It is important to plan for Singapore’s future in a post-pandemic world, and that includes preparing the younger generation to benefit from the new economic environment.
NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Desmond Choo raised this point in Parliament during his Budget Debate speech on 24 February 2021.
“The pandemic has accelerated the growth and demise of many industries, jobs and skillsets. Many younger Singaporeans could now find themselves on the wrong side of the growth curve,” he said.
Mr Choo suggested several ways to help this group take advantage of the new growth opportunities in fast-growing industries. These include:
Support for second diploma and degree
Some younger Singaporeans may need to pivot to other sectors that are growing. The Government can help look at providing subsidies and loans for their second diplomas or degrees.
“Not only would this improve the economy structurally, but this would also complement the lifelong learning attitude we wish to instil in all Singaporeans,” said Mr Choo.
Convert SGUnited trainees to full-time hires
The SGUnited Traineeships programme provided graduates with value-adding opportunities amidst the uncertain economic outlook.
Mr Choo supports the Government’s move to extend the programme until 31 March 2022 but called for incentives to encourage and support host companies to convert trainees to full-time hires.
Ensure mental well-being in youths
Mental well-being support for the workforce, especially that of the youth still hunting for full-time jobs must be enhanced, said Mr Choo.
Mr Choo asked to consider appointing youth care ambassadors equipped with the necessary support skills to help fellow peers.
He added: “The Labour Movement, especially that of the Young NTUC, will work towards extending our utmost support for the Government’s initiatives in providing peers with emotional and employment support.”
With the increased digitalisation and creation of new business models, Mr Choo noted that the number of freelancers in the gig economy is expected to grow.
“They are an important and permanent part of our workforce. And the measures must support that growth,” he said.
On strengthening the structures of the gig economy, Mr Choo called for three areas of support for freelancers, namely:
“Our message is a simple one, ‘Protect Vulnerable Workers, Protect Jobs’. The Labour Movement will continue to work closely with the Government and employers to do right by our workers,” he said.
