8 FEBRUARY 2008 40 cents http://www.ntuc.org.sg MICA (P) 295/10/2007 PM Lee: Learning Is Ad Infi nitum

Job Test... Shirley Chai, a trainee on the “Back-to-Work” Programme (Retail) serves a very special customer, Prime Minister .

Learn To that end, the Government puts its opportunities, and make adjustments CET helped displaced workers in the money where its mouth is: “Today, the throughout their working life.” aftermath of the Asian Financial Crisis Government spends about $200 million This is where the labour movement By Marcus Lin that brought many countries to their knees. or 0.1 per cent of GDP on adult worker comes into the picture. But even in good times, “CET should be training. We have set up the Lifelong “NTUC has always played a leading THE official opening of the e2i a core part of the lifelong development of Learning Endowment Fund with a target role in advocating worker training. And (Employment and Employability Institute) every worker. If we want to keep amount of $5 billion. So far, we have built it it has backed up its words with strong and by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on growing, our workers too must constantly up to $2.2 billion. We will progressively top effective action. Over the years, NTUC 1 February 2008 is but one of a multi- upgrade.” this up over the next few years.” The current has built up significant capability in prong tripartite strategy to keep adult The world being in a state of constant CET capacity will go up from about 20,000 training promotion and delivery. It is one Singaporeans on their toes and their flux, PM Lee said: “No matter how to 80,000 trainees yearly, with courses of the largest providers of adult training in learning curves on a permanent ascent. useful the skills and qualifi cations we covering more industries and all manner Singapore, with strengths in IT, literacy, The fi rst toxin that gets thrown out the attain in school are when we graduate, of workers. employability and workplace safety. window is the lame excuse, “you can’t they will become steadily less relevant “NTUC also plays a critical role in teach an old dog new tricks”, and the over time. To prepare our workers for Unlearn helping workers see the value of CET and labour movement is right there in the the future, we must systematically Where there’s learning, there’s some encouraging them to take full advantage thick of things. support them throughout their working unlearning as well. According to PM of the opportunities for training. With its In his speech, PM Lee crystallised lives with skills upgrading and lifelong Lee: “We will not be able to achieve strong outreach capabilities and direct links unremitting efforts to propel the lifelong learning.” our goals without the right attitude and with employers, NTUC can mobilise large learning culture: “Continuing Education A national CET Masterplan has been mindset, amongst both companies and numbers of workers to go for training and and Training is one of the Government’s top drawn up “to spur coordinated efforts over workers. Companies need to see the value match trainees to jobs when they graduate. priorities. A highly skilled and productive the next 10 years. Clear goals to push up of investing in the training and development Most importantly, NTUC is in tune with workforce is one critical advantage that we various sectors have been laid down. First- of their people, to achieve better business the concerns and mindset of workers, and must have to compete against others with class adult training institutions and more performance. Workers need to keep an has their trust and confi dence to do what is natural resources.” resources will be needed.” open mind to alternative careers and in their best long-term interests.” ■ PM Is Also A Student

LIVING up to the philosophy of lifelong learning, Prime When asked, PM Lee explained: “Well, I want to Minister Lee Hsien Loong himself was in a learning mode understand what their situation is. I mean, how is it that when he did his walkabout at the e2i campus. He was an they are in this position? What has made them come eager beaver, all eyes and ears and full of questions at every forward? Because by the time they are here, there’s already opportunity when he did a tour of 10 stations each dedicated a willingness to do something. They are keen to get moving, to skills training for different sectors of the economy. they want to get a job, they have been out of work for a One could be forgiven for thinking that he was actually few years, or in some cases they have not been working for considering a career switch. What he did was put himself in 20-something years. But a friend encouraged them, so they What has caught the attention of their shoes in order to relate better to the circumstances and came, they attended the course, they got the job and now the Prime Minister? See Page 8 backgrounds of the people that e2i was designed to help. they are confi dent and looking for something better.” ■ “Partners’ Plaques”. Other stories in Pages 6 and 7.

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Land Transport Review Part III: Cars Strong Ties Warm Hearts

