3 august 2007 40 cents http://www.ntuc.org.sg MICA (P) 129/12/2006

Workers For Bringing The Workers Join The 500,000-Member SMEEU hit the ground well- Club. Join NTUC armed. Cameras for instant photographs for submission Message Home with the registration forms.Well- versed native speakers of the Tamil language. And with these, information sheets in three languages: English, Some of the Tamil and Bangladesh. While the first one was no workers are challenge, the other two were a feat. Sudip Kumar Nath, 30, very interested and Vidhya Sagar, 29, made it in upgrading possible. They both have been NTUC Members ever since they themselves, especially came to work in Singapore at the better educated Keppel Shipyard in 2004. n ones. They were I wanted fellow very keen to learn workers, who have more information on come far away from NTUC LearningHub’s home to enjoy the courses offered at same benefits that I subsidised rates. have. Many of them, like me, have found Patience And Care ... Mr Rasabalan at work as he conveys the message to workers on the ground. Piragasam Munisamy value in the 24-hour insurance coverage that would mean a lot By Naseema Banu Maideen their queries on the grounds, these queries and concerns with you,” said migrant workers saw the worth of Mr Rasabalan. to our families. The Shipbuilding and Marine parting with their nine-dollars as “Besides family and health, these Sudip Kumar Nath Engineering Employees’ Union has made subscription. workers valued upgrading opportunities,” the first move to reach out to recruit A significant benefit that tugged at said Mr Piragasam. workers who have crossed boundaries for their hearts - the NTUC Gift. With “Some of the workers are very There is better a living in Singapore. And this time, the the NTUC Gift, members are covered interested in upgrading themselves, connectivity as we hail Union has ventured right to their living for up to $30,000, for 24 hours, on and especially the better educated ones. from the same land premises to make this possible. Over three off work. They were very keen to learn more evenings in March, April and July, 159 Workers also saw much value in the information on NTUC LearningHub’s and speak the same migrant workers have become NTUC competitive medical fees offered with courses offered at subsidised rates.” language. They are Members. A first-of-its-kind recruitment NTUC membership. From between $12 The Union went the extra mile to better able to relate exercise for non-traditional sectors, the -$14, members can seek consultation extend the recruitment exercise further to us. Union set to work within the vicinities and medication at NTUC Medicare for two hours to accommodate workers of two different hostels which house Family Clinic located at 10 designated who were working overtime. Vidhya Sagar migrant workers in the shipbuilding and clinics across the island. It has been worth the while as these marine industry. workers who play a role in the blooming Having set foot on our land, migrant Making It Happen marine industry have now come onboard workers have become part of us, part of Before these benefits were conveyed to the labour movement to enjoy a pool of Singapore’s workforce. LM2011’s vision the majority of Indian and Bangladeshi benefits. n towards an inclusive labour movement nationals, the communication strives to embrace all nationalities as part barriers had to bridged. SMEEU’s of one family. As the labour movement Executive Committee Member provides benefits that are of relevance Piragasam Munisamy and Internal The Art to these workers, they are better able to Auditor Rasabalan Palayyan broke the identify themselves with its cause. barriers. of Ageing “Speaking to them in their languages Work In Mind, is the first step to breaking the ice. They Gracefully Family at Heart tend to identify with you and relate Close Scrutiny...The migrant workers As SMEEU’s and NTUC Membership more readily. Once they are comfortable Page 8 read deeply into the benefits of NTUC membership. Department’s recruiters of the day cleared with you, they begin to share their

l NDP... It’s More Than An Event Pg 2 l Saying Goodbye On The Best Of Terms Pg 6 l Commentary Pg 10 l  3 August 2007

