NTUC Social Enterprises (SE) are set to gain from the experience of two female political office holders in the Singapore Cabinet.
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Manpower and Home Affairs Josephine Teo will serve as advisors to the NTUC SEs.
A media statement from the Labour Movement said Minister Grace Fu, who was formerly Chief Executive Officer of PSA Singapore, will be able to lend her experience in the logistics arena. Meanwhile, Minister Josephine Teo will be able to provide guidance in manpower development.
Both ministers will also be able to bring in various types of governmental support to grow the social enterprises.
Technological Advancements
Have you ever wondered how NTUC FairPrice ensures that the products you need for your home and more are readily stocked at its outlets?
They have three distribution centres, one online fulfilment centre, and an islandwide network of 360 supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores.
Just how is all this possible?
On 5 April 2018, both ministers visited NTUC FairPrice’s Benoi Distribution Centre.
They saw first-hand its operations to distribute products to the various FairPrice outlets all over Singapore.
For this, FairPrice’s workforce is trained to operate the high-tech systems to ensure that such operational work continues smoothly.
Continuing The Social Mission
NTUC SEs started with the social mission of providing Singaporeans with affordable, accessible and quality goods and services, and there’s no turning back from that mission.
According to the Labour Movement’s media statement, as a market leader, FairPrice is a good starting point for the two ministers to help NTUC SEs maximise their social impact.
“FairPrice has been providing a diverse range of essential goods and services at affordable prices; and when necessary, moderating prices to cushion the impact on Singaporeans.
“To enhance productivity, NTUC SEs have also been harnessing technology and developing their manpower capability. It is my privilege to serve as their advisor and guide them in their business transformation journey,” said Minister Grace Fu.
Minister Josephine Teo is also a familiar face with the Labour Movement having served in NTUC before.
She added, “NTUC FairPrice is a Singapore icon that helps many families enjoy daily necessities at affordable prices. Even as a social enterprise, it will have to respond to shifts in supermarket retailing.”
“I’m glad that the FairPrice team recognises the challenges and is committed to fulfilling its social mission through transforming its products and service offerings by embracing digitalisation, as well as preparing its workers to adapt to the transformation.
“Other NTUC Social Enterprises face similar challenges. As an advisor, my goal is to help them navigate the transitions so that they remain relevant to the lives of Singapore families,” said Minister Josephine Teo.
Ministers Grace Fu and Josephine Teo join several other ministers from Singapore’s fourth generation leadership team who have come on board the Labour Movement as advisors to its various business units and affiliated organisations.
