SG (Special Guest)
Friends from
WDA
EDB
A&T companies (Micron, Infineon, STATS ChipPAC, ASE, UTAC, Renesas)
Ladies and Gentlemen
The electronics industry is under constant pressure from rapid technological change and price competition. To ensure a good future for the industry and its workers, accredited skills and standards upgrading are a must for all levels of employees. This is to enable the workforce to support and reap the benefits of the industry’s dynamic transformation and not be left behind or cast aside. We will then also be in a better position to strengthen the Singapore Core. Hence, we are happy to have developed this framework for the A&T area in partnership with WDA and the major A&T companies.
The industry in Singapore is again facing downward pressure.
According to the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS), the global outlook for the semiconductor market in 2012 was down from 2011, and whereas the projection for 2013 is better than for 2012, it too reflects a downward revision from earlier estimates.
In such an environment, what is the correct strategy?
There are 2 ways - Option 1 is to try to ride out the storm each time, and do what you can during the sunny periods. In this approach, it would be basically "Cut costs, Save jobs" in downturns.
Option 2 is to Transform and Progress. Picture White Water Rafting. Very bumpy, many craft may overturn along the way, but the most tenacious and skillful group that exhibiting solid teamwork will make it to the destination. There is a Chinese saying "不进则退。
For Singapore, we must choose Option 2.
Why? You may ask why choose to go white water rafting and not look for something less stomach-churning? The answer is because the rewards are good. Look at the VA per worker for this sector - $240,000 - among the highest in the manufacturing sector. Thus, if we can find a way to do this successfully and sustainably - better and more survivable than competitors elsewhere - then we will help Singapore keep and strengthen its position in this very competitive industry, and help Singaporeans working in this industry obtain better incomes and a higher standard of living over time.
This is an objective that the NTUC and UWEEI, WDA, EDB, e2i are fully committed to, to work in close partnership with the companies in the sector to make it happen.
Today's launch of the WSQ for the A&T sector is a specific initiative aimed at Transforming the capabilities of the Engineers in the sector now and into the future. The success of this initiative will directly strengthen the capabilities and value of our local Engineers to this industry, and help to strengthen the Singapore Core of PMEs (both mid-career and new entrants) in this industry.
This is not just about looking at the current workforce and how to train for current use. If there is a bright future, it is the purpose of government, of the union, and it makes sense for companies to ensure that Singaporeans have a good share in these jobs, and with PME segment growing, this tells companies that more and more people were trained at the level to do well in these jobs. If we can do that, it will be a win win win for unions, the working population, companies and the country.
Making this happen is not easy. Why? The companies are fiercely competitive with one another worldwide. Everyone in the industry faces the challenges of finding, recruiting and retaining capable engineers for their needs. If supply is short, and demand is strong, the end result would be rising wages cost pressure without a solution for the industry, as each tries to solve its own problem by poaching from the others.
It therefore takes work to persuade, and vision on the part of the leaders of the participating companies to see beyond the Competition to seeing the value of the Cooperation part as well. This real life example of "Coopetition" (Cooperation+Competition) allows the industry to enhance its ability to preserve its supply of current engineers, make them more capable and productive now and for the future, and render the industry more attractive to such skilled manpower going forward.
I applaud the strategic thinking of the leaders of the participating companies and the tremendous help and support that the WDA and EDB have rendered to this tripartite effort that UWEEI is delighted to have catalysed.
This A&T WSQ framework will benefit 1,500 engineering personnel over the next 2 years. 200 of them are expected to attain full qualifications by then, upon completing 7 modules, comprising 3 industry core modules, 2 sector electives and 2 specialisation electives. This is a rigorous programme, as participants will have to invest at least 200 hours of training and assessment. Partners are confident that by end-2013, more than 800 engineers from the participating companies will have benefited from the programme. Of course, the programme will reach and benefit even more in the years to come.
By concrete action, constructive thinking, and committed follow through, the A&T sector is making clear that it is far better to light a candle and continue on the journey, then to mope about and curse the darkness. With teamwork, the pooling of resources and a can-do spirit, the tripartite partners have once again shown that we can come together in Singapore and together "cook" a dish that we can all be proud of and enjoy.
I once again thank all the partners to this joint effort for the great team work and perseverance. You have made it possible for the logical intent to bear real fruit.
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