May 2017

A Q U A R T E R LY P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E P E O P L E ' S A C T I O N P A R T Y

PM Lee onjobs outlook pg16

Women get help to fulfil their aspirationspg22

INSIDE: PPF dialogue on nationalism

Learning from apps for workerspg20

Champion of multi-racialism

Othman Wok1924-2017

PUBLICITY AND PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEELawrence Wong (Chairman) Desmond Lee Chee Hong TatSeah Kian Peng Lim Wee Kiak Baey Yam Keng Zaqy Mohamad Janil Puthucheary Chiang Heng Liang Diana Pang Hamidah Aidillah Benjamin Tay Teo Lin Lee Adrian Liew

EditorChee Li Foong Editorial and DesignFocus Publishing Limited(Tel: 6319-2392) Printer KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd Photos Singapore Press Holdings, istockphoto.com

MCI (P) 180/03/2017Petir is published by the People’s Action Party Central Executive Committee. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior consent of the publisher. Views expressed in this magazine are not neces-sarily those of the PAP or the Government. All rights reserved.

PAP HeadquartersBlock 57B, New Upper Changi Road, #01-1402, PCF Building, Singapore 463057 Telephone: 6244-4600Telefax: 6243-0114Internet: www.pap.org.sg

ContentsMAY 2017

Please send feedback, suggestions and comments to paphq@pap.org.sg.

04 SPECIAL True Grit Tuan Haji Othman Wok’s life was one of courage and conviction that helped shape Singapore’s multi-racialism and multi-religious harmony.

09 The legacies of Othman Wok Petir highlights his contributions to the Malay-Muslim community,

16 FEATURE Three-pronged jobs strategy to stay ahead the skills of everyone. That’s the strategy outlined by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at this year’s May Day Rally.

20 App lessons Getting just-in-time lessons to workers via apps on their smart phones.

GROUNDWORK 22 Women’s Wing A motion was tabled in Parliament by PAP women MPs on how to 24 PAP Policy Forum Navigate changes amid globalisation National Development Minister Lawrence Wong shares his observations on geo-politics and Singapore’s strategy to work with like-minded partners.

* Also in Chinese, Malay and Tamil

* Also in Chinese, Malay and Tamil

May 20172

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Work Life Balance

May 2017 3

SPECIAL

TrueGrit

Petir pays tribute to Othman Wok, one of the pioneer leaders of independent Singapore,

who passed away on April 17, 2017

While the late Othman Wok will be remembered for his many achievements in a life that spanned 92 years, top of the list must be his pivotal role in laying the strong

foundation of today’s multi-racial and multi-religious Singapore.

to have a modern and progressive Malay-Muslim community.In his eulogy at the memorial service for Mr Othman on April

19, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong spoke of how the entire nation would forever be indebted to him for his contributions as a champion of a multi-racial and multi-religious society. “Had he not

dark days of our merger with Malaya and then Separation, when our history hung in the balance, the Singapore story would have

Mr Othman, an Utusan Melayu journalist, joined the People’s Action Party (PAP) shortly after its formation in 1954. He did so because he believed in its policy of multi-racialism, even though this would later cause him to be denounced by Malay supremacists

as a traitor.He stood as a PAP candidate at the 1963 elections and became

Legislative Assemblyman for Pasir Panjang, subsequently serving

the Malay leaders in the PAP faced immense pressure to abandon multi-racialism and to choose race over nation. Mr Othman and his colleagues faced a torrent of abuse and even death threats.

In July 1964, during a procession to mark Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, Singapore was besieged by racial riots. Mr Othman, who was leading the PAP contingent in the procession, saw the violence up close, and this was permanently seared in his memory.

After the riots, Mr Othman accompanied then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on his community visits to calm the ground and

PAP loyalistPM Lee, who was one of six eulogists, recalled how Mr Othman

and his comrades were not cowed by the riots.

Fomer Cabinet Minister Othman Wok will be remembered for his courage, tenacity and conviction for today's multi-racial and multi-religious Singapore.

O T H M A N WO K1 9 24 — 2 0 1 7

May 20174

“They had entered politics out of conviction and were determined not to betray their party and the values it stood for. They remained loyal to the PAP and the cause of multi-racialism. Not a single Malay PAP Legislative Assemblyman jumped ship, though they knew they would have been richly rewarded had they

Mr Othman later became one of the 10 Singapore signatories who signed the Independence of Singapore Agreement in 1965, when Singapore separated from Malaysia.

