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Singapore Urges Companies To Invest In Upskilling And Reskilling

Source: Government of Singapore
Posted on: 19th November 2009

Speech by Mrs. Lim Hwee Hua, Minister, Prime Minister’s office and Second Minister for Finance and Transport at the SMMWU Tripartite Initiative Forum at Meritus Mandarin Singapore, at the SMMWU Tripartite Initiative Forum at Meritus Mandarin Singapore.

Mr John De Payva, Secretary-General, SMMWU and President, NTUC

Mr Kee Chia Choon, Deputy Director, Singapore National Employers Federation

SMMWU Executive Councilors and branch officials

Representatives from Ministry of Manpower and Workforce Development Agency

Distinguished guests

Ladies and gentlemen

I am pleased to join you this morning at the Singapore Manual and Mercantile Workers’ Union (SMMWU)’s Tripartite Initiative Forum.

Responding to Economic Challenges

This Forum is timely as we grapple with the common challenges facing us in these difficult times. In an open economy like ours, the ripple effects of the global economic downturn are keenly felt.

The transport sector, in particular, the aviation industry, has not been spared the impact. 2009 is shaping up to be one of the toughest years for international aviation. Hit by falling traffic amid the global economic slowdown, airlines have been slashing capacity and cutting flights or services.

In these trying times, it is heartening that the SMMWU, together with member companies, have rallied together to meet these challenges head-on. I understand that some 47% of participating companies in the airlines and logistics industries embarked on a wage freeze, while only a small handful (13%) opted for pay cuts of between 3% and 5%. As a result of these measures, major retrenchments in the airline industry have been mitigated.

I am also pleased to note that SMMWU is focusing on the Silver Collar segment and has been working tirelessly to enhance the re-employment and employability of older workers through initiatives like ADVANTAGE, SPURS and jobs redesign measures to make workplace processes age-friendly for mature employees. SMMWU’s outreach efforts since July 2008 to help companies gear up for re-employment have drawn good support. I hear that as at October 2009, more than 120 unionised companies collectively employing some 700 workers aged 62 and above, amongst them aviation and airline companies, have committed to re-employ older workers.

Looking Ahead Towards Recovery

Looking ahead, we are seeing the first signs of economic pick-up. In August this year, Changi Airport received just over three million passengers, a small increase but an encouraging one no doubt, of a 1.3% year-on-year increase. This was the first increase recorded after nine consecutive months of decline arising from the global economic downturn. Asia Pacific carriers recorded the most significant improvement, from -1.6% in August to +2.1% in September. Passenger volumes also grew almost 1% from August to September, bucking global trends.

While the economic outlook is starting to be more positive, we must nevertheless remain vigilant and stay on our toes. The transport industry will continue to face stiff competition from transport hubs in the region as well as emerging ones. Within the aviation industry, the emergence of Low Cost Carriers (LCCs) is changing the business landscape. Travel patterns will continue to evolve even as travellers become more cost conscious and demanding.

In gearing up for the economic recovery, I urge workers, both young and old, to continue sharpening productivity, through upskilling and reskilling. Companies that invest in retraining, innovation, technology enhancements and high service standards will emerge stronger from the crisis.

The economic challenges of the past year have tested and proven the mettle and resilience of all Singaporeans. More importantly, it has affirmed the strong relationship between unions, employers and the Government, a unique relationship forged over the years on the foundation of mutual trust and partnership.

Conclusion

In closing, I would like to congratulate SMMWU for organising this Forum. The event demonstrates the on-going commitment of union and management to work in close collaboration to address the manpower challenges facing us today.

Just this morning, MTI released third quarter numbers. The growth was 0.6% year-on-year but we are keeping our full year GDP forecast of a contraction

of between two and two and a half per cent. The forecast for next year is three to five per cent growth. So there are clearly bright spots ahead for us to look forward to but the landscape has changed and so all of us should stay vigilant. But we have what it takes to meet the challenges head-on.

Have a nice day.

Topics: economic challenges, economic downturn, economic recovery, Economy, employers, employment, finanace, global economic slowdown, Governance, government, innovation, jobs, manpower, manufacturing, productivity, Reskilling, retraining, Singapore, technology, trade, transport, upskilling, workforce