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The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) has formed a new association – Tech Talent Assembly (TTAB) on 19 July 2018, to strengthen its outreach and better serve Infocomm Technology (ICT) professionals in the growing ICT sector.
This initiative was first mentioned during the NTUC May Day Rally 2018 as part of the Labour Movement’s plans to provide networking opportunities and training support for ICT professionals. TTAB’s key focus is to help ICT professionals upskill and remain employable amidst the constantly evolving technology advancement and industry transformation. NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng shared about TTAB’s formation during a visit to SAS, a data analytics solution provider, earlier today.
TTAB’s key initiatives
As a new association, TTAB will be working with the industry partners to develop a slew of initiatives targeted at ICT professionals in the next one year. The association hopes to attract members and offer sustained value to them via programmes and membership benefits including:
a. Thought Leadership Series
TTAB will organise regular fireside chats with industry leaders to help ICT professionals keep abreast with latest technology trends and skills-in-demand. They will hear first-hand from employers on their hiring challenges and expectations. The first instalment of the Thought Leadership Series will kick off on 28 November 2018 at NTUC Centre, focusing on Cybersecurity. Subsequent instalments will focus on data analytics, cloud technology, API developments, process automation, digital marketing, etc.
b. Sandboxing sessions
This sandboxing initiative aims to provide a conducive environment for companies and selected ICT professionals to work on projects or problem statements together. This will help candidates enhance their skill sets and possibly further develop their solutions with companies.
c. Gig platforms
By collaborating with a platform partner on gig jobs, TTAB members can develop valuable skills and build up their ICT-related portfolio for full-time employment and value-add to the shared economy of highly skilled technology workers.
d. Pilot curated programmes
TTAB will be working with NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) to pilot curated programmes to equip in-employment workers or mid-career job seekers with skills upgrading.
During the visit to SAS, SG Ng Chee Meng also met the executive committee members of TTAB who shared about the ICT industry’s challenges and opportunities via a closed-door dialogue.The EXCO members of TTAB also gleaned insights on how the SAS Business Intelligence Analytics (BIA) programme aims to equip professionals with data analytics and machine learning skills. Graduates from the programme were onsite to demonstrate how data analytics is applied in various business scenarios.
Looking ahead
NTUC SG Ng Chee Meng said, “NTUC is innovating, just as Singapore is. While we continue to protect and promote workers’ interests, we are also expanding our networks to represent more workers, including professionals in the ICT industry. We want to form a strong community where members can learn from each other, pool knowledge and have lifelong employability. The Infocomm industry is growing and there are exciting job opportunities for ICT professionals. However, this industry will also be impacted by rapid technological advancements. As a Labour Movement for all workers, we want to help prepare workers for the future and transform them into Worker 4.0 – help them to be prepared for new jobs, relevant with new skills and resilient to new ways of working.”
Mr Ng Tiong Gee, President of TTAB, shared, “There are common challenges faced by companies and ICT professionals, especially in equipping workers with the right technology skills ahead of time. By providing leadership guidance from industry experts on industry trends and skillsets required, coupled with opportunities for sandbox, gig jobs or apprenticeship programmes for our members, I believe this will help them to be future ready for the new wave of technologies. We hope to collaborate with industry partners on these initiatives.”
Mr Gilbert Tan, Chief Executive Officer of e2i, said, “The Infocomm Technology Sector is experiencing transformation - changing the way we work and live, for the better. Digitalisation has also brought about the creation of new and good jobs. NTUC’s e2i will collaborate with TTBA to identify good opportunities, and curate pilot programmes to upskill and cultivate an adaptable core of ICT professionals in the fast-changing ICT industry.”
Mr Howie Lau, Chief Industry Development Officer, Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), said, “We’re excited to support this industry-driven effort and look forward to a fruitful partnership with TTAB. IMDA works hand in hand with NTUC for the growth of the ICT sector, in particular through the TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) initiative that aims to equip Singapore professionals with in-demand ICT skills. TTAB’s slew of outreach channels and upskilling activities will further strengthen our efforts to uplift our professionals, who are at the heart of our digital economy.”
The association will continue to develop their plans to help ICT professionals stay relevant and competitive in this fast-changing industry with adaptive, technology and technical skills.
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