Muslim community, for separation meant they would go from being a majority to a minority in a society based on equal rights for all. There were vocal segments of the community that tried their best to stoke communalist emotions among the people, but Mr

and he went ahead to sign the agreement. “If Singapore Malays had not accepted that change, we could not

have built a multi-racial society,’’ pointed out Mr Lee.

A grateful nation says 'Thank You'

of Culture from 1965 to 1968, Mr Othman was instrumental in promoting the development and progress of the Malay-Muslim

Singapore’s ambassador to Indonesia, while holding the post of Minister Without Portfolio. In 1981, he retired from politics after 18 years as MP for Pasir Panjang.

In 1990, President Wee Kim Wee conferred on Mr Othman the Order of Nila Utama (2nd Class) for his political, economic and

A lifelong proponent of multi-racialism and racial harmony, Mr Othman was given a state-assisted funeral with a ceremonial

heartlands amid a torrential downpour.

Cemetery where his family and close friends said prayers as he was put to rest.

Mr Lee, in his eulogy, said that while the country mourns the loss of one of its greatest sons, it was also an opportunity to give

so much of himself to the nation.“Debts of gold we can repay, but debts of kindness will be carried

all our lives. On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you Othman.

In the highest honour accorded a deceased

Othman Wok’s casket. The crescent and stars were lying over the head and close to the heart of one of Singapore’s founding fathers.

PM Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Singapore will always be grateful to Mr Othman Wok who gave so much of himself to the nation. The memorial service was held at the Victoria Concert Hall on April 19, 2017.

After the 1964 racial riots, then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, accompanied by then Minister for Social

committees” and community leaders to restore racial harmony.

May 2017 5

SPECIAL

May 20176

Kecekalan sejati

Allahyarham Othman Wok akan diingati atas pelbagai pencapaiannya dalam kehidupan

yang menjangkau 92 tahun, Yang di teratas senarai tentulah berkenaan sumbangan penting beliau dalam meletakkan asas yang kukuh dalam mencorak kehidupan masyarakat Singapura yang berbilang kaum dan agama hari ini.

Dalam belasungkawanya di majlis memperingati pemergian Allahyarham, pada 19 April lalu, Perdana Menteri Lee Hsien Loong menyatakan betapa seluruh negara selama-lamanya akan terhutang budi kepadanya atas sumbangan beliau sebagai juara masyarakat yang berbilang kaum dan agama. “Kalaulah dia tidak tegas dalam komitmen bahawa, sekiranya dia teragak-agak atau goyah pada hari-hari kelam penggabungan kami dengan Malaya dan kemudian pemisahan, apabila sejarah kita tergantung di neraca, kisah Singapura

Utusan Melayu, menyertai Parti Tindakan Rakyat (PAP) tidak lama selepas penubuhannya pada tahun 1954. Beliau berbuat demikian kerana beliau percaya terhadap dasar berbilang kaum, walaupun ini kemudiannya menyebabkan beliau dikecam oleh pelampau Melayu sebagai pengkhianat.

Beliau ditampilkan sebagai calon PAP dalam pilihan raya 1963 dan menjadi Ahli Dewan Undangan Pasir Panjang, kemudiannya berkhidmat sebagai Menteri

pertama. Selepas pilihan raya, pemimpin-pemimpin Melayu dalam PAP menghadapi tekanan hebat supaya meninggalkan dasar

berbilang kaum dan mengutamakan bangsa

Othman dan rakan-rakannya menghadapi asakan termasuk ancaman mati.

Pada Julai 1964, semasa perarakan sempena Maulidur Rasul, Singapura

Othman, yang mengetuai kontinjen PAP dalam perarakan itu, menyaksikan keganasan yang berlaku, dan ini kekal terpanggang dalam ingatannya.

disertai Perdana Menteri Lee Kuan Yew, telah mengadakan lawatan menemui masyarakat untuk menenangkan keadaan dan mengembalikan keyakinan dan keharmonian kaum.

Anggota setia PAPPM Lee, yang merupakan salah satu

daripada enam orang yang membacakan belasungkawa, mengimbas tentang

rakannya tidak gentar menghadapi rusuhan.