NDP... It’s More Than An Event

By Yusof Lateef Pictures by Chin Boon Lian, Lum Ngia and Low Wee Poh

Five months, from the assembling of the contingent, internal training and rehearsals, combined rehearsals, preview and culminating with the actual show on 9 August 2007! And each time ranged from five to eight hours spent... Wow! “It has been a worthwhile effort and journey,” said NTUC Contingent Commander Peter Kwek of the National Transport Workers’ Union, “To me, it’s also a test of my ability to galvanise the team for a spectacular show. The whole nation... world is watching us on parade.” Well, he is not wrong, Mr Kwek has done the NTUC proud with his able leadership and consultative manner. To me, it’s also a test of Besides the younger participants, there are my ability to galvanise the parade veterans in the likes of Mr Leo Sequeira of Singapore Teachers’ Union and Mr Ng Hee Seng team for a spectacular show. of Amalgamated Union of Public Employees. The whole nation...world is Being the oldest participant and a parade watching us on parade. veteran for the last 30 years, Mr Sequeira, 63, is not about to slow down. In fact, he is also Peter Kwek an avid veteran runner in the inter-union cross country races organised by NTUC Club’s Sports & Wellness. to share with their fellow participants. “We try Mr Ng has participated under the NTUC to make the training and rehearsals interesting,” banner for the last 22 years. “I am quite happy said Miss Samsinah Hassan of The Singapore to participate to show that at 52 years old, I am Manual & Mercantile Workers’ Union. still fit and able to do it. This should be a form If last week’s preview is a good gauge, NTUC of motivation for the younger ones to come can stand proud and tall as the NTUC contingent Leadership-By-Example… Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean (second from forward and serve,” quipped Ng. come 9 August. right), Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen The participants not only take part in the The contingent will be given a send-off by (third from left) and Minister of State for Education and Manpower Gan Kim Yong (not in picture) join the teachers and students in the NDP’s National training and rehearsals, but also turn it into a NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Heng Chee How Education Show on 21 July 2007. “family picnic”. They cook and make sandwiches on National Day itself. n 3 AUGUST 2007 

Celebrate Singapore: City Of Possibilities

Catch NDP Live Fret not if you don’t have the NDP 2007 tickets. Besides watching the live telecast, you can get into the swing of thing by going to one of the four vantage points - Merlion Park, Fullerton Hotel, Esplanade Bridge and Esplanade - to catch the NDP highlights. Or you can catch all the celebratory activities from your mobile devices and computers by logging on to www.ndp.org.sg/infocomm .

NDP Highlights

6 pm & 7.30 pm 6.45 pm 6.50 pm 7 pm Red Lions Day & Night Free Fall State Flag Fly Past F-16s Fly Past and Bomb Burst Naval Divers Helocast Display

7.15 pm Apache Helicopter Aerial Display 7.55 pm & 8.10 pm Fireworks

7.10 pm Next Week: NDP 2007 Special Fast Interceptor Crafts, RHIBs NTUC This Week will carry the pictures 7.05 pm and PCG DisplayGiant Jellyfish 7.20 pm of the NDP 2007, the “Young NTUC Water Curtain Explosion around Marina Bay Dream Ship Celebrates! National Day 2007”’s largest human Singapore flag and National Day Observance Ceremonies.  3 August 2007

Club Happenings nEbO Kicks Off Its Care Programme Clearly Caring

By Jenny Toh Operations Manager, NTUC Club nEbO members, together with students of Institute of Technical Education College East’s Beauty Therapy nEbO Care Community pampered and smoothened more Department, gave the seniors a VIP treatment with a warm than the wrinkled faces of 20 seniors from NTUC ElderCare welcome before the hour-long facial and shoulder massage. with its first outreach project on Friday, 20 July 2007. It was Some elderly were seen drifting off into dreamland after the its way of showing its appreciation and care for the elderly short pampering. They had to be roused from their peaceful Feeling Comfortable... Seniors from ElderCare getting pampered. who have given so much to the community. slumber for the lunch that followed the massage.

