Singapore’s “Five‑Year Degree Fix” Sparks Hot Debate
Ang Wei Neng, the MP for West Coast GRC, tossed a bold idea into the ring: every university graduate in Singapore should hit the “up‑skilling” gym every five years. And while on social media some critics slammed the notion as “radical,” Ang says he’s just trying to push Singaporeans to stay fresh and hungry for new skills.
What the MP actually said
- Goal: Keep degrees relevant by nudging graduates to take a refresher course about every five years.
- Why it matters: “A degree can still be valid, but the market value drops if you’re not keeping up with the latest trends,” Ang explained.
- The plan’s gist: When Parliament was buzzing about the Budget debate, he suggested timestamping university degrees so that they fade—keeping everyone honest about what skills they truly possess.
Public reaction: From outrage to support
Some netizens warned that a “re‑certificate” price tag could push already‑hefty tuition out of reach. Others thought it’s a perfect solution for keeping the workforce ready for a future full of tech twists and turns.
- Christopher Wong warned: “Picture a manager with a 10‑15‑year‑old degree trying to lead a team that’s actually straight‑up 2025‑ready. Skills get stale fast.”
- “Even experienced bosses need a refresher,” he added.
Ang on the road ahead
He’s open to collaboration, asking fellow Singaporeans to co‑create better ways to future‑proof the economy. “The best solutions come from us together,” the MP said on Facebook.
Bottom line
Whether you love it or hate it, Ang Wei Neng has sparked a conversation about continuous learning and the need for universities to evolve. For now, the idea sits on the table, waiting to be fleshed out by Parliament and the public alike.
