Welcome to this year’s Model Workers Award Presentation Ceremony.
The Model Workers Award was first introduced by the NTUC in 1996, to recognize and reward our workers from all sectors of the economy, for their outstanding performance and contribution. Over the last eight years, we had given awards to workers in the public transport, environment, healthcare, airport and seaport, hospitality and tourism, public utilities, construction and marine, retail and textile & apparel manufacturing industries.
We hope that this yearly recognition will act as an incentive to spur our workers to continue to strive for excellence in their work. The World Competitiveness Yearbook has once again given Singapore high marks. They have ranked Singapore as the second most competitive economy in the world. This is by no means a small achievement and our workers have played their part in putting Singapore on the world map. For this, they deserve our recognition. As competition for investments and jobs intensify, a vital factor that will determine whether or not we remain competitive will be the capabilities of our people. This will be the key differentiating factor between the performances of countries.
Last year, workers in Singapore had to face tremendous challenges due to the war in Iraq and SARS. The transport workers were not spared and many, like our taxi drivers, suffered a huge dip in income. It is, therefore, fitting that we recognise their dedication through this Model Workers Award. The Selection Committee has selected 119 nominees to receive the awards, which will include a 6-day educational tour to Japan.
Let me now thank ComfortDelgro Corporation Ltd, SMRT Corporation Ltd, SBS Transit Ltd, Comfort Transportation Pte Ltd, CityCab Pte Ltd, Yellow Cab Pte Ltd, the Land Transport Authority, Singapore National Employers’ Federation, NTWU, SISEU, SMMWU, CCOA, CTOA and TTOA for their support and sponsorship. I also wish to thank the organising committee for their work in making this event a success.
Last but not least, on behalf of the Organising Committee, I wish to express our sincere thanks to the Deputy Prime Minister for his presence here today, which I think have clearly made this event a lot more significant for our workers. On this note, I once again congratulate all awardees and their families, and I wish you all the best.
Thank you.