Union Box

New Exco For UWEEI UWEEI has a new line-up for its Executive Committee for the term 2006-2010. President Francis Lim Pan Hong Vice-President Fahmi Abu Bakar General Secretary Cyrille Tan Soo Leng 1st Assistant General Secretary Yusope Soeratin 2nd Assistant General Secretary Lim Swee Hock Executive Secretary Halimah Yacob Deputy Executive Secretary Ong Keau Assistant Executive Secretary Neo Gim Kian General Treasurer Tan Richard Asst General Treasurer Loke Yuet Yeng Council Members Jason Lee Seh Kiat Patsy Oon Geok Hoon Tan Lye Huat Thomas Ong Woon Hwee Wu Leong Seng Catherine Chia Cheng Kiow Ng Hai Leng Raymond See Hock Hin David Phang Jek Twoon Peh Hwee Been Hamzah Mohd Nor Internal Auditors Lim Ka Hock Goh Hoon Tien KSSU Has Moved

Keppel Services Staff Union is now at: 10 Hoe Chiang Road #04-02A Keppel Towers Singapore 089315

Tel: 6324 9086 Fax: 6221 0216 Email: [email protected] 3 AUGUST 2007  Childcare, Eldercare To Share $243,000 Raised At Charity Golf Game Caring For The By Jansen Yeo Young And Old Two smaller cooperatives that NTUC Childcare offers full-day early deliver high social impact have received childcare and preschool education to a shot in the arm. NTUC Childcare nearly 4,000 children at its 40 centres Co-operative Limited and NTUC and provides monthly subsidies of ElderCare Co-operative Limited will between $75 and $100 for each share the $243,000 raised at the NTUC child; NTUC ElderCare operates four Charity Golf game played at Orchid social daycare centres and provides Country Club on 10 July 2007. a range of auxiliary services for the It is the LM2011 philosophy of elderly. Each of its 120 clients is given Labour Movement For All and All For a subsidy of $220 per month. Labour Movement that drives the bigger cooperatives to dip into their pockets Tripartite Solidarity... Teeing off for a good cause. to help fund smaller cooperatives and have surpassed our target of $200,000 Amalgamated Union of Public Employees Union. Singapore Totalisator Board cooperatives that deliver high impact because the donors understood that it’s Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society also made a donation of $20,000, while but enjoy little profitability. for a good cause.” Limited, NTUC Choice Homes Co- DaimlerChrysler South East Asia Private Vice-Chairman of the event’s The larger portion of the funds raised operative Limited, NTUC Club, NTUC Limited (Singapore Operations) sponsored organising committee Tan Chai Kun at the golf game came from donations Thrift & Loan Co-operative Limited a Mercedes Benz B-Class for a hole-in-one said: “This event is very successful. We from the Singapore Labour Foundation, and Public Utilities Board Employees’ achievement. No one won. n

