Understanding the challenges of young working Singaporeans today
Young Singaporean workers today are feeling the effects of globalisation more so than generations before. Competition for choice jobs, increasing prices for housing, transportation, medical care, childcare, education are just some of the concerns which have been constantly raised by them through public forums and social media platforms.
As the national youth body, Young NTUC recognises the challenges faced by these young workers and want to speak up for workers in the areas above. These issues are important and it is imperative that the concerns of workers are heard and acted upon urgently by the necessary stakeholders.
Drawing inspiration for a better tomorrow
The youth movement is mindful that the focus of Singapore’s youth cannot be solely based on the pressures of life experienced today. Young people must continue to aspire and look beyond the present. They must overcome the challenges of today to shape and build a brighter Singapore of tomorrow, one which will thrive as an economy, progress as a society, and be a better home for all.
The Young NTUC Crossroads series was inspired by this desire for continued aspiration as one people. We reach crossroads at different stages of our lives, requiring us to make decisions which will shape our future. This series aims to bring in local personalities to share why they made their choices at their crossroads, and how the decisions have changed their lives for the better.
Mr Steve Tan, Executive Secretary of Young NTUC, shared, “Life is a work in progress. Our intent for Young NTUC Crossroads is to share with young Singaporeans that at those critical junctures of their lives, they should dare to make choices they deem to be right at that moment, for society, for their families and for themselves, for there have been others who have done so before them and made good.”
The monthly sessions will adopt a highly interactive “chat show” format, with the first session to be held on 19 April 2013. Through this platform, Young NTUC hopes that young executives can not only share and learn, but also be inspired and contribute ideas to building their ideal Singapore of the future.
Kicking off the Young NTUC Crossroads series
The inaugural speaker for Young NTUC Crossroads is Ms Helen Ng, the 41-year old Chief Executive Officer of Lock+Store, a local storage solutions enterprise. Ms Ng will share stories from her childhood days of growing up poor to where she is today, the CEO of a $10 million local company.
“The Young NTUC Crossroads series is most timely amid the multiple work-life challenges faced by today's young professionals. The inspirational talks will empower them with the knowledge and practical skills to fulfil their dreams and aspirations,” shared Ms Ng.
An area which Ms Ng will focus on during the session will be on work-life balance. She will share her experiences in juggling between her career and family, and how she continues to be a big influence in her two young daughters' lives. She will also share her own social beliefs, and how she lives them out in her personal life.
# # #