“Mereka masuk politik dengan penuh kesungguhan dan bertekad untuk tidak mengkhianati parti mereka dan nilai-nilai yang didukungnya. Mereka kekal setia kepada PAP dan dasar berbilang kaum. Tidak ada seorang pun Ahli Dewan Undangan Melayu PAP lompat parti, walaupun mereka tahu mereka akan diberi ganjaran yang cukup besar jika berbuat

salah satu daripada 10 orang yang menandatangani Perjanjian Kemerdekaan Singapura pada 1965, apabila Singapura berpisah daripada Malaysia.

Ia adalah detik penting dalam sejarah Singapura untuk masyarakat Melayu-Islam, kerana pemisahan itu bermakna mereka bukan lagi sebuah kaum majoriti tetapi minoriti dalam masyarakat yang berdasarkan hak yang sama untuk semua. Terdapat sekumpulan anggota masyarakat yang mencubakan yang terbaik untuk menyemarakkan emosi perkauman di

yakin bahawa Singapura yang majmuk boleh wujud dan ini membuatnya menandatangani perjanjian itu.

“Jika orang Melayu Singapura tidak menerima perubahan ini, kita tidak boleh membina sebuah masyarakat berbilang

Negara terhutang budi, mengucapkan Terima Kasih

Othman memainkan peranan penting dalam menggalakkan pembangunan dan kemajuan masyarakat Melayu-Islam, dalam pasca kemerdekaan Singapura. Pada tahun

pelantikannya sebagai Duta Singapura ke Indonesia, semasa memegang jawatan Menteri Tanpa Portfolio. Pada tahun 1981, beliau bersara daripada politik selepas 18 tahun sebagai Ahli Parlimen Pasir Panjang.

Pada 1990, Presiden Wee Kim Wee telah

Darjah Nila Utama (Tingkat ke-2) atas sumbangan beliau kepada Singapura dalam bidang politik, ekonomi dan masyarakat serta usahanya dalam pembangunan negara.

kawanya dengan serangkap pantun:

“Pisang emas dibawa belayar,Masak sebiji di atas peti,Hutang emas boleh dibayarHutang budi dibawa mati...

“Bagi pihak negara yang terhutang budi, terima kasih Othman. Semoga anda

Petir menghargai sumbangan Encik Othman Wok, salah seorang pemimpin perintis Singapura semasa kemerdekaannya, yang meninggal dunia pada 17 April 2017.

May 2017 7

SPECIAL

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May 20178

Uplifting Malay-Muslim community

Mr Othman Wok implemented many measures that helped the Malay-Muslim community, even till this day.

to 1968.A doting father to four daughters, Mr Othman was born into a

family of orang laut, who were the original settlers of Singapore.He advised founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew that the

government gave all Malays free primary-to-tertiary education. In 1990, this policy no longer applied to those in university.

He helped to shape the ground-breaking Administration of Muslim Law Act 1966 which led to the formation of three key Muslim statutory institutions — the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis), the Registry of Muslim Marriages and the

He and the late PM Lee set up the Mosque Building Fund in

mosques, of which 24 are new-generation ones, including the Yusof

Founding PM Lee said Mr Othman was denounced as an

he supported a multi-racial Singapore. “Because of the courage and leadership you showed, not one PAP leader wavered. And that

The legacies of Othman Wok

Laying the FoundationTo create a sporting culture, Mr Othman set up a sports

1966, and chaired the National Sports Promotion Board set up in

sporting arena, the National Stadium. Costing about $50 million,

He also administered the Singapore Grand Prix, held at a

said then: “I'll be the happiest man when we get a permanent

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu said: “While Singapore was focused on economic development at the time, Mr Othman was keenly aware that cultural development

Mr Othman also developed the social services.In 1968, he started what is now the National Council of Social

to recruit and train volunteers.Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin

said Mr Othman stretched the “limited welfare fund to help

ecosystem.

Mr Othman Wok taking his oath at the City Hall in 1963. Flanking him were then Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew and President Mr Yusof Ishak.

Sultan Mosque. It was also the same mosque where prayers were held for him after his passing.

May 2017 9

SPECIAL

A simple and humble man with a sense of humour

Mr Othman Wok was a leader who led by example.

After Separation, Singapore needed to quickly build up its armed forces. Mr Othman, even though he was a minister, volunteered

Force (PDF) to set an example and underlined the importance of national defence to the people.

They trained on weekends and his fellow cadets recalled how he did not receive any special treatment. He was 41 when he joined the PDF.

Mr Tien Chao Heng, 70, said at his funeral: “It was an inspiration to all of us, because here was someone who was a minister who was getting the same tongue-lashing and shouting as us.”