Unions Incentivise Students With Bursary Awards And Scholarships ‘Seedlings’ Grow From Books Nurturing The Love For Learning It’s really The best present any parent can receive from good that his child is continuous improvement in his academic performance. This was shared by Singapore Industrial the union and Services Employees’ Union Executive Secretary is helping Josephine Teo, herself a mother of three school-going children. us with our Speaking at SISEU’s Scholarship, Bursary and children’s Progress Awards Presentation at the Toa Payoh Housing Development Board Hub Auditorium on 23 June 2007, education Mrs Teo said: “We aim to see our children continually expenses. strive for better results and personal growth. I hope all you children will show your due appreciation to your parents Anxious Looks On Their Faces... The young recipients, seen here with MIWU Exco Members, were eager Goh Lian Hoe by making continuous improvement in your academic to go make their purchases at the bookstore. performance.” The awards underline the union’s commitment to Many wasted no time in making purchases within which was launched on 18 June 2007 to assist the invest in the education of its members’ children. The the hour that they received book vouchers; some children of low-income members. Progress Award was introduced this year as an added bought story books, while others bought school “It’s really good that the union is helping us with incentive for children to seek continuous improvement supplementary workbooks. our children’s education expenses. The cash grant and eventually be able to qualify for the scholarship There were also some who did not buy anything on will be used for Parry to go to and from school,” said award. the spot but knew exactly how they would be using Mr Goh. A total of 291 scholarships, bursary and progress awards the book vouchers. MIWU also presented “How to Study”, a motivational amounting to more than $50,000 were presented. n “I will help my son buy more enrichment and book, to each of the award winners. assessment books when he has completed the “After reading the book, I hope to learn more workbooks he has at home,” said Mr Goh Lian Hoe, a effective methods of studying and improve my grades,” member of Hitachi Koki Branch, whose son, Parry Goh said Parry, who’s in Primary 3. Chong Min, received a primary school award. The Young Seedlings awards were presented at Parry was one of 30 primary pupils and 20 secondary Popular Bookstore at Bras Basah Road on 7 July 2007. students who received book vouchers and cash grants MIWU arranged with the bookstore to offer discounts from the Metal Industries Workers’ Union’s Young for purchases made during the day so that the recipients Seedlings Programme. Each child in primary school could buy more with the vouchers they had. received $70 worth of book vouchers and $30 in cash, Mr Manfred Yap from Makino Asia Branch, spent while each child in secondary school was presented time with his two children reading and purchasing with $100 worth of book vouchers and $50 in cash. story books, assessment books and art stationery sets The MIWU Young Seedlings Programme is the first after the presentation awards. under the union’s Workfare Initiatives Programme “My children love reading,” said Mr Yap. n The Young Ones... Continuing to progress.

Additional reporting by Florence Ng (MIWU) and Sylvia Choo (SISEU).  3 August 2007 Saying Goodbye On The Best Of Terms Retrenchment is a word all workers dread but it is a reality. In times of such crisis, the labour movement will act swiftly to help workers in all ways possible, from negotiation of workers’ benefits to helping them secure employment elsewhere.

