LOOKING FORWARD TO A BETTER YEAR
Good morning ladies and gentlemen,
First of all, I would like to thank you for inviting me to PSA’s National Day Observance Ceremony.
1. National Day is a time for us to celebrate as a country, and thankfully this year, we have much to celebrate. Advanced estimates show that Singapore’s GDP grew by nearly 12 per cent for the second quarter this year. The signs have been positive so far: the global economy is picking up, demand for our goods is recovering and travellers are flocking back into Singapore. Compared to 2003, our economic performance so far has been very encouraging and the outlook is bright.
2. PSA has also been performing very well. Local container throughput grew by 15% in the first half of 2004. However, with the surge in volumes came the challenge of maintaining PSA’s reputed high service levels. You took this challenge in your stride and met it head on, working tirelessly to keep service levels high.
3. With the increase in volume, new employment opportunities have emerged. This is a good thing. As the company steps up manpower recruitment to meet its needs, concerted efforts should be made to redesign jobs and further improve overall safe and conducive working environment so as to attract and retain capable Singaporeans in this line.
4. The success PSA has had would not have been possible without the strong relationship between PSA management and the PSA unions. Through the years, management and the unions have worked together to achieve win-win solutions to maximise the benefits for both employees and PSA. It is this spirit of teamwork and co-operation that has helped PSA overcome its many challenges. While we congratulate ourselves of the good labour-management relations, we must also remind ourselves not to take the good relationship for granted. It took us decades to build this strong relationship and all levels of staff must continuously work towards strengthening of this relationship.
5. Looking ahead, PSA expects 2004 to be a good year. While this is very encouraging, there is no room for complacency. Your regional competitors have benefited from the global throughput surge as well and they will continue to present competitive challenges to PSA. With this in mind, PSA has to constantly watch its cost structure and improve service levels in order to preserve its competitive position. Management must zealously seek new grounds for growth and PSA employees can help by continuing to remain flexible, upgrade their skills. Just as Singapore has continually re-invented itself to remain successful as a nation, as an organisation, PSA cannot afford to dwell on past glories but must look ahead and prepare for each coming challenge with tenacity and unity.
6. Having come this far as a nation from such humble beginnings, I am sure I am not alone when I say I am proud to be a Singaporean. Together as a nation for 39 years, we have met every challenge with courage, resilience and resourcefulness. In the bad times, we have held on together and weathered the storms. Now looking forward to a good year for both Singapore and PSA, let us celebrate together.
Happy National Day.
