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The Star
01-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
S'pore taps seniors to support ageing workforce
Singapore has been working on ways to formulate policies that expand job opportunities for senior workers while enhancing workforce flexibility and productivity. — The Straits Times SINGAPORE: An ageing workforce will be a key challenge over the next decade, but 'Singapore can prove to be the exception', says Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) president Tan Hee Teck. In other economies, he noted that ageing populations are often a drag on economic growth. Singapore has been working on ways to formulate policies that expand job opportunities for senior workers while enhancing workforce flexibility and productivity. The upcoming Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment, for instance, is a timely initiative that will bring the unions, employers and government together to work on solutions that tap the potential and wisdom of senior workers, he said in his May Day message on April 29. The work group, which will be set up later in 2025, aims to improve the employability of seniors and increase the availability of jobs that better suit their needs. The work group will start by setting up the Alliance for Action on Empowering Multi-Stage Careers for Mature Workers, which involves engaging employers for ideas and solutions to enhance senior employment. On the economy, Tan noted that Singapore achieved robust economic growth of 4.4% in 2024, an uptick from the 1.8% expansion in 2023. 'This growth is particularly impressive amidst global economic uncertainties,' he said. He reiterated SNEF's commitment in being the voice for employers, supporting them in building more progressive workplaces and ensuring workplace fairness in Singapore. He added that employers who embrace diversity and inclusion benefit from stronger talent attraction and retention. — The Straits Times/ANN
Business Times
29-04-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Singapore's tripartite partners must make ‘short-term trade-offs and long-term investments' in transformation: SNEF
[SINGAPORE] In these uncertain times, the government, employers and unions must 'come together to make necessary short-term trade-offs and long-term investments', said Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) president Tan Hee Teck in his May Day message on Tuesday (Apr 29). Tan noted that Singapore saw strong growth of 4.4 per cent last year – 'particularly impressive amid global economic uncertainties' – and that the labour market remains resilient. But he warned: 'Nevertheless, the road ahead is neither certain nor clear.' Geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions are pushing employers to rethink their growth strategies and how to make workers more productive, he said. More workers are also opting for gig or freelance work – meaning less skilled labour for businesses. 'It is therefore imperative that Singapore remains open and welcoming to global talent who can help drive innovation and catalyse business growth,' he said. 'A complementary local and foreign workforce will help us better navigate the fast-changing and complex operating environment.' 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 Amid this uncertainty, the tripartite partners must make short-term trade-offs as well as long-term investments in business and workforce transformation, he said. Transforming the workforce On transforming the workforce, Tan noted that although some workers worry about being replaced by artificial intelligence (AI), 'the reality can be much more optimistic'. Automation and generative AI can enhance productivity and innovation, freeing up workers to focus on higher value-added activities, he said, calling on both employers and workers to embrace such technology. SNEF will work with the Manpower Ministry and labour movement to support employers and workers in continuous upskilling, he said. And while Singapore's workforce is ageing, the tripartite partners are working to 'design solutions that will better tap into the potential and wisdom of our senior workers', with the upcoming Tripartite Workgroup initiative on Senior Employment and Alliance for Action on Empowering Multi-Stage Careers for Mature Workers. Transforming the workplace Tan also laid out how employers must respond to the changing profile and aspirations of workers, noting that today's workforce is better educated and values a balance between personal commitments and career aspirations. He highlighted SNEF's role as a contributing party to the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangements. 'Although the business community initially expressed reservations over the guidelines, we have shown that it is possible to find a balanced and practical implementation path through our collective efforts,' he said. As for building fair and inclusive workplaces, SNEF will also continue engaging employers on the Workforce Fairness Legislation. Concluded Tan: 'Over the years, our partnership with the labour movement enabled us to weather economic storms and emerge stronger from past crises. While economic uncertainties loom on the horizon, new opportunities are also emerging.'
Business Times
29-04-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Singapore's tripartite partners must make ‘short-term tradeoffs and long-term investments' in transformation: SNEF
[SINGAPORE] In these uncertain times, the government, employers and unions must 'come together to make necessary short-term tradeoffs and long-term investments', said Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) president Tan Hee Teck in his May Day message on Tuesday (Apr 29). Tan noted that Singapore saw strong growth of 4.4 per cent last year – 'particularly impressive amidst global economic uncertainties' – and that the labour market remains resilient. But he warned: 'Nevertheless, the road ahead is neither certain nor clear.' Geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions are pushing employers to rethink their growth strategies and how to make workers more productive, he said. More workers are also opting for gig or freelance work – meaning less skilled labour for businesses. 'It is therefore imperative that Singapore remains open and welcoming to global talent who can help drive innovation and catalyse business growth,' he said. 'A complementary local and foreign workforce will help us better navigate the fast-changing and complex operating environment.' 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 Amid this uncertainty, the tripartite partners must make short-term tradeoffs as well as long-term investments in business and workforce transformation, he said. Transforming the workforce On transforming the workforce, Tan noted that although some workers worry about being replaced by artificial intelligence (AI), 'the reality can be much more optimistic'. Automation and generative AI can enhance productivity and innovation, freeing up workers to focus on higher value-added activities, he said, calling on both employers and workers to embrace such technology. SNEF will work with the Manpower Ministry and labour movement to support employers and workers in continuous upskilling, he said. And while Singapore's workforce is ageing, the tripartite partners are working to 'design solutions that will better tap into the potential and wisdom of our senior workers', with the upcoming Tripartite Workgroup initiative on Senior Employment and Alliance for Action on Empowering Multi-Stage Careers for Mature Workers. Transforming the workplace Tan also laid out how employers must respond to the changing profile and aspirations of workers, noting that today's workforce is better educated and values a balance between personal commitments and career aspirations. He highlighted SNEF's role as a contributing party to the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangements. 'Although the business community initially expressed reservations over the guidelines, we have shown that it is possible to find a balanced and practical implementation path through our collective efforts,' he said. As for building fair and inclusive workplaces, SNEF will also continue engaging employers on the Workforce Fairness Legislation. Concluded Tan: 'Over the years, our partnership with the labour movement enabled us to weather economic storms and emerge stronger from past crises. While economic uncertainties loom on the horizon, new opportunities are also emerging.'
