For talented local fresh grad, I think you are too modest. Let's aim for a minimum of 5K. No 5K no talk :)

Every man for himself. I only care about myself and my own offsprings. Who cares what happens to others? Remember, no one owes you a living. If you cannot make it, you should reflect on why you have failed.

Seems like people are really stretching the baton here with either a “accept whatever offer you get” attitude or “actually you should ask for much much more” mindset.

Reality is most MNCs are still paying $3.5k to $4.5k for fresh grads, Finance would generally be higher ($4.5k+ for BO, $5k+ for FO/MO and of course the huge salaries and bonuses for IB/S&T). Don’t know about SMEs, though I'd wager $3k to $4k is normal in good times, perhaps apply a discount given the COVID period.

Point is, I doubt that there will be a considerable reduction in graduate salaries even during the COVID times. Reduced headcount certainly, but wages are still very sticky on the whole.

Certain employers think that COVID-19 is a global nuke, we are all cavemen now, and we should all be hungry for the payment of 2 cows a month.

This is just my passive summary, no need for a wall of text for something which can be said in 1 sentence.

How much to expect for UOL grad

Lol you say "wall of text" but I think this guy summed up your bitterness pretty concisely

A whole live cow costs a few thousand dollars

Most SMEs give 2.2k-2.7k now, while most are addressing headcount issues.

If you can join MNCs, wages are also suppressed now, within 3k-3.4k.

It's not easy I know, companies are also cutting AWS and variable bonuses. Having a job in this climate is already very fortunate.

U sure know your stuff. Yup 2.5k is alrdy very good for starting pay, fully concur.