this relationship,” said Mr , Advisor to the TOAs. Transport Minister Raymond By Jansen Yeo Lim had announced a 15 per cent reduction on road taxes for all TAXI drivers got an early Lunar New vehicles, including taxis. These savings Year hongbao following the decision on taxis’ road taxes, estimated to be by taxi companies to pass on savings worth $5 million, will go a long way from the reduction of road taxes to to enhancing the lives of all taxi the drivers. This is the result of good drivers. ties between the Taxi Operators’ “We are grateful that our Associations and taxi companies. company, ComfortDelgro, is passing “The TOA has built a strong on these savings entirely to hirers. As relationship with taxi companies self-employed workers, many of us through regular dialogues to sometimes fi nd it a little challenging improve members’ welfare. We had to contribute to our Medisave weathered the SARS crisis together. accounts regularly. When we have Therefore, we are able to quickly more savings in our accounts, we garner support from taxi companies will have to fork out less in cash from to agree to plough back the savings our earnings to top up the accounts. to drivers when the Transport So, more savings in our Medisave Minister announced the reduction accounts will definitely help us a in road tax. We cherish this strong lot,” said Comfort Taxi Operators’ bond and will continue working Association Honorary Treasurer Tan together to maintain and strengthen Soon Huat. ■ Th e Tw IMPROVING our public transportation is not the o solution but one part of a two-pronged strategy to -W ease the congestion on the roads now. Over the past a couple of weeks, Transport Minister has y Road announced widespread changes to the bus and rail transport system to make public transport the choice mode for Singaporeans. In the last review, measures to ease congestion will be implemented to make the roads smooth fl owing for drivers.

Building More Roads to Increase Improving Bus And Train Services Connectivity and Reduce Travelling Time Changes Effects • Marina Coastal Expressway (By 2013). • Increase frequencies for basic bus services, Reduce peak hour waiting time: including feeder services, particularly on • North-South Expressway (By 2020). • From 15 to 12 minutes (By June 2008). corridors affected by the Electronic Road Pricing • From 12 minutes to 10 minutes (By August 2009). expansion. Addressing Congestion Holistically • New bus services along North-South Line and Provide an attractive alternative to trains. • Widening the Central Expressway East-West Line (From June 2008). and Tampines Expressway to increase • Expand premium bus services. Increase services from 42 to at least 72. (By June 2008.) capacity. Reduce waiting time during morning peak-of-peaks to • 93 additional train trips per week during peak about 2-3 minutes and down from 7 minutes to 5 to 6 • Improving interchanges to enhance hours (From February 2008). minutes during lunch period. connectivity and traffi c fl ow.

The NTUC This Week Team The NTUC Family Directory MANAGING EDITOR Shirley Tan-Oehler [email protected] DESIGN CONSULTANT Edmund Seah NTUC SWITCHBOARD 6213 8000 CHOICE HOMES 6213 8822 DEPUTY EDITOR Luis Low [email protected] SALES Joseph Loh [email protected] CUSTOMER CENTRE 6213 8008 ELDERCARE 6213 8000 SENIOR JOURNALIST Marcus Lin [email protected] TRAFFIC Ivy Tang [email protected] (ONE-STOP CENTRE FOR ENQUIRIES) FAIRPRICE 6456 0233 JOURNALISTS Naseema Banu Maideen [email protected] PHONE 6236 5790 BUSINESS CENTRE 6213 8811 [email protected] FOODFARE 6757 0330 Jansen Yeo [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION Jenny Liau [email protected] COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 6213 8201 HEALTHCARE 6744 0068 Lin Jiahui [email protected] PUBLISHER NTUC Media Co-operative Limited NTUC Club INCOME 6336 3322 EXECUTIVE EDITOR (Chinese) Ho Seo Teck [email protected] ADDRESS 1 Marina Boulevard #14-01 NTUC Centre Singapore 018989 CHALET RESERVATION 6582 9876 MEDIA 6236 0555 THRIFT & LOAN 6534 7360 JOURNALIST (Chinese) Wong Teck Tian [email protected] PHONE 6236 0555 BANQUET SALES 6589 1666 ART DIRECTOR Kelvin Teo [email protected] FAX 6538 1068 Cooperatives Affi liate EXECUTIVE DESIGNERS Mohamed Nasuhar Soeyoeti [email protected] PRINTER Times Printers, Singapore. CHILDCARE 6391 9233 RTRC ASIA 6292 4844 [email protected]

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We are encouraged by the announcement for more direct competition of bus services on some of R E|R|P R When the viable alternative of the the rail routes as well as the increase in IN OPERATION integrated rail and bus network is premium bus services. This will be an operating seamlessly in the future, I opportunity for the bus companies to might migrate to public transport but in open up more new services and create the meanwhile I will continue to toggle more new job opportunities. between using my car and public transport, based on the needs of the day and cost. Joseph Nagarajan, First Vice-President, At present, days when I know that I will National Transport Workers’ Union be spending a sizeable amount of my time in the CBD area - my wife will drive to work and I take the bus and MRT. With the latest increase in ERP charges, I guess the occurrences of me going on public transport will increase. In essence, in the face of the said changes, while it will not affect me continuing to own a car, it does affect the way I use my car.

