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Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Online learning and hands-on training: How it helped mum land dream job at Google
Ms Ramona Koh, 34, is a program manager at Google. She has a double degree in Mechanical Engineering and Economics, and worked as an engineer in an oil and gas company, before co-founding an online shoe store and starting a walking tour business. PHOTO: EDB BRANDED CONTENT From online learning to hands-on training: How this stay-at-home mum landed her dream job at Google After two years as a homemaker, Ms Ramona Koh returned to work through the Skills Ignition SG Programme and is now a program manager with the tech giant Rejoining the workforce after being a stay-home mother was challenging but Ms Ramona Koh persevered, wanting to be a role model to her kids. The Google program manager shares how the Skills Ignition Programme, a joint training programme run by Google and the Singapore government, helped her make the transition back to the workforce. 1. How did you come to join Google and what opportunities have you had here? What were some challenges you had to overcome to rejoin the workforce? I started off by joining a nine-month Skills Ignition SG (SISG) training programme. It helps Singaporeans build in-demand digital skills to unlock new personal and professional growth opportunities. I did three months of online training and a six-month traineeship with the Google Pay team, before applying to join the Server Operations team as a full-time employee. I've now been with Google for close to two years, as a program manager with the Data Center team. Before joining Google, I was a stay-at-home mum for two years. When I went back to work, it was a challenge for me to let go of the 'mum-guilt' - for instance, not being able to cook meals for my kids, spending time away from them, losing some control over their lives and worrying about the impact this would have on them. But what has helped me to overcome this feeling is an intentional shift of mindset, being kind to myself and reminding myself that it is important to show up and be a good role model to my kids. I want to show them that their mum has a passion and is chasing her dreams through the work she does. My hope is that it will also shape them to work hard in the future. When I first returned to the workforce, I also felt disoriented as I saw how technology had evolved really quickly. Virtual meetings had become the norm, and I was not used to it! Simple things like keeping track of which tab I was using for my presentation, preparing what to say in meetings - I had to re-learn all of it! There was also the emotional aspect where I was afraid to make mistakes, feeling embarrassed by what I didn't know and not wanting to trouble others. But once again, I reminded myself that I had a great opportunity to learn and to show up as the best version of myself at work. 2. What's meaningful about your role? What would you say to your younger self? I love my role, I love my work. Why, you may ask? Being in the Data Centre space, we keep the internet going. Most people may not know or think about the amount of work that goes behind-the-scenes to keep the internet on, 24/7. While AI is the buzzword now, we still need digital infrastructure to keep things on. To me, it's incredibly meaningful and rewarding to be part of this team, and have an impact on… pretty much everything. I also love that when my children hear the word 'Google', they say: 'MUMMY THAT'S YOU'. They're proud of what I do, and of course as a mum that means the world to me. Reminding herself that it was important to show up and be a good role model to her kids helped motivate Ramona Koh to return to work. PHOTO: EDB If I got to meet my younger self, I would say: Never settle. Keep learning, keep exploring, take that class, book that trip, set up that meeting with that manager in the team that you've been inspired by. It's more dangerous to 'cruise' than to fail. Even if you fail, it's better to improve and learn from it, than to stay quiet and be pushed along. Being in situations where I've felt uncomfortably excited is where I've grown the most. 3. How will what you're doing now help you be where you want to be in 10 years? In 10 years, I want to be a good role model to my kids. I want them to feel proud of me for pursuing my passion and giving my all. From a professional standpoint, I want to continue growing in my field, improving my own soft skills and technical skills. Google has a shared culture where people respect boundaries and family time. I appreciate the flexibility and mobility that Google provides, especially for parents with young children like myself. More importantly, I love that we are encouraged to grow professionally and individually. Google offers numerous internal online courses and the company offers a learning reimbursement programme that provides subsidies when we sign up for professional or professional courses. I now see the value in growing horizontally such as trying different roles or teams or taking up projects outside your core role. I've seen many colleagues of mine who have done this, and as a result, have been able to gain a much broader perspective and insight into the business. Google provides subsidies to employees when they sign up for internal online courses. PHOTO: EDB 4. What's your view on the way the economy and jobs are changing and what are your concerns? To some people, it may feel like everything is evolving very quickly, especially as new technology gets introduced! I can understand why some people may feel like their skills are becoming obsolete, but I also believe that we all have the ability to stay relevant. My view is that if we are interested in a particular topic, we can all devote the time and effort to pursue it (even if it's just five minutes each day!) and find ways to enter a particular field of interest – just like how I joined Skills Ignition SG which led me to my current role. This is part of a series showcasing Singaporeans who are advancing their careers with global enterprises in Singapore. Find out more here. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Business Times
a day ago
- Business
- Business Times
Dutch high-tech equipment maker VDL ETG opens new facility in Singapore
