A comment posted online has triggered widespread backlash after a self-proclaimed hiring manager claimed he deliberately avoids shortlisting graduates from Singapore’s top universities such as NUS, NTU, and SMU — sparking a fiery debate about hiring discrimination and elitism in the job market.

The user, posting under the handle Deep_Kaleidoscope544, wrote on Reddit that he “never gives local grads a chance,” preferring to hire private university graduates whom he described as “more street smart” and adaptable. He added that he “seldom shortlists” candidates from Singapore’s autonomous universities, citing no valid performance-based reason for the exclusion.

“I don’t think we should pay a premium just because that feller from NUS, NTU, or SMU,” the commenter wrote, adding that private uni grads are better at ‘embracing things’.

Online Community Reacts to Alleged Hiring Bias

The now-viral comment quickly drew condemnation, with many accusing the poster of employment discrimination and class prejudice. Some Redditors pointed out that such biased hiring practices — especially when admitted so publicly — could border on unethical and even breach fair hiring guidelines in Singapore.

Others defended the value of diverse education backgrounds but criticised the blanket statement made against local university graduates, calling it “unfair generalisation.”

The user further escalated tensions by mocking student groups from local universities who write in to seek event sponsorships, saying such emails should be flagged as phishing attempts.

Discrimination in the Graduate Job Market?

Singapore’s competitive graduate job market places immense pressure on both employers and fresh graduates. However, this case highlights a darker side of corporate hiring culture, where educational elitism and bias still exist despite public calls for inclusive employment practices.

As more jobseekers speak out about hiring prejudices, this viral post serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and merit-based hiring, regardless of which school a candidate attended.