Edwin Lye, General Secretary, Singapore Teachers’ Union c Phasing In Of ffi ERP Changes a Changes Effects • Using the 85th r Better driving percentile speed conditions for measurement method T motorists. to determine speeds. r • Raising incremental ERP charges from e $0.50 to $1 and ERP base charge which is h The government is the starting charge for Reduce the number of determined to enhance the new ERP gantry point, cars on the road, thus t from $1 to $2. ensuring a smooth public transport ridership journey for car users. o by increasing the ERP • A total of 16 new charges and installing more gantries will be o introduced in stages gantries. With improved this year. m ridership and better service S quality, we hope that Lower Vehicle Ownership Taxes o employees’ remuneration T • 15 per cent reduction in road tax for all d package will be enhanced vehicles. to refl ect appropriately • Reduction of Additional Registration Fee for the importance of their cars, lowering the rates of the Open Market contribution to the smooth- Value from 110 per cent to 100 per cent (From fl owing transport system. March 2008).

Mak Mun Whai, Executive Lower Vehicle Growth Rate Committee Member, National • Lower the vehicle population growth rate from Transport Workers’ Union 3 per cent to 1.5 per cent from Quota Year 2009 (Beginning in May 2009). • Review and assessment after three years.

With the introduction of more ERP gantries, I will plan my routes more carefully to avoid these gantries whenever possible. When travelling with the family, driving is inevitable for me. However, when I am traveling alone, I prefer to make use of the improving public transport system that we have.

Tham Ming Fong, General Secretary, Reuters Local Employees’ Union

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NTWU Dialogues With Bus Crews We did not understand LTA changes and amendments before the dialogue. Now I know how to explain to my members clearly. We should take up upgrading and customer A Clearer Picture service courses offered by the union to improve our service standards.

management, listened attentively for more than three Tan Teck Gin, SBS Transit East District Branch Assistant Secretary, NTWU hours at dialogues held at SMRT East District Ang Mo Kio Depot and SBS Transit East District Ang Mo We feel more assured that the union Jiahui Lin Kio Depot on 30 January 2008 and 1 February 2008 respectively. and bus management will look into our problems. MEMBERS of the National Transport Workers’ Union ”The introduction of competition for public welcome Land Transport Authority’s major initiatives transport operators offers new job opportunities for all of you. We should work together with NTWU Lee Hong Chian, Executive Committee to achieve a commuter-centric land transport system Member and SBS Transit East District Branch in Singapore. They will work hand in hand with and the bus management, and educate the public to Committee Member, NTWU the union and bus management to accomplish this achieve a win-win situation for everyone,” said Mr Seng. “We must not try to guess what each other are common goal. My doubts have been answered thinking but discuss openly with one another. This is National Trades Union Congress Assistant Secretary- during the dialogue. I hope the the only way for us to attain mutual trust between General, NTWU Executive Secretary and Government opening up of competition in the each other and together we can ensure LTA’s plans Parliamentary Committee for Transport Member Seng bus industry will bring about better work for you and the commuters.” ■ Han Thong, together with SMRT Bus and SBS Transit pay and welfare for us.

Rethinasamy Jayakumar, SMRT Bus Kranji Branch Committee Member, NTWU

I believe that with more companies As long as you bidding for the bus routes, the are a diligent companies will not forget about bus driver who welfare for employees. With better delivers good welfare, our service quality will service, your job is also improve. It will be a win-win secured. situation for us and the commuters.

Seng Han Thong Chua Yee Seng, SMRT Bus Ang Mo Kio Branch Committee (second from right) Member, NTWU

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A Flexible Retirement Lifelong Income In Income Scheme A Nutshell THE National Lifelong Income THE National Lifelong Income Scheme Committee has proposed Scheme Committee, formerly known 5 key recommendations to the as the National Longevity Insurance Government. The full details will Committee when it was set up in be announced on 12 February 2008. September last year, made its key The implementation will be subject recommendations after five months to the Government’s acceptance of of public consultations involving the the proposal. experts, unions, industry, grassroots and Voluntary Welfare Organisations. • New Name. National Lifelong At a dialogue at the Ong Teng Income Scheme Cheong Institute of Labour Studies last • Earlier Payout Age. This will be November, Manpower Minister Ng Eng brought forward from age 85 to Hen made the promise to the 500 union 80. leaders that the scheme was to help Singaporeans have enough to take care • Flexibility of their needs in old age and would be • Payout Age. Member can “as fl exible as possible so that you get to choose when he wants to start choose what is suitable for yourself”. receiving the annuity. This can With increasing longevity as close be 80 or even younger. • Refundability of Premium. to half of the individuals aged 65 can Member can choose to have expect to live to 85 years, there is a his capital sum given back to greater urgency to have a system that As Flexible As Possible… Minister has a heart-to-heart talk with union leaders on what the scheme will have in store. his family when he passes away helps to stretch the Minimum Sum before payout. Alternatively, for life. Professor Lim Pin who is the he can get a larger monthly Chairman of NLISC gave a sneak and refundability, he said the scheme and grassroots leaders, Dr Ng said the payout. preview of the full report, which will will aim to be basic and affordable to scheme will be introduced in 2013. He • Administrator. CPF Board will be unveiled on 12 February 2008, to cover as many Singaporeans as possible estimated 900,000 of the 1.5 million run the scheme as part of the CPF the National Trades Union Congress with a regular stream of income for their active CPF members will get at least savings plan. Central Committee on 28 January 2008. old age. $600 monthly from age 65 for the rest Besides it being fl exible in payout age In a separate dialogue with residents of their lives. ■ Pay More To Pay Less

