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Ms. Germaine Lim, 24, is left alone in a rented room in Bukit Batok and earns $ 1,000 a month as an intern at a construction company.
Everything he earns goes toward $ 550 rent, meals, and transportation.
The Malaysian, a recipient of the Tuition Grants Program (TGS), has been struggling to find a job since graduating from the National University of Singapore in May.
The political science graduate submitted around 40 job applications, but only received one offer: an internship. This was in lieu of a full-time position, which would have involved a monthly tax of $ 650 had she been hired with an S Pass, she said.
“Although I did not get the job, I am grateful that they offered me an internship as an alternative,” said Ms Lim.
The three-month internship may have bought her some time, but she’s getting more anxious every day.
Your internship will end in two weeks and there are no promising leads in your job search.
“There are times when I feel really demoralized about not being able to find a job due to the financial strain and mental stress of not being able to fulfill my bond.
“It’s frustrating when employers dismiss me the moment I mention I’m Malaysian,” said Lim, the only child of a single mother.
[[nid:502528]]When asked what can be done to help struggling TGS beneficiaries like her, Ms Lim said: “It would be helpful if the government could exempt us from the EP (Employment Pass) minimum wage requirement as well as of the S Pass fee and rate. Perhaps he will forgive part of the bond period as long as there are strict restrictions against hiring foreigners. “
Lim, who has been living in Singapore for five years, sees the silver lining amid her difficulties.
“At least I have my family here with me. My mother lives with one of my aunts, who is Singaporean, and her apartment is right across from where I am staying.
“It’s less lonely and I always have someone to turn to when I hit a wall,” he said.
Ms. Lim continues to submit two or three job applications a day and is “hopeful something will come up.”
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This article was first published in The times of the strait.
