So depends on your focus. Your focus is on how easy to get the first class. My focus is how much the job pays (annual package, starting salary, pay increments).

In the workforce, your degree class only brings you to the interview desk. I dare say second upper chem eng grads earn more than pharmacy grads. But don't trust me, trust NUS' survey.

And I also agree chem eng is second class to com sci. But that's not the scope for discussion. If you can get into com sci, please, go for it. That's the future.