WORKERS can expect to pay higher Intensive Care Unit stays and non-standard MediShield premiums for smaller hospital implants today. bills. Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan said The proposed increase will slash the with more benefits, premiums must go co-payment for the 2.8 million subsidised up this year. The proposed increase is the patients from 40 per cent to 20 per cent fi rst since the revamped national health for large hospital bills. Mr Khaw hinted insurance scheme came into being three that the increase would be capped at $10 years ago. Before July 2005, the hospital per month or $120 per year. This was based insurance provided for 40 per cent of on feedback received on the hike limit that large hospital bills of $10,000 and above. Singaporeans were comfortable with. After the overhaul with premium hike Premiums will be increased across the of between $1.50 and $11.25 a month, board for the younger ones currently Medishield improved its coverage to 60 paying $30 per month to octogenarians per cent of large hospital bills. However, paying $705, with higher increases for the this has proven inadequate with costly elderly. ■

Benefi cial Even Though Affordability Timing Is Not Ideal Versus Coverage The timing for the increase in premium may cause a bit of concern but the increase itself is reasonable I need to fi nd a nice trade off as workers would have a much higher coverage for between an increase in premium big hospital bills and this is benefi cial to them. which is affordable versus how much benefi t I can encourage MediShield to pay out. , NTUC Deputy Secretary-General and Chairman, Government Parliamentary Committee for Health Khaw Boon Wan

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Breaking Barriers To Help

THE Employability Camp is an including how to stand, how to intervention programme that sit and how to hold their fi les handholds job seekers and - minor points that may help them Workers ushers them into the job market. to nab the job. The Employability Pictures by Alvin Toh Negative body language can Camp Plus offers a good mix of sometimes be a barrier that blocks courses and group activities such a person from being employed. At as team-building, confi dence- the Employability Camp, trainers building, mindset addressing and Gold For Gold teach job seekers how to conduct personal development courses and themselves during interviews, activities. AS e2i partners the labour movement’s Silver Collar Dragonboat’s plans to place seniors above the age of 50 on jobs, the i-Care programme adds more depth to the jobs that they may take on. The programme is one which creates platforms for Keys To A Quality Drive them to serve other elderlies. A non-medical home care-giving training programme, i-Care, is held in partnership with e2i, NTUC ElderCare Co-operative Limited and Singapore General Hospital for NTUC ElderCare Care@home Service. With training from professional medical trainers from SGH, to date, 24 seniors have been trained and 15 of them have secured placements. There are also plans to have i-Care WSQ certifi ed with an aim to professionalise the job image and training.

A PIONEERING 100 taxi drivers premium ride for both the passenger are gearing up for a drive to and the driver. provide quality service to their The trained taxi drivers will passengers. The Customer Centric become Service Champions in pursuit Initiative for the taxi industry of elevating industry-wide service provides the keys for this venture. A level. The training, carried out in collaboration among taxi companies, two phases, is conducted by NTUC taxi operators’ associations and LearningHub Private Limited and the government agencies like Land Singapore Taxi Academy at e2i. The Transport Authority and Workforce Taxi CCI has targeted to train 10,000 Development Agency, the Taxi taxi drivers by 2009 in Phase 1 and CCI strives to enhance the service complete training for all 40,000 taxi standard of the industry in a holistic drivers in Phase 2. way that will mark the roads for a Skill Up And Move Up A Blessing

SPANNING across four industries, the MR WEE HOCK CHYE, 60, who has less than two Job Preparation Exercise works on a years of working experience in the landscape mission to arm job seekers with the industry, is grateful that e2i offers the WSQ necessary skills to embark on their job Certifi cate in Landscape Operations. After working roles. Tailored for the specifi c needs odd jobs for the past one year, he feels that e2i’s of workers in the various industries courses are a blessing. such as the taxi, landscape, security “I have always been very interested in nature. and retail, the JPE is designed with a Therefore, I’m keen and excited to start attending comprehensive package that screens, this programme as I can learn from hands-on and trains and places job seekers on jobs on-site practical training. I believe I will defi nitely be that best suit them. more prepared for work in the landscape industry upon my graduation.”

