Controller.

In advising the type of key skills that graduands should include in their resumes, he firstly listed transferable skills. Transferable skills are skills which have been acquired in one setting but can also be used in many different sorts of businesses. The second skill is job-related skills, which are skills specific to a certain line of employment or trade, and may require one to have received training to perform. The last skill explained was adaptive skill, which are sometimes less obvious and harder to quantify because they rely on personality traits rather than learning.

“How do you exactly present these skills? It will be through the activities that you have organised or participated in. In your resume, you can explain how these skills were applied to prove to your employers that you have acquired these said skills,” advised Prof Ewe.

The top five traits that increase a candidate’s chance of employment would be having good problem-solving skills, the ability to work under pressure, to be able to work independently, having good communication skills, and the willingness to learn. Expanding on that, Prof Ewe also listed other aspects that employers consider when hiring, which are personality, scholastic record and potential development, communication skills, experience, evidence of ability to cooperate, recommendation by qualified people, and standing of the university. He went on to list the top five attributes of a good candidate, which are relatable, hard-work, positive, independent and trustworthy. Factors for added advantage are high leadership position, academic scores, extra-curricular activities and volunteer works.

When he spoke about factors that negatively affects one’s employability, Prof Ewe mentioned that asking for an unrealistic salary, being over-selective about the job or company, having poor character or attitude, poor English language and poor communication skills as those factors. He advised graduands to be prepared for their interview, including preparing a good resume, learn about the company’s background, revise basic subjects and projects, dress formally, be punctual, be alert, be truthful and be polite. Upon successful employment, Prof Ewe advised graduands to be a good employee, be responsible, practice good teamwork, aim for continuous professional development and prioritise organisational goals.

In the personal aspect, he reminded graduands to balance between things that are important and urgent. For example, he mentioned health, family relationship and financial security as important matters. He advised them to plan and implement with resources and time for personal development with regular activities like reading, saving and investment, exercising, and getting enough sleep.

Despite of the challenges ahead, he encouraged students to keep abreast with the latest technology because the information age has increased productivity and enhances the ability to compete in global market. He also advised graduands to maintain balance between human and nature, and that every progress or development should not harm the environment. Between humans, he mentioned that we should practice cultural intelligence and be sensitive towards other cultures. In his concluding remarks, he also emphasised that graduands should have a good attitude and positive thinking. He then ended his speech by quoting Stephen Covey, on the Meaning of Life; that is to learn, to live, to love, and to leave a legacy.

DARP and Department of Student Affairs later gave a briefing to the graduands on how they can stay in touch with the university after graduation, with hope that they will sustain a strong network with the alumni community. Staying connected was also a good way for them to be updated of the alumni association’s role.