By Ramesh Subbaraman and Shukry Rashid
Singapore's unionists and workers have been urged to keep doing well to turn future challenges into opportunities and move forward with trust and confidence.
Making these points in his parting May Day Rally speech was outgoing NTUC Secretary-General (SG) Lim Swee Say as he addressed over 4,000 Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, business community leaders, management partners, unionists, and workers at the Star Vista Performing Arts Centre on 1 May 2015.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was the Guest-Of-Honour at the Rally which also celebrates Singapore's 50th birthday.
The Way Ahead
SG Lim emphasised that Singaporeans must run faster and together with SkillsFuture so that workers will always have the skills to be employable in the future.
There is also the need to run together to achieve JobsFuture so that businesses will always be productive, innovative and competitive in the future.
“Together, SkillsFuture and JobsFuture, like the DNA of Singapore must move forward in tandem ahead of the competition.
“Better jobs create better skills, better skills create better jobs so that we can secure SG100, one that is even better than SG50 we have today.”
He added that the reason Singapore is able to succeed while many others have failed is because of its brand of tripartism.
A Tribute To Workers
During his speech, SG Lim took the opportunity to share the journey undertaken by workers both young and old from a range of sectors in Singapore on how they had upgraded themselves over the years to keep up with the changing phases of the Singapore economy and contributed to the nation's progress.
Among the workers he cited include those who had gone through the various economic downturns and those who emerged stronger through the SARS episode in 2003.
The New Tripartite Leaders
The Rally was also an opportune moment for the introduction of the new tripartite core team in Singapore.
At the Singapore National Employers Federation, Mr Stephen Lee has been succeeded by Dr Robert Yap as its President.
At the Ministry of Manpower, SG Lim takes over as Manpower Minister from Mr Tan Chuan-Jin on 4 May 2015. Mr Tan will helm the Ministry of Social and Family Development on the same date.
SG Lim also introduced the new Secretary-General succeeding him on 4 May 2015 – NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing. He described DSG Chan, formerly Minister for Social and Family Development, as someone with three important attributes.
SG Lim said DSG Chan’s heart is at the right place and he cares a lot for people – from soldiers, babies, families and now to workers.
DSG Chan he also has a good standing in the Cabinet and is an effective link to the Government.
Finally, DSG Chan, as Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, is a core member of the next generation of the national leadership with a strong link to the future of Singapore.
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