Photo credit: Igor iStock.com/primeimages
By Ramesh Subbaraman
A call has been made to Singaporeans by Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing (currently also NTUC’s Secretary-General) to develop and evolve systems that work best for the country.
This can be in the areas of the economy, social cohesion and even political affairs.
He was speaking in Parliament on 14 May 2018 on the first day of the debate to thank the President for her address at the opening of Parliament on 7 May 2018.
Following her address, nearly 50 Members of Parliament (MPs) will be debating from 14 to 18 May 2018.
Foster a Caring, Inclusive Society
Mr Chan noted that that every generation will want to do better than the previous and this is positive as it spurs Singaporeans to improve. However, he cautioned an area of concern.
“We are aware that Singaporeans, particularly those who fall into the ‘middle income, middle-age’ category, are feeling the stresses and strains of technological and business disruptions. As leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone progresses together.
“In keeping faith with the Government, Singaporeans want us to understand their fears, concerns and aspirations. We need to continue to better help the striving broad middle group to keep improving their lives”, said Mr Chan.
For this to be achieved, it will be crucial that training and skills upgrading are made more accessible and affordable.
“We must also do more and better for the weak and vulnerable in society. Beyond providing immediate relief, we must also enable them to do better for themselves,” he added.
Mr Chan told the House in his 30-minute speech that NTUC Deputy Secretary-General and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Ng Chee Meng and the Labour MPs will elaborate more about the Labour Movement’s efforts in these areas to help workers do better for themselves.
Develop Global Mindset and Skillsets
Mr Chan also touched on the importance of equipping Singaporeans with the mindsets and skillsets to operate globally.
He added that Singapore’s education system and training models must evolve in tandem to support this, noting that students who join the Singapore Management University (SMU) from August this year will need to participate in at least one overseas programme before they can graduate.
SMU believes this will give their students a strong competitive edge and open doors to international networks and opportunities.
Lauding the move, Mr Chan called on more institutions to do likewise.
The Government must also help Singaporeans, both individuals and businesses, access and penetrate global markets better.
He suggested redefining the roles of overseas Singapore chapters and chambers to build the necessary networks.
“We will build a Singapore Talent Network to engage Singaporean families, friends and fans to be part of the Singapore Story,” said Mr Chan.
Singapore’s ability to network also depended on the people’s ability to understand and work across cultures and nationalities.
“Besides enabling Singaporeans to gain exposure overseas, we must also be able to work with talented people from elsewhere locally. We must have the diversity of talent – both local and global,” he shared.
Foreign professionals with valuable knowledge, skillsets and competencies working shoulder-to-shoulder with skilled Singaporean talent, cross-pollinating ideas and bringing out the best in each other – such dynamism is what keeps Singapore a vibrant, exceptional place to do business; a vital ingredient for our economic future, he said.
Areas of Focus
Mr Chan also touched on three broad areas which will be elaborated on by MPs and Ministers.
Firstly, how Singapore must stay relevant to secure its place in the world in an uncertain geopolitical and rapidly evolving economic environment.
Secondly, he charted out the role ahead for the current generation of leaders to create a brighter future for all Singaporeans, calling them “pioneers of our generation”.
Thirdly, to continue keeping Singapore’s systems refreshed and special for the nation to be successful.
Citing the Industry Transformation Maps initiative as an example, he explained that Singapore is fostering stronger collaboration and synergies by tapping on different networks of expertise to help workers seize opportunities ahead.
The effort involves more than just the government agencies.
They include trade associations and chambers, various government enterprises, the Labour Movement as well as workers.
“Rather than a ‘Whole of Government’ strategy, this is a ‘Whole of Nation’ strategy,” added Mr Chan.