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By Jansen Yeo, Naseema Banu Maideen the labour movement in helping workers practices. With a broad spectrum and Jiahui Lin stay employable for life. of capabilities in the e2i, the labour Speaking at the opening of e2i, Prime movement will be better positioned THE National Trades Union Congress Minister Lee Hsien Loong gave assurance to champion the cause of workers, intends to keep employment rate that the Institute has the full support of whether they are unemployed, low- up and unemployment rate and the Government. wage workers, women intending to go under-employment rate down, and “e2i will be a key driver for the back to work or mature workers, and e2i (Employment and Employability adoption of national qualifi cations and provide for their training needs and Institute) will help make this happen. skills standards across all industries. Its welfare,” said PM Lee. e2i is a skills-based institute that work will go beyond skills training and job e2i works with tripartite partners equips workers with the right mindset placements to address systemic industry as well as industry associations and and relevant skills to help them stay issues that affect worker productivity. private training providers to provide the “e2i will provide the infrastructure for employable for as long as they are healthy For example, the Institute plans to infrastructural support to open up job the labour movement to help all workers and fi t. It is strategically positioned to work closely with the Government and opportunities for workers in 10 sectors, in Singapore to attain better skills, get play a key role in supporting the national employers to re-design jobs for more such as food and beverage, retail and better jobs, enjoy better pay and lead a initiative to build a world-class Continuing viable career progression paths, review security. The Institute aims to generate better life. Essentially -- better jobs for Education and Training infrastructure by and streamline regulatory mechanisms 10,000 training places and place 2,000 life,” said e2i Chief Executive Offi cer Zee leveraging on the unique strengths of and raise the level of Human Resource workers in jobs. Yoong Kang (above). ■

Playing It Enhancing The Tricks Safe Of The Trade FOR workers without secondary school education, JUST as the labour movement the Employability Skills System provides the basic wants Singaporeans to have skills and a route to employment and career jobs, it also wants workers upgrading opportunities. Programmes range to return home safely. For from basic Workplace Literacy and Numeracy to many years, it has encouraged Communication and Relationship Management. employers to provide a safe Workers undergo a Computer Adaptive Test working environment, while to assess their literacy levels. Workers of lower urging workers to take safety educational levels undergo the various skills precautions. The Workplace training at e2i to improve their current abilities, Safety and Health Institute at e2i upgrade their skills and set themselves up for a offers professional and sector- new path to better skills, better jobs, better pay based WSH training for the likes and better lives. of airport workers and healthcare workers, among others.

Serving Up A Storm

THERE is always a high Association of Singapore and Can We Help You? CareerLink@e2i off ers demand for workers in hotels, the Singapore Culinary Institute not only resources and restaurants, small eateries and will run Workforce Skills information for those who catering kitchens. To ensure Qualifi cations programmes need employment assistance that the food and beverage at e2i to train up Kitchen but also employability industry is not short of well- Assistants, Waitresses and even coaching and training advisory to improve workers’ trained staff, the Restaurant Master Chefs. employability.

THERE is now a two-step strategy to woo women back into the workforce. The fi rst The Wooing Tactic step is to prepare women job seekers and the second step is to prepare companies to welcome them. The NTUC Women’s Development Secretariat works with e2i, NTUC’s Employability Department, the Community Development Councils, NTUC LearningHub, Ministry of Manpower, WDA and Singapore National Employers Federation to implement a lineup of initiatives in this trial programme. The “30 Minutes To Work” Job Fair, Work-Life Harmony Initiatives and the Flexi-Works! Scheme are part of this. Job seekers are also placed on retail training which encompasses cashiering skills using Point-of-Sale machines.

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Partners’ Plaques

PM’s Walkabout At e2i “e2i’s operating model is working with a network of partners for training and job placements. Centre for Urban Greenary and Ecology, Real Where Estate and Construction Centre, Singapore Culinary Institute, Singapore Taxi Academy… These are the training providers located at e21,” said e2i Chief There’s A Will Executive Offi cer Zee Yoong Kang, gesturing to the 10 partners’ plaques on the wall. “But these are empty,” PM Lee pointing to 5 plaques without names and logos. To Work “We’re looking for more partners, and when we secure them, we’ll put their names and their logos up there,” explained NTUC Secretary-General , who was part of the team that hosted PM Lee.