Mr Othman, or Ozzy as his fellow cadets nicknamed him, was humble and a joker too, recalled Mr Tien. “He never talked down to people... he behaved like he was one of us.”

Former MP Abbas Abu Amin, who later succeeded Mr Othman as MP for Pasir

Panjang in 1980, said he always respected

Mr Othman always saluted Mr Abbas who held the more senior rank of major. “We all thought that no matter how high your rank was in the army, you should always respect a minister, but the moment Mr Othman is in uniform, he would be respecting you as a

Day parade in 1966 as a cadet and then as a lieutenant the following year when he led the PDF contingent.

Mr Othman’s son-in-law Munir Shah also

wife) told him late one night that someone was coming to ask formally for her hand the next day, his reply was, ‘Who is the unlucky man?’ ”

People also remembered him as charitable, kind and humble.

Mr Othman had donated a piece of his father’s land in Mattar Road to build the Darul Ihsan Orphanage.

Ms Sharon Yeap, his former secretary at an

said: “He was a wonderful boss. He never raised his voice, never acted as if he was a former minister."

Humility was clearly an important quality to Mr Othman. As he once told a reporter: “Although I had very little time to talk to the children, there were some values that were very important for them to have... I taught them never to be stuck up.”

Workers’ champion MP Patrick Tay, who is the

assistant secretary-general of the National Trades Union Congress, said in his eulogy that unionists knew Mr

In 1951, Mr Othman was elected secretary of the Singapore Printing

to secure better pay and working conditions for workers of publishing houses. Mr Lee Kuan Yew was the union’s lawyer.

Minister Chan Chun Sing, NTUC secretary-general, and its president Mary Liew, penned in a letter that Mr

Gripping writerAs a reporter, Mr Othman handled the war beat and was often in

the jungles covering the guerrilla war between the British and the Malayan Communist Party.

In 1946, he joined Utusan Melayu and made a name securing exclusive interviews with the Dalai Lama and Malayan Communist

Former cabinet minister Othman Wok and his granddaughter Indriana who

churned out the dozens of ghost stories that he wrote for Utusan Melayu since the 1950s.

In his eulogy, labour MP Patrick Tay said unionists knew Mr Othman Wok

Party leader Fang Chuang Pi.

and later compiled them into two books.Former MP Abbas Abu Amin called him a great storyteller who

“knew how to immerse the reader in the story and help them to

Former MP Abbas Abu Amin paid tribute to Mr Othman Wok.

May 201710

“We are indebted to him, and will always be. He made a multi-racial Singapore possible, which matters more than anything else we have.”

– Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, in his Facebook post.

“He was a warm and friendly person always with a smile, especially for younger MPs like me”

– Mr Chandra Das, former MP and Singapore’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka.

“Dalam memperingati Encik Othman, Saya ingin berkongsi beberapa pengajaran dengan generasi muda Singapura. Amalkan sikap bersungguh-sungguh dalam melakukan tugas anda dan lakukan

dengan baik. Anda mesti mempunyai kesabaran dan kejujuran untuk mencapai kejayaan. Encik Othman dan para pemimpin pengasas kita yang lain telah mengatasi banyak cabaran, seperti

ketidakstabilan ekonomi dan rusuhan-rusuhan kaum, dalam usaha mereka membina Singapura yang kukuh dan harmoni. Kita boleh dan mesti meneruskan warisan mereka.

Selamat bersemadi, Encik Othman. Terima kasih.” – Encik Abbas Abu Amin turut menyampaikan belasungkawanya di acara memperingati Allahyarham Haji Othman Wok.

Beliau menggantikan Haji Othman sebagai MP bagi Pasir Panjang pada 1980.

“In Encik Othman’s memory, I would like to share some important lessons with young Singaporeans. Persevere in whatever you do, and do it well. Be patient, be sincere and work hard to achieve your goals. Encik Othman and our founding fathers overcame many challenges – through

periods of economic instability and racial riots — to build a strong and harmonious Singapore. We can and must build on their legacy. Rest well, Mr Othman, and thank you.”

– Mr Abbas Abu Amin in his eulogy at the memorial service for Mr Othman Wok. He succeeded Mr Othman as MP for Pasir Panjang in 1980. (Translated from Malay)

“Encik Othman Wok stood up for an independent multi-racial Singapore and helped lay the foundations for the peaceful and harmonious Singapore of today. His unwavering commitment and loyalty to Singapore and the principles we stand for are an inspiration to all of us. Let us build on the

good foundations laid by our pioneer leaders.”– Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security,

Teo Chee Hean, in his Facebook post.

