Foreign graduate feeling stuck. Is it even possible to find a job?

I’m a 21M Vietnamese who has been living in Singapore for the past 10 years. I moved here when I was 12, and this place honestly feels like home to me.

I’ve applied for PR twice but was unfortunately unsuccessful both times. I’m about to graduate with a Biomedical Science diploma and have been applying for lab based jobs since last December, but haven’t had any luck. Recently, I realised how hard it actually is for foreigners to get hired here because of quotas and the S Pass minimum salary (~$3300). I totally understand the existence of such requirements, but I can’t help but to feel like I don’t stand a chance. As a fresh graduate with limited experience, I feel like it’s difficult to compete when companies may not be willing to offer that salary.

I have actually considered internship so that I can gain relevant experience, but internships aren’t possible for me too because of quota limits, and even the place I interned at before during my time in Poly couldn’t take me back.

I even thought about working in F&B or retail just to get by since I have prior part-time working experience in these industries, but I found out that I’m not eligible for a work permit in those industries either, which really shatters my hope.

On top of that, I also have a Tuition Grant bond to fulfil, which means I need to work in Singapore for three years. If I cannot fulfil, I will have to pay back a huge amount. After my student pass ends, I’ll be on a LTVP, which allows me to stay here for 1 year to find a job, but at this rate I’m not sure whether I will be able to find a job within the one year.

As much as I try to stay optimistic, but honestly, I can’t help but to feel hopeless. It feels like I’m stuck while my friends around me are moving forward with their lives. I am so afraid of wasting one year of my life, and still unable to find a job. This year is supposed to be a turning point for me where I can earn my first adult pay, gain the relevant skills and knowledge, and make genuine professional connections, but I wonder whether I will ever be able to fulfil these.

I would really appreciate any advice from people who have been in similar situations, especially:

* Foreign graduates who managed to secure jobs in Singapore

* People in biomedical/lab fields

* Any alternative pathways I might not have considered

Thank you so much!