There’s Workplace Safety And Health

SINCE the start of the Workplace Safety and Health legislative framework reform, the work-related fatality rate has dropped by more than one-third – from 4.9 per 100,000 workers in 2004 to 3.1 in 2006. NTUC’s goal is to support the national WSH A Way framework to halve the workplace fatality rate by 2015 and achieve WSH excellence in Singapore. The WSH Institute at e2i offers professional and sector-based WSH training towards this end. “How many have taken part so far?” asked PM Lee. “Some 800 union leaders and key management partners spanning eight sectors have That been trained,” said Mr Yeo. “So many already? What do they learn?” “Our focus has been on the hazards that are sector specifi c. The workshops Works facilitated greater involvement Pictures by Alvin Toh in hazard identifi cation and accident prevention, as well as better understanding of the Workplace Safety and Health Act requirements.” By Shirley Tan-Oehler

WHEN the Prime Minister goes on a walkabout, he wants to know what makes the people in a particular constituency tick. Likewise, when he toured e2i Singapore Culinary (Employment and Employability Institute) on 1 February 2008, he wanted to know how this new facility is going to contribute to increasing employment Institute rate and decreasing unemployment rate and under-employment rate. THE Food and Beverage industry requires a continuous supply of skilled So he spoke with many people – those who manage e2i, those who run manpower and PM Lee took a keen interest in the trainees’ training. He asked the various training programmes there, those who have signed up for the Restaurant Association of Singapore’s Assistant Executive Director Jerry Lim various courses, and those who were visiting e2i for the fi rst time and curious about the ratio of local and foreign trainees, the trainer’s profi le and stepped if better skills could indeed lead to better jobs and better lives. into the classroom to view the trainees going through a theory lesson. After a two-hour walkabout, PM Lee Hsien Loong concluded that it’s “Why are they wearing different uniforms?” asked PM Lee. going take a lot of people with a lot of passion to sustain e2i and make it “One group is service staff and the other group is kitchen staff. They’re succeed. attending a course on food hygiene, which is why we have a mix of service staff “This is a job where you need people who are very passionate about what and kitchen staff in one classroom,” explained Mr Lim. they are doing and enjoy working with individuals, helping people one by Turning to the trainees, PM asked: “So how do you fi nd this course? Does it one, and giving people the confi dence to solve their problems and to go benefi t you in fi nding a job in the F&B sector?” forth and take on a new job. “Yes, of course!” came their resounding reply. “I thought it was very good to see people coming forward and trying it out, going through the courses. They are not young anymore. They are in their 40s and 50s. To go through something new, unfamiliar... It’s a little bit awkward, but let’s go through it and see if we can break through.” PM Lee was particularly impressed by the three workers featured in the introductory video, whose lives changed after they learnt new skills and got into new jobs – Building Custodian Mohamed Bali Kartio, Wafer Fab Specialist Lim Hui Bin and Landscape Technician Jamaludin Abdul Samad, who he also spent time with after his walkabout. “I think there are stories of people who have made it like the ones who were on the video. It gives us confi dence that there are a good number who can make the effort with some help, and it is our duty to do our utmost to help them succeed.”■

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Computer Adaptive Test And Taxi Customer-Centric Initiative SOME 30 taxi drivers from all six taxi service companies were discussing how Employability Skills System they should respond to passengers in various challenging situations when PM Lee THE Employability Skills System visited the Taxi Customer-Centric Initiative provides basic skill training station. for low-skilled workers, for “You should discuss how to work example those who cannot around the ERP problem too,” PM Lee said, access jobs and specifi c drawing laughter. skills training because they Noting the importance of courteous and customer-centric taxi drivers, PM Lee said: do not have “N” and “O” “You are the fi rst person that a visitor to Singapore talks to. You are our ambassadors. levels certifi cation. The ESS What you do and say is very important.” certifi cation allows them to get job-ready skills and to bridge into jobs and training requiring “N” or “O” levels. Those Silver Collar workers who did not complete their secondary education can go to the Centre for Employability Skills, take a CARE@HOME is an initiative of the Silver Collar computer test to ascertain their standard of literacy and numeracy and, if need Dragonboat where seniors can help seniors. It is a non- be, sign up at NTUC LearningHub Private Limited to improve themselves so that medical home care-giving training programme which they qualify for skills training courses and better jobs. NTUC Eldercare Co-operative Limited has collaborated The ESS is now accepted as a proxy for “N” and “O” levels by the Institute with e2i and Singapore General Hospital. of Technical Education, Public Service Division and more than 300 companies in PM Lee saw how trainees, who will become iCare Singapore. Offi cers, take turns at lifting non-ambulant “patients” PM Lee was interested in the recognition of ESS and that companies were from the bed and placed into a wheelchair. already advertising to attract workers who have undergone the literacy and “This is not easy. You may not be caring for someone of your same size when you numeracy programme. are on the actual job,” PM Lee observed. He inspected a computer test session and asked how the system worked. It Turning to NTUC Deputy Secretary-General , PM Lee asked: “Have was explained that the computer automatically adjusts the level of diffi culty of any of these trainees been job-matched?” the question to the test taker and in this way, it is able to very quickly determine “This programme has trained 24 people, of whom 15 have been placed in jobs,” said and certify the trainee’s level of profi ciency. Mr Heng. “So what if a person is unable to use the computer?” PM asked. “Test takers are asked if they have used a computer before. If not, they are given some simple instruction and time to practise until they are able and confi dent to take the test,” said Dr Gary Maurice Willmott, Deputy Chief Back-To-Work Women Executive of Workforce Development Agency. Dr Willmott went on to explain that people normally took a set of three tests over about 1.5 hours. MADAM Shirley Chai used to run a silver “What are the three tests that they’re taking?” PM continued. jewellery business. She decided to close “The current tests are for Reading, Literacy and Numeracy and two more tests, shop two years ago when her 10-year for Speaking and Writing, will be introduced this year,” said Dr Willmott. investment brought little returns. It As he was leaving the room, PM Lee asked where trainees could take up was a hard hit, and her confi dence was training to improve their skill levels. shaken. Last year, she plucked up enough “In fact, right here,” replied Dr Willmott, and PM Lee was shown along the courage to join the Employability corridor to NTUC LearningHub’s Beginner Literacy and Numeracy Class. Camp. Now, at 45, she has signed up for PM Lee viewed the class taking a lesson on Conversational English and training to become a Cashier under the Preparation for A Job Interview. He observed that most of the trainees were Back-to-Work Women’s Programme. older workers. “What do you want to do after this?” PM Lee, who played “shopper” at “Indeed, that’s the case,” said Dr Willmott. “More than 60 per cent of the Madam Chai’s training station, asked. over 3,000 workers who have undergone this training are over 40 years old. This “I want to be a Cashier at an NTUC FairPrice Supermarket,” she said with a is a valuable pathway to help our older workers get jobs and improve their jobs.” wide smile.

