Nearly one in five Singapore workers is overqualified for their jobs, but most aren’t stuck there by accident.

New data from MOM shows 19.4% of resident workers in 2025 hold qualifications above job requirements, up from a decade ago. But the surprising part? Most say it’s by choice.

Other findings from NTUC and SUTD echo the same trend, pointing to a growing group of workers deliberately taking on roles below their qualifications.

So what’s behind this shift and what does it say about how Singaporeans view work today?

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Professor Lawrence Loh, Department of Strategy and Policy, National University of Singapore, to unpack what this means for Singapore’s evolving labour landscape.

Nearly one in five Singapore workers is overqualified for their jobs, but most aren&rsquo;t stuck there by accident.
New data from MOM shows 19.4% of resident workers in 2025 hold qualifications above job requirements, up from a decade ago. But the surprising part? Most say it&rsquo;s by choice.
Other findings from NTUC and SUTD echo the same trend, pointing to a growing group of workers deliberately taking on roles below their qualifications.
So what&rsquo;s behind this shift and what does it say about how Singaporeans view work today?
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Professor Lawrence Loh, Department of Strategy and Policy, National University of Singapore, to unpack what this means for Singapore&rsquo;s evolving labour landscape.

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4–8pm drive companion,

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4–8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day’s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.

From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what’s happening — with clarity, context and a touch of personality.

Whether you’re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected — all the way home.

And she closes the day with a song that says it all.

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4&ndash;8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day&rsquo;s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.
From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what&rsquo;s happening &mdash; with clarity, context and a touch of personality.
Whether you&rsquo;re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected &mdash; all the way home.
And she closes the day with a song that says it all.