“He contributed significantly to the PAP’s multi-racial platform. We worked closely in the early years of the PAP. I was the party’s organising secretary and Othman, who was then a journalist with

Utusan Melayu, was our unofficial Malay translator. I would see him whenever we needed Malay translations for Petir and other publications. Othman always obliged.

“I will always remember Othman to be a man of integrity and with absolute loyalty to the PAP and Mr Lee Kuan Yew.”

– Mr Ong Pang Boon, one of two remaining members of independent Singapore’s first cabinet. The other is Mr Jek Yuen Thong.

May 2017 11

SPECIAL

RIGHT Mr Othman Wok (1st right) accompanied then Prime Minister Mr

of Mount Faber scenic park in 1965. They were greeted by a lion dance.

Hands-on MP. Mr Othman did gotong royong (community activities) with residents of Kampong Mat Jambul in his Pasir Panjang ward in 1966. Photo credit: Othman Wok

Mr Othman, then a lieutenant in the People’s Defence Force, led a contingent at a passing-out parade on October 11,

volunteered to join the People’s Defence Force to underline the importance of national defence.

being built in Ang Mo Kio new town in 1977.

LEFT Mr Othman Wok (2nd right) spoke to the Thomas Cup badminton team during their training session at Victoria School Hall in 1969.

May 201712

1976 Pesta Sukan mass cycling race.

was in charge of its construction as chairman of the National Sports Promotion Board. To his right was then president of the National Olympic Council, Mr E W Barker. They ensured the stadium was completed in 1973 to host that year’s Southeast

held in Singapore then. Photo was taken in 1972.

The doting grandfather. Here, aged 76 in 2000, he is seen with granddaughter Indriana, aged 3, in the garden of his family home. In the background is wife Lina holding one-and-a-half-month old Sabrina.

Children from welfare homes enjoying their annual picnic at Tanah Merah holiday

May 2017 13

SPECIAL

Meeting of dear friends. He enjoyed a hearty moment when the late President S R Nathan and the First Lady visited him during Hari Raya at his Siglap home in 2007.

Mr Othman accompanied by Mr Chan Chee Seng, former Senior Parliamentary Secretary, 2nd right in white shirt in picture. Mr Othman tapped the lion’s head during a sports event at MacRitchie Reservoir in 2004.

Birthday boy Mr Othman took centre stage when he celebrated his 75th birthday in 1999 with family and close friends, including the late President Wee Kim Wee (left). They have been friends since 1947.

A poignant occasion. PAP stalwarts (2nd row, from left), Messrs Othman Wok, Jek Yuen Thong and Ong Pang Boon at the National Day Parade held at the Padang on August 9, 2015. Next to Mr Othman was a seat kept empty in honour of their late comrade, founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew who passed on in March 2015.

In 1997, Mr Othman was at Tampines Junior College to commemorate Racial Harmony Day. Here, he is seen reading Straits Times news clips dating back to 1964.

May 201714

FEATURE

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in his May Day Rally, says Singapore must focus on jobs to remain relevant in uncertain global economy

to stay ahead

Three-prongedjobs strategy

Singapore’s mature economy could be on track to better last year’s two per cent growth, but the unemployment

rate is slowly creeping up as redundancies continue to trickle in.

Against this challenging backdrop, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the Government will press on to attract investments to create new jobs, help displaced workers get re-employed faster, and upgrade the skills of everyone to prepare for the future.

At the annual May Day Rally on May 1, he explained that economic restructuring is a continuing process that brings with it a certain degree of pain.

Redundancies are inevitable as companies restructure, and that was why unemployment inched up to 2.3 per cent

December – high by Singapore’s standards, but still much lower than the developed world which typically has a 5 to 10 per cent unemployment rate, he pointed out.

But like many other developed countries, Singapore is dealing with the same pressures – industries have to

restructure, the workforce is ageing, and older workers who lost their jobs tend to take longer to get back into employment.

“If you put all these together, the tendency will be that our unemployment rate will gradually go up. We have to understand this trend, but at the same time we have to work hard to resist it, to keep

This is why Singapore must rely on its

friendly environment that brings in new investments which can create new jobs.

The Government is also helping small and medium-sized enterprises – both

traditional industries – to upgrade and go abroad.