[SINGAPORE] VDL Enabling Technologies Group (VDL ETG), a Dutch contract manufacturer for high-tech capital equipment, opened a new building in Jurong on Monday (June 2), and plans to invest S$100 million to grow its operations here over the next five years. Located in the Pioneer area, the new 20,000 square-metre building, named SQ1, houses an office block, warehousing and logistics space, and cleanroom manufacturing space. In a statement, VDL ETG Singapore said the office block would be the main 'brain' – where its employees from teams, including engineering, manufacturing, technology development and supply chain, would come together to collaborate and innovate. This is so that the company can meet the current and future demand of customers and tackle challenges to enable the growing demand of the semiconductor wafer fab equipment industry. VDL ETG Singapore, which aims to grow its revenue from the current S$400 million to S$1 billion in the next five to six years, is supported by Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDB) and JTC Corporation (JTC). VDL ETG Singapore currently employs about 800 staff. Over the next few years, VDL ETG Singapore seeks to hire over 400 people in areas such as systems design and development, manufacturing, end-to-end supply chain management and administration. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Close relationship Speaking at the opening ceremony of SQ1, EDB managing director Jermaine Loy said the facility's opening reflects 'the close relationship' between Singapore and the Netherlands as both countries mark 60 years of bilateral relations this year. 'VDL's continued investments in Singapore reflect not just its trust and confidence in Singapore's stable business environment, but also its commitment to do more here,' he added. VDL ETG Singapore is the key contract manufacturer that supplies key modules to the local factories of the original equipment manufacturers of key wafer fab equipment. The company also works with these factories in areas such as surface treatment, product cleaning and precision part fabrication. VDL ETG Singapore said in its statement that the launch of SQ1 paves the way for the company to develop new equipment like precision-engineering tools and automated systems to enhance semiconductor production capabilities. The equipment enables manufacturers to achieve higher yields and better quality control, leading to more reliable and efficient production processes. VDL ETG Singapore's managing director Chiam Sing Chung said: 'The company's latest expansion at the SQ1 facility not only signals investment in infrastructure. It reflects a deliberate and strategic partnership with local suppliers, aimed at creating a smarter, more resilient manufacturing ecosystem.' In his speech, EDB's Loy noted that advanced manufacturing is crucial to Singapore's economy, as it contributes nearly 20 per cent to the city-state's gross domestic product. He added that the semiconductor industry accounts for 6 to 7 per cent of GDP and employs some 35,000 people. About one in 10 chips, and one in five units of semiconductor equipment produced globally every year is made in Singapore.
Business Times
a day ago
- Business
- Business Times
High-tech equipment maker VDL ETG opens new facility in Singapore
[SINGAPORE] VDL Enabling Technologies Group (VDL ETG), a Dutch contract manufacturer for high-tech capital equipment, opened a new building in Jurong on Monday (June 2), and plans to invest S$100 million to grow its operations here over the next five years. Located in the Pioneer area, the new building, named SQ1, houses an office block, warehousing and logistics space, and cleanroom manufacturing space. In a statement, VDL ETG Singapore said the office block would be the main 'brain' – where its employees from teams, including engineering, manufacturing, technology development and supply chain, would come together to collaborate and innovate. This is so that the company can meet the current and future demand of customers and tackle challenges to enable the growing demand of the semiconductor wafer fab equipment industry. VDL ETG Singapore, which aims to grow its revenue from the current S$400 million to S$1 billion in the next five to six years, is supported by Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDB) and JTC Corporation (JTC). Speaking at the opening ceremony of SQ1, EDB managing director Jermaine Loy said the facility's opening reflects 'the close relationship' between Singapore and the Netherlands as both countries mark 60 years of bilateral relations this year. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up 'VDL's continued investments in Singapore reflect not just its trust and confidence in Singapore's stable business environment, but also its commitment to do more here,' he added. Investment in infrastructure VDL ETG Singapore is the key contract manufacturer that supplies key modules to the local factories of the original equipment manufacturers of key wafer fab equipment. The company also works with these factories in areas such as surface treatment, product cleaning and precision part fabrication. VDL ETG Singapore said in its statement that the launch of SQ1 paves the way for the company to develop new equipment like precision-engineering tools and automated systems to enhance semiconductor production capabilities. The equipment enables manufacturers to achieve higher yields and better quality control, leading to more reliable and efficient production processes. VDL ETG Singapore's managing director Chiam Sing Chung said: 'The company's latest expansion at the SQ1 facility not only signals investment in infrastructure. It reflects a deliberate and strategic partnership with local suppliers, aimed at creating a smarter, more resilient manufacturing ecosystem.' In his speech, EDB's Loy noted that advanced manufacturing is crucial to Singapore's economy, as it contributes nearly 20 per cent to the city-state's gross domestic product. He added that the semiconductor industry accounts for 6 to 7 per cent of GDP and employs some 35,000 people. About one in 10 chips, and one in five units of semiconductor equipment produced globally every year is made in Singapore. Over the next few years, VDL ETG Singapore seeks to employ over 400 employees in areas such as systems design and development, manufacturing, end-to-end supply chain management and administration.
Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
MAS-led review group needs to speed up efforts amid flurry of delistings and dearth of IPOs
News analysis MAS-led review group needs to speed up efforts amid flurry of delistings and dearth of IPOs SINGAPORE – Speed and coordination are of the essence as a review group set up to help strengthen Singapore's stock market makes some headway. Formed in August 2024, the review group will continue to be helmed by Mr Chee Hong Tat, who is now Minister for National Development in Singapore's new Cabinet , after relinquishing his previous roles as Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance. In a May 21 Facebook post, Mr Chee also said he will remain as deputy chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to support Deputy Prime Minister and MAS chairman Gan Kim Yong, and will continue to work closely with the central bank and tripartite partners to grow Singapore's financial sector. This helps to provide continuity in the tough task ahead as there is some urgency in reviving the local stock market, which is struggling with a sharp decline in initial public offerings and a fast-growing number of delistings. Competition from other exchanges in the US and Hong Kong has also intensified, with some Singapore-based companies opting to list there instead. To be sure, initial measures introduced by the review group in February have made progress: A programme to allocate $5 billion in seed capital to Singapore-based funds for investing in local stocks has received positive interest, with suitable fund managers to be shortlisted by end-September, MAS told The Straits Times. Meanwhile, tax incentives have been rolled out, and public consultations on proposed changes to listing rules and securities regulations are under way to simplify disclosure requirements for companies intending to pursue IPOs. Trading activity on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) has improved, with almost 29.5 billion shares worth around $41 billion traded in April, up from around 26.8 billion shares valued at $29.6 billion traded in March, according to the exchange. Still, progress updates on some of the other measures announced in February are still in the works. These include equity investments through a global investors programme that allows eligible foreign investors to obtain permanent residency in Singapore in exchange for substantial investments. First introduced by the Economic Development Board (EDB) as one of the investment options under the programme in March 2020, the family office option is intended to draw family office principals to invest in Singapore. The requirements included having a Singapore-based single family office (SFO) with minimum assets under management (AUM) of $200 million, of which at least $50 million must be deployed into selected investment categories here. According to the EDB, as at end-2024, it had approved 40 applicants under this option. Since the review group's first measures were announced in February, new family office applicants with $200 million in AUM applying under this option have been required to invest $50 million in Singapore-listed equities only. However, ST was unable to get further data on how much has been deployed into Singapore equities since then. An EDB spokesperson noted though, that SFOs under the programme 'constitute only a small segment of the broader family office ecosystem in Singapore'. Still, a May 23 UBS family office report noted that family offices globally are showing more interest in the stock markets. 'Developed market equities, such as SGX stocks, are the favoured asset class for family offices globally and in the Asia-Pacific (Apac) for the next five years,' said Mr L. H. Koh , head of UBS global family and institutional wealth in Apac. The review group is also expected to announce the expansion of an existing research grant scheme to broaden analyst coverage of mid- and small-cap stocks and research dissemination through new media channels. This is expected to support more informed decisions among investors, even as disclosure requirements for issuers are eased. As at November 2024, the research grant had added 14 research firms and supported more than 1,100 research reports covering over 170 SGX-listed companies, MAS said. When asked if any investor protection measures, particularly for minority investors, are also being considered as Singapore moves towards a disclosure-based system to encourage more listings, an MAS spokesperson noted that the review group has recommended adopting a more pro-enterprise regulatory stance alongside measures to strengthen investor confidence. 'MAS will be studying ways to strengthen investor protection through enhancing investor recourse avenues.' On this front, market watchers have suggested setting up an institution to financially assist retail investors who are victims of market misconduct, fraud or scams in instituting class actions against, and to recover damages from, errant persons or companies that are responsible for losses suffered. These avenues, along with introducing programmes to uplift listed companies' shareholder engagement capabilities and attracting retail liquidity through reducing board lot sizes, are among a second set of measures expected by the end of 2025. Analysts at Morgan Stanley noted in a May 22 report that the second set of measures could include initiatives to improve corporate value, governance, and capital efficiency – similar to those introduced in Japan and South Korea - which they believe could significantly boost investor interest. 'With multiple potential catalysts ahead, valuations are likely to edge even higher,' they said. Whatever the case, for the stock market to be liquid and successful, all revival measures – including those aimed at restoring confidence and trust – must be well-coordinated and executed in tandem to be effective. Timely implementation is critical to ensure the Singapore market remains relevant. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