Employability Camp Job Preparation Exercises - Retail,

MADAM Lee Lay Pin, 45, had Landscape, Security And Taxi only primary school education. She had worked for a catering PM LEE approached an elderly man who company which closed down was quietly surveying the goings-on about two years ago. She has around him. been unemployed since. She “What are you doing here?” asked PM was frustrated when employers Lee. put down the phone after she “I’m here hoping to fi nd a job as a told them her age. Security Guard,” said Mr Lee Yum Lum. Madam Lee attended “How old are you?” a Cashier/Job Preparation “71. Do you think anyone will hire me?” Exercise course in September “You can try…” last year and afterwards was offered a job but she did not take it up as she was Mr Lee used to be a Manager in a company dealing in construction equipment. not confi dent about her ability to manage the work. She was also worried that He was retrenched in 1994. From 1995 to 2007, he had worked as a Personal she would be disadvantaged due to age and lack of computer skills. So a month Driver, Warehouse Assistant and Hotel Telephonist. They were all part-time jobs. later, Madam Lee, who has a young daughter, joined Employability Camp Plus. Her He wants a fulltime job, a job that is more defi nite in working hours. He said he family came by to give her support. She now works as a part-time Cashier at Popular exercises regularly and is in good health, Bookstore. Later, when PM Lee was introduced to the Security Job Preparation Exercise, he “So how did the Employability Camp Plus help you?” PM asked. remembered Mr Lee. “I learnt how to how to carry out my own job search. I am more confi dent and I “I just met a 71-year-old man. He wants to be a Security Guard. Will you hire feel that I can take on a fulltime job,” said Madam Lee. someone like him?” “Oh… What do you want to do?” “We will interview him and assess him,” said Union of Security Employees’ “I have gone for an interview to be a Receptionist. I am waiting for the result of Executive Secretary Patick Tay. USE is e2i’s partner in its Security Job Preparation my interview. I have also changed my hair colour after the Camp,” Madam Lee said, Exercise, which screens, trains, places and trains suitable job seekers for the to PM’s laughter. security industry.

NNTUCtwTUCtw 8 FFeb08.inddeb08.indd 9 22/5/08/5/08 3:33:283:33:28 AMAM 10 8 FEBRUARY 2008 Singapore Staves Off Shanghai To Be No.1 PSA International Chief Thanks Unions And Staff For Support

PSA has continuously given its support and encouragement to all our activities. We pledge our commitments to the corporation and this will in turn benefi t our members as a whole.

