Singapore’s reputation for being a clean and green city didn’t occur by chance. It has come about because of the combined efforts from the men and women who work tirelessly in Singapore’s environmental services sector.
In recognition of their efforts, the inaugural Environmental Services Workforce Day was held at Republic Polytechnic on 14 November 2018 in conjunction with the month of Clean and Green Singapore.
Themed “Celebrating Our Workforce”, the event saw Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Amy Khor, present congratulatory certificates to some 280 workers from 30 different companies for their contributions.
Future-proofing Workers
With a view to equipping these workers with necessary skills and knowledge to be ready for new jobs, relevant with new skills and resilient to new ways of working, NTUC also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with industry tripartite partners. They included the National Environment Agency (NEA), SkillsFuture Singapore, Workforce Singapore, Environmental Management Association of Singapore, Waste Management & Recycling Association of Singapore and NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute).
As part of the agreement, a workgroup will be formed to identify the necessary skillsets and training required so that workers can effectively make use of technology in their work and boost productivity. This is in line with the Labour Movement's vision of Worker 4.0, where workers are equipped with the necessary adaptive, technology and technical skills required in the future workplace.
“The MOU signals the Labour Movement’s intent to translate the Environmental Services Industry Transformation Map into real outcomes for our workers. This would involve ensuring that training opportunities are available for workers to equip them with the right skillsets required by the industry, and ensuring workers themselves are aware of the skills and training they need to keep up with industry transformation. Ultimately, this will help our workers benefit from better wages, welfare and work prospects,” said NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Zainal Sapari, who is the lead for NTUC’s Building and Facilities Management cluster.
“Since the launch of the Environmental Services Industry Transformation Map last year, NEA has been continuously working with the industry to push out initiatives that are aimed at building stronger businesses and transforming jobs for the workers. The initiatives launched today are the outcome of continuous collaboration with the industry and union to ensure that the businesses and workers are well prepared for the transformation journey, and to ensure a vibrant, sustainable and professional industry,” added NEA CEO Tan Meng Dui.
