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Just want to say this openly as someone going through the job search process in Singapore. Singapore is a multi-racial country, but we also cannot deny that many jobs today require Mandarin-speaking candidates. What surprises me more is that even some MNCs from Europe or Australia that set up offices in Singapore now make Chinese-speaking mandatory. Likewise, some Korean companies require Korean-speaking staff. I’m not here to debate about languages. English is still the universal business language globally, and that is simply a fact. At the same time, I understand why some companies may need bilingual employees. But honestly, it can feel discouraging for minorities when we spend so much time applying for jobs, only to later realise the role strongly prefers or requires Chinese-speaking candidates. Sometimes job portals ask, “What languages are you fluent in?” — perhaps companies should just clearly state upfront that Mandarin-speaking is required. Maybe someone should even create a separate job app or platform specifically for companies that require Mandarin-speaking or bilingual employees. At least job seekers can filter things properly, save time, and avoid unnecessary disappointment or false hope. Another thing I don’t understand is why, in 2026, some people still quietly judge married women during hiring. Being married does not mean a woman is less capable, less committed, or less hardworking. And can we also stop immediately judging people with 3, 5, or more previous jobs in their resumes as “job hoppers”? Nobody knows what someone went through — toxic environments, retrenchments, contract roles, family responsibilities, mental burnout, caregiving, career switches, or simply trying to survive in this economy. Sometimes job seekers are already trying their best, yet still get silently judged before even being given a proper chance. This post is not about attacking any race, gender, or language. It’s just an honest frustration from someone who is tired of how difficult and discouraging the job market can feel nowadays.