NTUC Honours CBF Achievers for Efforts in Enhancing Productivity, Capability and Flexibility

29 May 2010

1. The National Trades Union Congress’ (NTUC) month-long May Day celebrations this year, themed “Cheaper Better Faster” (CBF), ended on a high note with a record number of 317 awardees receiving 109 May Day CBF Model Partnership Awards at an award ceremony at Downtown East today. They, and their partners who supported them, were honoured as role models for exceptional performance and contributions in raising productivity (Cheaper), enhancing competency (Better) and improving adaptability (Faster).

2. Of the 317 awardees, 57 workers were awarded under the Individual Category for outstanding accomplishment in re-skilling or upgrading themselves through Continuous Education and Training. In recognition that the CBF is an
inclusive movement, Individual Category awardees were recognised under four groups, namely Best-In-Class, Proactive Executives, Back-to-Work Achievers and Silver Collar Heavyweights. 61 Individual Category partners were also commended for playing a significant role in supporting the lifelong employment and learning journey of the workers. (Refer to Annex A for a breakdown of the awards.)

3. A total of 199 awardees (52 organisations and 147 partners) were recognised under the Institutional Category. They have adopted an enlightened and forward-looking management approach, promoted productivity and
excellence, as well as put in human resource policies, systems and processes to collaborate with workers and unions.

4. “In the quest to be CBF, management must take the lead in driving productivity by optimising resources, and build capabilities by adopting new technologies and supporting workers’ training to respond faster to changing business and economic conditions. But more importantly, they must involve every employee and make it an organisation-wide effort,” said Mr Tan Chai Kun, Chairman of the Organising Committee and Member of the NTUC Central Committee. He continued, “And to garner workers’ support, CBF gains must be shared with employees. Only then will it be a sustainable CBF movement.” 

5. Added Mr N. Silva, Co-Chairman of the Organising Committee and Member of the NTUC Central Committee, “The journey towards CBF achievements also requires strong support and collaborative efforts from all partners. During the downturn, united efforts from tripartite partners helped Singapore’s economy remained resilient and minimised job losses to our workers. In the upturn, it is equally essential that there is a concerted effort from everyone to create a CBF economy where all companies and workers are well-poised to seize the opportunities of a new economy.”

6. The recognition of bipartite and tripartite efforts and achievements in helping Singapore emerge from the downturn in a strong position, and the importance that the relationships must be strengthened in an upturn to create a
CBF workforce and economy were embodied in the series of May Day celebrations this year. It is further exemplified in this finale event where May Day CBF Model Partnership awardees received trophies and certificates from tripartite Guests of Honour, Manpower and Trade and Industry Minister of State Lee Yi Shyan, Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) President Stephen Lee and NTUC President John De Payva at the award ceremony. The awardees and guests were hosted by NTUC SG Lim Swee Say, and the opening address was delivered by NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and e2i Chairman Ong Ye Kung.

7. Prior to the award ceremony, all awardees also attended an exclusive closed-door evening party with family members at Universal Studios Singapore, Resort World Sentosa on 13 May 2010, Thursday. They were hosted by NTUC President John De Payva and NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say; and were also joined by tripartite special guests Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong and SNEF President Stephen Lee.

Annex A

May Day CBF Model Partnership Awards 2010

Individual Category