AsiaOne
25-05-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
Spotlight on billionaires and tycoons who chose Singapore to set up their foundations for charity work, Singapore News
SINGAPORE - Some of the richest people in the world, such as American hedge fund billionaire Ray Dalio, Indonesian coal king Low Tuck Kwong and Brazil-born Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, have set up foundations in Singapore to give to charitable causes in the past three years. This comes as the Republic positions itself as a financial and philanthropic hub for Asia, driven by a flourishing wealth management sector and attractive tax incentives. On May 5, it was announced that the Gates Foundation, one of the world's largest philanthropic foundations, will set up an office in Singapore. Founded in 2000 by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his former wife Melinda, the foundation aims to fight poverty, disease and inequity around the world. Gates, an American who turns 70 in October, is ranked 13th on Forbes' World's Billionaires List 2025, with an estimated wealth of US$108 billion (S$139 billion). The Commissioner of Charities (COC) told The Straits Times that about five new charities each year have been registered under the Grantmaker Scheme in the past three years. Typically funded by an individual, family or institution, philanthropic foundations are registered as charities under the Grantmaker Scheme, under which certain regulatory requirements are relaxed or waived to encourage philanthropy. According to checks by ST, some foundations that have registered as charities here in the past three years include: Dalio Foundation Elaine and Eduardo Saverin Foundation Low Tuck Kwong Foundation Salleh Marican Foundation Other foundations registered in the past three years include the Rao Family Foundation, started by Indonesian gold mining tycoon Jimmy Budiarto and his wife, and the Karim Family Foundation. The latter was set up by Bachtiar Karim, one of Indonesia's richest men and the chief executive of integrated palm oil firm Musim Mas Holdings, and his wife. In response to queries, Hari Menon, director for South and South-east Asia at the Gates Foundation, said it had received an invitation from the Economic Development Board (EDB) to establish an office in Singapore - its first in South-east Asia. He said: "We believe a Singapore presence will strengthen global health and development partnerships across the South-east Asian region, enhance cross-border collaboration, and reinforce Singapore's important role in innovation and philanthropy in the region." He added that the foundation is working through the legal and regulatory aspects of starting an office in Singapore, and operational plans will be shared in time. An EDB spokesperson said that the board engages leading companies, entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world about setting up their base in Singapore. This includes individual and business families that support the local innovation ecosystem through their foundations or family offices. As more ultra-rich individuals from all over the world shift their wealth management to Singapore, such as by setting up family offices here, it is often a natural extension for them to set up their philanthropic foundations here too, said Pauline Tan. Tan is the principal consultant at Soristic Impact Collective, a consultancy that publishes a report on the largest private philanthropic foundations in Singapore based on their annual grant disbursements. By the end of August 2024, there were 1,650 single family offices here, up from just 400 in 2020. Single family offices manage the wealth and financial affairs of only one family. The Republic's generous tax incentives for charitable giving, the availability of high-quality legal, financial and philanthropic advisory services, and the stable political and regulatory environment are among the reasons for the growing number of foundations being set up here by both foreigners and locals, Tan added. Singapore is also near countries in the region that some philanthropists want to help, she said. High-profile philanthropists such as Gates may have created more interest in giving among the very wealthy, creating a ripple effect due to their influence, she added. Tan said: "There is also a growing public expectation for those with significant resources to give back. With greater media attention, philanthropic giving is becoming part of the journey in life for some of the ultra-wealthy." Gates has said he plans to give away virtually all his wealth through the Gates Foundation in the next 20 years, to accelerate the foundation's work in global health and poverty alleviation. In a blog post on May 8, he said: "People will say a lot of things about me when I die, but I am determined that 'he died rich' will not be one of them. There are too many urgent problems to solve for me to hold on to resources that could be used to help people." [[nid:717742]] This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.
