Model ID: d5ab2959-94ca-46a9-bcad-7e066d30a4cb
Sitecore Context Id: d5ab2959-94ca-46a9-bcad-7e066d30a4cb;
Supporting workforce and business transformation in M&OE sector through shared knowledge, best practices and funding programmes
As the world responds to climate change and shifts towards a sustainable economy and clean energy alternatives, pressures to achieve net zero carbon emissions are set to rise, potentially driving the demand for offshore clean energy. The Marine & Offshore Energy (M&OE) sector must work together to ride this wave of change, adapting and transforming to meet new and emerging trends with the right skillsets and resources, to remain a global hub. This was the key message made by NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and Association of Singapore Marine Industries (ASMI), and further reiterated by the panellists of the inaugural Management Dialogue, themed “How to Stay Future Ready?”, at the launch of Marine Week 2023, happening from 17 to 19 October 2023. The event sets the stage for thought leaders, experts, and professionals to engage in meaningful discussions, gather best practices, share knowledge, and forge partnerships that will drive the industry's success in the years to come.
Supporting Workforce and Business Transformation in M&OE
Singapore's M&OE industry has long been steadfast in providing secure and dependable energy solutions. With an unwavering commitment to safety, innovation and environmental responsibility, the industry has not only maintained the security of its operations but has also played a pivotal role in bolstering the nation’s reputation as a global hub for maritime excellence.
The $100 million to scale up Company Training Committees (CTCs) and bring together unions and employers to drive business and workforce transformation efforts, has smoothened the journey for companies wishing to ensure their workforce remains future-ready, relevant and resilient. For instance, MTQ Engineering – a leading engineering solution provider for oilfield equipment and drilling contractor companies – tapped on the CTC to identify the capabilities they require to support a greener business model. Today, the firm is adopting a new eco-friendly sponge blasting method and upskilling its workers with the support of e2i and the CTC grant. This project will lead to significant reductions in waste, as well as dust and debris production, enabling the company to provide and maintain a cleaner and safer environment for its workers. The ability to conduct sponge blasting in its own yard coupled with the portability of the equipment will also lead to a 25% increase in productivity and cost savings for the company.
To better understand the current and future skills needed in the sector, identify new growth areas and their impact on future job roles, ASMI, NTUC’s Electronics, Marine & Engineering (EME) Cluster, and their industry partners also embarked on the M&OE sector’s first ever Capability Building Roadmap (CBR), facilitated by NTUC Industry Training and Transformation (IT&T). Slated to be ready by 2024, the CBR will help strengthen companies and workers by identifying the emerging skills required and the training solutions needed to meet the future demands of the Offshore Clean Energy industry within the M&OE ecosystem. Key findings from four focus group discussions on new growth areas will be shared. These business opportunities could lead to transformation in operations and existing job roles, creating new job functions in the future. When the CBR is launched, e2i will complement the sectoral effort with talent recruitment and support for workforce upskilling through grants.
Mr Simon Kuik, President of ASMI, commented, “In response to climate change, the Marine & Offshore Energy sector is actively embracing innovation and sustainability. The findings from our first Capability Building Roadmap highlight a crucial juncture for us. Navigating the realms of clean energy, technology, and employment, ASMI looks forward to working with NTUC and our various agency partners to secure the lives and livelihoods of our workforce. Through our commitment to inclusivity, environmental awareness, and skill development, we are reshaping our industry and offering a model for others. We stand united, empowering our workforce for a cleaner, sustainable future.”
Building a Future-ready M&OE sector
In the inaugural management dialogue, themed “How to Stay Future Ready?”, alongside Mr. Simon Kuik, President, ASMI; Mr. Lim Ah Cheng, Executive Chairman & CEO, Dyna-Mac Holdings; and Mr. Ryan Seah, General Manager (Corporate Finance & Special Projects), Strategic Marine, NTUC’s Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng emphasised NTUC’s focus on supporting workforce training and business transformation to bolster the developments of the M&OE sector, “With emerging growth areas for businesses and new jobs for workers, it’s crucial that they are prepared to seize the opportunities. Thus, we want to help our businesses transform and remain competitive, and our workers train up to narrow their skills gap. Through NTUC’s initiatives like Company Training Committees, businesses can innovate, improve their productivity, increase profitability, and share the gains. And workers can benefit from these through training to take on new job and skills requirements of the evolving sector, thus enjoying better outcomes like better wages, welfare, and work prospects.”
Panellists also shared their experiences collaborating with NTUC’s Training and Placement Ecosystem. Mr Lim shared how his CTC harnessed the Operation & Technology Roadmap and obtained the senior management team’s consensus to venture into the Carbon Capture Storage growth area. They also discussed how insights gained during the CTC process gave them greater clarity of their sector and their own organisation, so they could make more informed business decisions, embark on suitable workforce initiatives, establish leadership frameworks, and cultivate a more inclusive and environmentally conscious workforce.
In addition, the fully registered Marine Decarbonisation Champion workshop, organised by ASMI and supported by e2i, is returning for its second run this year, scheduled for 18 to 19 October. The workshop serves to educate employees on sustainability trends and prepare them to be future-ready. This will empower them to drive green efforts within their companies to meet the global demands for low carbon businesses in the supply chain.
Ms Caryn Lim, Chief Executive Officer of NTUC’s e2i, shared, “The energy transition and challenges faced by the Marine & Offshore Energy sector requires a collective effort. In this spirit, we gather our partners like ASMI, during Marine Week 2023, to exchange best practices, share funding programmes, and provide training and placement solutions. Together, we can forge a path towards a sustainable future for both workers and businesses within the Marine & Offshore Energy sector.”
Ms Eileen Yeo, Co-Chairperson of NTUC’s EME Cluster said, “Singapore’s transition to a greener economy is both challenging and exciting and brings about numerous opportunities that will shape the Marine and Offshore Sector. The ability of our workers and companies to adapt, innovate and seize emerging opportunities will define our economic success in the face of global dynamics and challenges. I welcome more companies to work with NTUC and her ecosystem of partners so that we can further strengthen enterprise capabilities and build deeper skills in our workforce.”
Collaboration among Industry Partners to Attract New Talent
sAs part of the efforts to attract more individuals into the sector, industry stakeholders, namely e2i, ASMI and NTUC’s EME Cluster have taken a collaborative approach to attract talent and smoothen the transition for both new entrants and career-switchers. Apart from working closely with Institutes of Higher Learning to tailor training programmes to equip talent with essential skills, these industry partners have also come together to organise youth-centric programmes such as the Youth Mentorship Programme and the upcoming Marine and Offshore Job Fair, happening on 19 October 2023 at Devan Nair Institute for Employment and Employability (DNI) Hall 1. These programmes aim to provide opportunities for individuals who are looking to explore or grow within the M&OE sector. With agencies working together and sharing resources, wealth of useful information on the sector is readily available for individuals interested in joining the industry.