All-out help for workersPM Lee stressed the need to help

displaced workers get new jobs more quickly, especially the Professionals,

on sectors that are not doing well, such as

of thousands of workers due to falling oil prices and a drop in rig orders.

He also emphasised the importance of skills upgrading and supporting all workers in their existing jobs.

“We have got to take worker upgrading very seriously. In other countries, workers know that they need to work hard to keep their jobs. They are hungry. We are hungry, we are working and they are working

national movement has given Singapore a good headstart.

He hailed the country’s unique three-way partnership between the government, employers and unions as the secret in the ability to transform the economy repeatedly over the years.

Throughout numerous crises such as the 1985 recession and Sars in 2003, Singapore “pulled together, adjusted course, made

“If we strengthen the tripartite system and remain united…we can overcome the

Lee.

“Unless we are as hungry as them, and as determined as them to upgrade ourselves, and willing to put in as great an effort, I think our cheese will be stolen. We have to make that effort, we have to strive, and we have to keep our position.”

- PM Lee on how Singapore’s workers must continue to upgrade themselves or risk losing out to other countries like China.

May 201716

Younger ministers drive Future Economy Council

A national council to spearhead skills and

innovation has a new chief in the form of

Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat.

Joining Mr Heng at the Future Economy

Council are many of the younger Cabinet

ministers such as Minister in the Prime

Education (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye

“I’m putting them in charge of this strategic

take time. It will extend beyond this term of

“It is an opportunity for the younger

strengthen their bonds with employers

Singaporeans what they can do. It is their

generation of leadership who will have to work

with Singaporeans to take the country to new

Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam as

Productivity.

The successful tripartite partnership between the government, employers and unions is Singapore’s secret formula in transforming the economy over the decades.

PM Lee tells workers the government will work hard to create jobs and keep them in their

“With global growth looking up, I am cautiously optimistic about the Singapore economy this year. Last year, we grew 2 per cent, better than expected. What is even more encouraging is that our productivity was improving.”

- PM Lee on the one per cent growth in productivity last year.

May 2017 17

FEATURE

Perdana Menteri Lee Hsien Loong berkata Singapura mesti member tumpuan pada pekerjaan untuk kekal relevan dalam sekitaran ekonomi sejagat yang tidak menentu

Strategi tiga serampang demi mengekalkan pekerjaan

EKONOMI Singapura yang matang mungkin dapat mencatatkan pertumbuhan lebih baik tahun ini berbanding dua peratus yang direkodkan tahun lalu, tetapi kadar pengangguran kian meningkat kerana

jumlah pekerjaan yang berlebihan semakin bertambah.Berhadapan dengan sekitaran yang mencabar ini, Perdana Menteri Lee Hsien

Loong berkata, Pemerintah akan terus menarik pelaburan untuk mewujudkan pekerjaan baru, membantu pekerja yang dibuang mendapatkan pekerjaan baru dengan lebih pantas, dan meningkatkan kemahiran semua orang sebagai persiapan untuk masa depan.

Di Rapat Hari Pekerja pada 1 Mei lalu, beliau menerangkan bahawa penyusunan semula ekonomi adalah satu proses berterusan yang mendatangkan sedikit kesakitan.

Pekerjaan yang berlebihan tidak boleh dielakkan sedang syarikat melakukan penyusunan semula, dan ia menyebabkan pengangguran meningkat kepada

anggaran agak yang tinggi mengikut ukuran Singapura, tetapi lebih rendah berbanding negara-negara membangun yang secara umumnya menghadapi kadar pengangguran antara 5 hingga 10 peratus, ujar beliau.

Namun seperti banyak negara-negara membangun yang lain, Singapura juga menghadapi tekanan serupa – perusahaan perlu disusun semula, tenaga kerja semakin tua, dan pekerja tua yang hilang pekerjaan mereka mengambil masa lebih lama untuk kembali bekerja.

“Jika anda bentangkan kesemuanya, ada kemungkinan kadar pengangguran kita akan meningkat. Kita perlu memahami trend ini, tetapi pada masa yang sama kita perlu bekerja keras menolaknya, dan memastikan pekerja kita terus

Oleh sebab itu Singapura perlu bergantung kepada “formula yang memberi

system tiga pihak dan kekal bersatu… kita mampu menangani cabaran dan muncul lebih kuat.”

