Singapore’s success in the last 52 years can be attributed to several factors.
One of them is the close ties between the public sector and the union that represents its workers.
This has helped the Government to implement many programmes to the people’s benefit and the common good.
Making the point at the National Day Dinner organised by the Amalgamated Union of Public Employees (AUPE) were Guest of Honour Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister-in-charge of the Civil Service Teo Chee Hean.
Some 450 people attended the dinner themed Kampong Spirit.
Moving Ahead
Also speaking at the event was AUPE general secretary Yeo Chun Fing who said a key area for the union was to encourage as many workers as possible to upskill themselves for the future and AUPE has been working closely with NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) to spread the message of getting future ready.
DPM Teo added: “We want to help our public officers to upgrade and have good career development for the future. So that as the world changes, as technology comes in and takes jobs, our public officers will welcome technology as it gives them more opportunities to do interesting and challenging jobs.”
Renewing Leadership
The next challenge for AUPE is leadership renewal, and there is a need to look for individuals who are representative of the changing profile of the workforce.
“Next year our branches are going to hold their Quadrennial General Meetings and you will be electing new branch leaders. I know some of you are going to pass on the baton to younger leaders. And several of you have been trying very hard to find replacements but have not been successful. We should work harder in this area. We need to bring in leaders who are representative of the changing profile of the workforce,” said Mr Yeo.
Source: NTUC This Week