Lam Yuen Shin President, SPWU

PSA announced on 11 January 2008 excellence and efficiency to provide class services to meet the needs of our that it had turned in 14.8 per cent customer-focused services that have made customers as they grow their business in growth at all its ports, which handled our achievements in 2007 possible,” said 2008.” By Jiahui Lin a record 58.85 million standard boxes. Mr Eddie Teh, PSA International Group To do this, PSA will continue to This is the third year since 2005 that Chief Executive Offi cer. employ the fi nest talents in the industry. SINGAPORE retained the world’s PSA International has been voted “Best PSA is confi dent of another good year It wants to develop win-win relationships busiest container port title despite stiff Global Container Terminal Operator” and said it will expand capacity at its with its partners. competition from Shanghai and port at the Asian Freight & Supply Chain Pasir Panjang terminal and upgrade SPWU President Lam Yuen Shin said operator PSA International says it’s all Awards. its Brani, Keppel and Tanjong Pagar his union is proud of the recognition from thanks to its strategic partners which “I would like to extend our deep terminals. PSA and will continue to work with the include the unions – Singapore Port appreciation to our staff, unions and “We will continue to invest in berths management closely to overcome any Workers’ Union and Port Offi cers’ Union. contractors for their daily pursuit of and equipment and provide best-in- future challenges. ■

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COMMENTARY Friends Make It All Worthwhile bringing NTUC Members more and better benefits have been the most memorable. In particular, crossing the By Neo Gim Kian 500,000 mark last year must be a highlight for all of us in the labour movement. The REWIND to 2001… I had just joined achievement was possible only because NTUC-Administration and Research of the hard work put in by union leaders Unit and I remember how little I knew and staff, and absolutely everybody. about unions and the workings of our It has been a wonderful experience unions then. To be sure, I knew a lot leading the Membership Team in NTUC more about our cooperatives – NTUC – organising roadshows, organising new FairPrice Supermarket, NTUC Income branches, going into new industries, Insurance, NTUC Healthcare Medical forging strategic alliances and forming Clinics and Dental Clinics. That’s interest groups. because their brands were more widely I am fortunate that the nature of work displayed. in the Membership Department also FAST FORWARD to 2008… I required me to work closely with our felt a sense of anticipation as well as union leaders. I got to better understand reminiscence when I was informed that and appreciate our union leaders and I would be assigned to NTUC Club in how hard they have to work to get a working closely with our union leaders, will be more pronounced at NTUC Club. February 2008. branch organised, how their work has strategic partners and staff to bring But do remember, All Work and No I have had quite a number of a start but not an end. I was moved to about an environment for better Work! Play makes Jack a Dull Boy, and NTUC opportunities to contribute to different tears by “Gritty Nithi”. I shared their joy Live! and Play! for all working people in Club will provide you with opportunities parts of the NTUC Family – looking when what they did resulted in making a Singapore. No doubt, the Play! element aplenty for worklife balance. ■ at corporate governance and building difference to every member. Best of all, I the corporate communications team have made many friends along the way. being two. But, I must say leading the As I take on my new assignment Editor’s Note: Neo Gim Kian has been assigned to NTUC Club on a full-time basis. He is Cluster Director for Corporate and Resource Development and will oversee Downtown East, Jackpot operations, Finance, Membership Team and working with in NTUC Club, I look forward to Human Resource, Business Technology and Administration and Corporate Communications as well as union leaders on organisation and continuing these relationships and project planning and development for the expansion of NTUC Club.

NNTUCtwTUCtw 8 FFeb08.inddeb08.indd 1111 22/5/08/5/08 4:50:484:50:48 AMAM 122006 年11月02日

ቤ ฤ૴ ॕር Wishing All An Auspicious ၃ྙ & Prosperous Lunar New Year ፀ From the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of

PP12-16.indd12-16.indd 1212 22/4/08/4/08 99:41:22:41:22 PMPM 2006 年11月02日 13

PP12-16.indd12-16.indd 1313 22/4/08/4/08 110:49:220:49:22 PMPM 142006 年11月02日

ఙڔLj੝ଜڔਪდ෍ Peace and Prosperity for the Nation

Housing And Development Board Staff Union 530 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, #04-01 HDB Hub Singapore 310530 Tel: 6336 5544 Fax: 6356 6798

Ngee Ann Polytechnic Academic Staff Union 535 Clementi Road Singapore 599489 Tel: 6460 8303 Fax: 6468 5950

Singapore Organisation Of Seamen 52 Chin Swee Road #09-00 Seacare Building Singapore 169875 Tel: 6379 5666 Fax: 6734 5525

ቤฤॕ၃Lj૴ርྙፀ Wishing One and All An Auspicious and Prosperous Lunar New Year

NTUC Childcare Co-operative Limited 70 Geylang Bahru #02-2719 Singapore 330070 Tel: 6391 9233 Fax: 6293 3460

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PP12-16.indd12-16.indd 1515 22/4/08/4/08 55:27:25:27:25 PMPM PP12-16.indd12-16.indd 1616 22/4/08/4/08 110:50:230:50:23 PMPM