May 201718

sekitaran yang mesra perniagaan yang membawa masuk pelaburan baru yang boleh mewujudkan pekerjaan baru.

Pemerintah juga membantu perusahaan kecil dan sederhana –

berteknologi tinggi

untuk mempertingkat perusahaan mereka dan melangkah ke luar negara.

PM Lee menekankan pentingnya membantu pekerja yang kehilangan pekerjaan mendapatkan pekerjaan baru dengan lebih pantas, terutamanya golongan Professional, Pengurus,

Beliau juga menekankan pentingnya meningkatkan kemahiran dan menyokong semua pekerja dalam pekerjaan mereka yang sedia ada.

Beliau memuji kesepakatan tiga pihak yang diamalkan di negara ini antara pemerintah, majikan dan kesatuan sekerja yang dianggap beliau sebagai satu rumusan yang membolehkan ekonomi disusun semula untuk bertahun-tahun.

“Jika kita memper-kukuh sistem tiga pihak dan kekal bersatu… kita mampu menangani cabaran dan muncul

Lee.

”

”

PMET

”

May 2017 19

FEATURE

It typically takes up to a year or so to roll out a new training course because time is needed to

and mobilise workers to go for training.

pointed out National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) secretary-general Chan Chun Sing. The

busy schedules. He envisaged such modules to be downloaded from an app on to a smart phone, with new content pushed out every few days.

Citing the popularity of mobile games as an example, he said: “If you can imagine Pokemon Go or Candy Crush, with a new module launched every few days, can you imagine the same kind of

“We have done very well in our basic education system, and our people graduate with very good foundations. We need to couple that with good

Chan, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s

which now has $100 million in its kitty, will use some of the money to develop faster ways of creating courses to ensure workers are updated on the latest trends in their respective industry.

Mr Chan announced at the rally that the labour

matching, this has taken the fund’s size to $100

The fund was set up last year to help adult

workers pay for their skills upgrading and re-skilling. Union members can sign up for over 3,200 training courses to enjoy fee subsidies, capped at $250 a year.

NTUC the disruptor He said the labour movement would do more to help workers stay employed

and reduce the transition time between jobs, as well as to help them plan and

Noting that these challenges are not unique to Singapore, Mr Chan said: “Whichever country can get this right will help its people the most. Those who cannot solve these challenges will have a lot of problems, from socio-economic

Just as the economy is evolving, the NTUC also has to do so, to remain relevant to workers. He shared how NTUC’s social enterprises are already

Supermarket chain NTUC FairPrice is making use of the internet to cater to the more online-savvy shoppers, while insurer NTUC Income is leveraging on

“While circumstances have changed, the NTUC’s mission has not. We have to make sure that we can continue to maintain the social cohesion and industrial harmony that we’ve enjoyed. This can become our unique competitive advantage to continue to attract investments, even though our

Workers could access bite-sized modules using smart phones to speed up their learning

App lessons

“If you can imagine Pokemon Go or Candy Crush, with a new module launched every few days, can you imagine the same kind of gamification for learning?”

- NTUC secretary-general Chan Chun Sing

May 201720

GROUNDWORK > WOMEN'S WING

Helping women fulfil their aspirationsThe PAP supports the objective of having women fulfill their family and career aspirations

Fa motion to support the aspirations of women in juggling both their

career and family.The motion was

put forth by MP Tin Pei Ling on April 3 and stemmed from a position paper by the PAP Women’s Wing last year, which called for more to be done to help women succeed at work and at home.

It called on the

familial, social and economic contributions of Singapore women and its support

aspirations and to be future-ready. In all, close to 20 MPs debated the

motion over two days during which various ministers announced plans on how their ministries would be helping women.

Ms Tin, who has a two-year-old son and returned to work in May, said Singapore can do more to support women while emphasising that “women are not asking

female MPs who moved the motion, in which she outlined four strategies.

Create capacityWomen are still seen as the primary

caregivers in a family, be it to their children or ageing parents.

To free up their commitments at home, childcare and eldercare facilities need a revamp to cater more to women’s needs. For example, they should be situated near workplaces so that women can respond quickly to emergencies. Also, such centres should adopt longer opening hours to help in cases where women have to work late.

On top of these, a network of caregivers who can help working mums fetch or take care of their children during times of need would also be useful.

Lending her support to the motion was Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar (Ang Mo Kio GRC) who called on employers to make provisions not just for maternity or paternity leave, but also for eldercare

teams or shared work in the workplace,

responsibilities. I look forward to greater support from our employers, including from the public sector in this,’’ she said.

