Graduates of Biotechnology-related Courses from Institutes of Higher Learning and Other Institutions

29 Mr Chen Show Mao asked the Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) (a) in each year over the past five years, what is the number of graduates of biotechnology-related courses from our universities, polytechnics, ITEs and other institutions; (b) what is the employment rate of these graduates within six and 12 months of graduation respectively; (c) of these graduates, how many found work in the public and private sectors respectively; and (d) what is the Ministry's forecast of future job growth in the biotechnology industry in Singapore.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Over the past five years, around 3,000 students graduate annually from biotechnology-related courses from our autonomous universities, polytechnics and Institutes of Technical Education. Many will choose to further their studies. As for those who entered the labour force, around 85% found employment within six months after completing their final examinations, with the majority of them in the private sector.

Our Institutes of Higher Learning will continue to work with the industry to ensure that the courses are relevant to its needs, and that intake into these programmes is sized appropriately.