New Paper
28-04-2025
- Business
- New Paper
'We are making real progress for workers': Tan See Leng in May Day message
Workers in Singapore have made progress and this has come about through the close partnership between the Government, unions and employers that is the bedrock of Singapore's economic progress, said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng. "We are making real progress for workers - especially those with lower incomes," he said in his May Day message on April 29. He noted that workers' real wages at the 20th percentile grew by 5.8 per cent - a figure that is faster than the median worker's at 3.56 per cent. "This reflects years of steady effort through the Progressive Wage Model, Workfare and joint efforts with unions and employers to raise standards in a sustainable way," he said. He added that Singapore is "among the first in the world" to provide protection for platform workers. Under the Platform Workers Act, cabbies, ride-hailing drivers and freelance delivery workers now have better legal protection. On workplace safety, he said Singapore's workplace fatality rate in the last five years averaged around 1.1 per 100,000 workers, "putting us amongst the best in class". He added that the lowest major injury rate was achieved in 2024. In his May Day message, he took the chance to thank tripartite partners - the National Trades Union Congress and Singapore National Employers Federation - for their solidarity through the years, highlighting contributions such as the new Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment and NTUC Company Training Committee Grant. "And most significantly, Parliament passed the Workplace Fairness Act earlier this year, reinforcing our stand against discrimination." He added: "We must keep improving our workplaces. An engaged and productive workforce begins with workplaces that are safe, fair and inclusive." Dr Tan, who is also part of the national task force set up to help affected businesses and workers navigate the uncertainties sparked by US tariffs, noted that Singapore's small and open economy will not be spared. "We face unprecedented trade tensions and a breakdown of the rules-based international order. Major economies have imposed new tariffs, with more retaliation expected." He added that as disruptions to trade and investments grow, so will the pressure on jobs and incomes. But it is in these times that tripartism and unity must be sustained, to anchor Singapore through uncertainty. Dr Tan said that as "pressures from respective constituencies" grow, sustaining tripartism - the three-way relationship between employers, unions and the Government - will get harder. Noting that tripartism is the bedrock of Singapore's economic progress, he stressed that this "foundation matters more than ever". "But true partnership is not measured in calm, but in how we hold on through the storm. We must sustain tripartism not because it is easy, but because it works."
Straits Times
28-04-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
‘We are making real progress for workers': Tan See Leng in May Day message
Workers' real wages at the 20th percentile have grown faster than the median worker's. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG 'We are making real progress for workers': Tan See Leng in May Day message SINGAPORE - Workers in Singapore have made progress and this has come about through the close partnership between the Government, unions and employers that is the bedrock of Singapore's economic progress, said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng. 'We are making real progress for workers – especially those with lower incomes,' he said in his May Day message on April 29. He noted that workers' real wages at the 20th percentile grew by 5.8 per cent – a figure that is faster than the median worker's at 3.56 per cent. 'This reflects years of steady effort through the Progressive Wage Model, Workfare and joint efforts with unions and employers to raise standards in a sustainable way,' he said. He added that Singapore is 'among the first in the world' to provide protection for platform workers. Under the Platform Workers Act, cabbies, ride-hailing drivers and freelance delivery workers now have better legal protection. On workplace safety, he said Singapore's workplace fatality rate in the last five years averaged around 1.1 per 100,000 workers, 'putting us amongst the best in class'. He added that the lowest major injury rate was achieved in 2024 . In his May Day message, he took the chance to thank tripartite partners – the National Trades Union Congress and Singapore National Employers Federation – for their solidarity through the years, highlighting contributions such as the new Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment and NTUC Company Training Committee Grant. 'And most significantly, Parliament passed the Workplace Fairness Act earlier this year, reinforcing our stand against discrimination.' He added: 'We must keep improving our workplaces. An engaged and productive workforce begins with workplaces that are safe, fair and inclusive.' Dr Tan, who is also part of the national task force set up to help affected businesses and workers navigate the uncertainties sparked by US tariffs, noted that Singapore's small and open economy will not be spared. 'We face unprecedented trade tensions and a breakdown of the rules-based international order. Major economies have imposed new tariffs, with more retaliation expected.' He added that as disruptions to trade and investments grow, so will the pressure on jobs and incomes. But it is in these times that tripartism and unity must be sustained, to anchor Singapore through uncertainty. Dr Tan said that as 'pressures from respective constituencies' grow, sustaining tripartism – the three-way relationship between employers, unions and the Government – will get harder. Noting that tripartism is the bedrock of Singapore's economic progress, he stressed that this 'foundation matters more than ever'. 'But true partnership is not measured in calm, but in how we hold on through the storm. We must sustain tripartism not because it is easy, but because it works.' Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