More should also be done to train women who are returning to the workforce so that they refresh their existing skills, learn new skills and rebuild

Provide optionsFlexible work arrangements should become

also husbands too as the younger generation desires more work-life balance.

part of the work culture “otherwise, what it will only serve to do is to highlight the

Ms Tin added that employers should update their appraisal system and criteria. “Many employers still appraise employees based on face-time, regardless of the quality of work produced or positive reviews from

entrepreneurs, or womenpreneurs, helps them to be economically active but maintain better control of their time.

Remove barriersCulturally, women are still seen as

the main caregivers in a family. But with more emphasis on shared responsibilities with their husbands, women should be encouraged to re-join the workforce.

There also appears to be a glass ceiling on them moving up the corporate ladder. This mindset needs to change and more women should be given opportunities to take up leadership positions.

MP Tin Pei Ling tabled a motion in Parliament for more support for women at work and at home.

May 201722

How various ministries will help women

Provide women with training to return to work

“Some of them may want to take the opportunity to start their careers

need advice and support. Some may be

We need to address these unique

- Education Minister (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung

More eldercare facilities

have expanded our home care capacity

- Senior Minister of State for Health Dr Lam Pin Min

Encourage more companies to

- Manpower Minister Lim Swee Say- M

Be Future-ReadyTechnology could help women juggle

both work and family.

work arrangements as work can still be

“keep an eye” on their children at home using technology.

Digital competency also opens more opportunities for women in their careers, said Ms Tin.

pointed out that women often have to work three shifts a day – in the day as an employee, in the evening as a mum, and a night shift where they have to help their kids with their homework and put them to bed while preparing for next day’s work.

To help women returning to work transit smoothly back into the workforce, he suggested dedicating SkillsFuture programmes for such women.

Of the motion, Prime Minister Lee Hsien

“We seek to make Singapore the best home for all, where men and women have equal opportunities to pursue their aspirations, and reach their fullest potential.”

More childcare centres

centres.

- Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin

Mo e elde ca e facilities

May 2017 23

GROUNDWORK > PAP POLICY FORUM

ISingapore in more ways than we realise. But Singaporeans

These were the main takeaways for about 120 activists who attended the PAP Policy Forum on nationalism on April 1.

Minister for National Development and Second Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong shared his observations on geo-politics at the PPF dialogue.

He noted the rising sentiments of anti-globalisation and protectionism around the world. These are evident in the recent US Presidential elections and the result of the Brexit referendum. More recently, at the G20 Finance Ministers’ meeting, for example, there was no consensus to keep global trade free and open. These are trends that Singapore is concerned about and is watching carefully.

Retaining Singapore identity

amid globalisation. One example was how Singapore is losing its

Mr Wong felt that while the concern is real, Singapore cannot build a strong economy by trading with ourselves. If we want to continue to be successful, the strategy is to remain open and

partners. “We want to double down on globalisation and strengthen

single partner,’’ he pointed out. The challenge of being a global city is to retain our national

identity and the shared memories and experiences as Singaporeans.Mr Wong highlighted that there were distinctive things that we

the National Service experience of male Singaporeans – which will help to strengthen our national identity along the way.

Another issue raised at the dialogue was Singapore’s presence on the world map. With the uncertainties in the international arena,

Singapore to work with like-minded partners While Singapore is a small country and there are limitations

position today than we were in the past. We have a good reputation

where we can work with like-minded partners to bring about meaningful change.

As things are very dynamic, Singaporeans need to stay resilient to be united as a nation, he emphasised.

Describing how the dialogue has broadened his mindset, activist Seow Shin Horng of Yew Tee Branch said: “Minister Wong explained many geo-political and domestic issues to us using layman terms

The dialogue, he added, will help him explain Singapore's position and policies to fellow citizens.

Aaron Boo of Telok Blangah Branch said: "Understanding the government's position on global issues has helped me to understand the bigger geo-politics that’s at play, and how Singapore has to continue to be an open economy despite the growing trend of nationalism.

"Like many Singaporeans, I was initially worried about how the

However, upon hearing Minister Wong share the strategies the government has for our local economy as well as foreign policies, I feel encouraged that despite a growing trend towards nationalism, we are still charting forward towards a future economy."

Navigating changes amid globalisationSingapore has to be a global city with a unique national identity to succeed in more connected world

May 201724