By Jansen Yeo Easing The Retrenchments are always hard on workers. So when the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers’ Union Pain Of successfully negotiated a package that covered all union members, one group heaved a sigh of relief. This group consists of employees with less than three years of Laid-Off service and those above 62 years of age. The FDAWU and Hotel Phoenix Singapore’s management had started Workers negotiating for the retrenchment package for workers whose benefits were not Techno Vision, a subsidiary provided for in the CA, in May this Asahi of Asahi Glass Company Limited, will year. This was even before the official be stopping its operations in Singapore, announcements were made by the hotel affecting 399 employees. This came on 19 July 2007. It is discontinuing about despite earlier restructuring efforts its services on 1 August 2007 for a including the first retrenchment of 200 refurbishment taking approximately three workers in July 2006. years. Out of 147 employees, 69 were Following the settlement of a fair union members. Smooth Transition… About 20 per cent of the retrenched workers find employment at the job fair retrenchment package, the Chemical The result of this negotiation was jointly organised by the FDAWU, NTUC EED, SNEF and Hotel Phoenix. Industries Employees’ Union and satisfactory for all. Besides the benefits ATV management moved on to the stated in the CA, those with less than clarify any doubts they had on the closure, best possible outcome for members in next important agenda: Finding new three years of service received 0.75 the union conducted two communication this otherwise unfortunate episode of employment for the affected workers. months pay for every year of service and 2 sessions with its members. A job fair, retrenchment,” said FDAWU General CIEU connected with the branches months pay in-lieu of notice. For workers held from 23 to 24 July 2007, was jointly Secretary Tan Hock Soon. under its care on the availability of job above 62, they received 4 months ex organised by the FDAWU, NTUC’s The management also enjoys a very vacancies and provided the recruiting gratia and one month notice pay as per Employability Enhancement Department, close relationship with its workers. When companies with the workers’ profiles for their contract. Singapore National Employers Federation the hotel announced its decision to close suitable job matches. At the same time, The good relationship between the and Hotel Phoenix. The job fair, featuring for a refurbishment, helping its employees CIEU also explored job opportunities in union and management was a key factor 23 employers, was organised to help secure new jobs was at the top of the other sectors by linking up with other in the successful negotiations. workers who have not already found new minds of the management. “We want to unions on job vacancies. “The labour–management jobs, to apply for jobs in the hotel industry, make sure all our colleagues are taken care Together with NTUC EED, CIEU relationship here has been cordial security firms and NTUC FairPrice. of. We want to get all our staff employed,” conducted job briefing sessions for all and transparent. There was never According to the union, about 20 per said Hotel Phoenix’s Managing Director its members at the company’s premises. a need to doubt the resolve and cent of the workers found employment Noel Hawkes. With the management’s support, the integrity of both parties to ensure the at the job fair. n To reassure FDAWU members and to workers were given time-off to attend these briefings and job interviews with a The job fair’s T h e u n i o n They’re prospective employer at its premises. very good. We need protects workers wonderful! They’re The retrenchment exercise was jobs and with the at times like this. the best. They’ll be carried out between 16 and 18 July job fair, we don’t W e f e e l m o r e an asset to their 2007. During which, the ATV Branch have to go around secured. Even if we future employers. Committee dispensed NTUC FairPrice vouchers worth $11,800 to the affected looking for jobs. get retrenched, we It’s like they are members. have better chances to find adopting my children. Looking forward, job placement will continue to be the top priority of CIEU Andrew Ng other jobs. Shirley Yong Hotel Phoenix Branch Chairman and and ATV to ensure that the affected Hotel Phoenix Branch Secretary Noel Hawkes Pastry Chef workers find suitable employment. n and Linen Attendant Hotel Phoenix Managing Director Mid-year Joy For Hotel’s Staff Good labour-management relations go a long way efforts to achieve better revenue for the months ahead,” management relationship has greatly benefited the towards the benefits of workers. FDAWU’s consultative said Riverview Hotel General Manager Harry Leong. workers. “The union and management have been ties with its management partners in the hotel industry This view was echoed by Meritus Mandarin General working together with great mutual respect, have given it some clout to seek greater rewards for its Manager Raymond Ang: “In a highly competitive understanding and caring towards the needs of members when the economy is doing well. Riverview industry like ours where service is the lifeline, this reward the members. Due to this relationship, it has been Hotel and Meritus Mandarin Singapore had given out is driven by the dual purpose of appreciating our staff quite smooth sailing in getting members numerous mid-year bonuses to eligible staff. for their hard work and attracting even more talent to benefits under the CA, annual increment, bonuses “The hotel wants to share the good results with all staff join us.” and solving ground-level issues,” said Riverview and hopes that the staff will continue to put in their best From the union’s perspective, the strong labour- Hotel Branch Chairman Mohamed Ali. n 3 AUGUST 2007  Employment Situation Looking Up

The resident unemployment rate also fell to We call on By Marcus Lin 3.2 per cent in June 2007 from 4 per cent in more employers March 2007 and 3.5 per cent in June 2006. The employment situation for NTUC welcomed the encouraging record to adopt good Singapore in the second quarter of 2007 figures and, in the face of the inevitability of employment was buoyant, going by preliminary estimates supplementing the workforce with foreign released by the Ministry of Manpower on 31 manpower, urged employers to employ more practices that July 2007. older workers and female Singaporeans to would help Against a backdrop of robust economic contribute to the economy. in the re- growth, total employment in all the major Nominated Member of Parliament and sectors grew by a record quarterly high of NTUC Industrial Relations Department employability of 61,900. This was much higher than the Director Cham Hui Fong said: “We call on more older workers, as increase of 49,400 in the previous quarter and employers to adopt good employment practices they can still add 36,400 in the same quarter a year ago. that would help in the re-employability of Retrenchment eased up with 1,600 workers older workers, as they can still add value to value to their laid off in the same period, compared with their companies and the economy.” companies and 1,964 in the previous quarter and 3,263 in the NTUC Assistant Secretary-General the economy. corresponding period a year ago. Madam Halimah Yacob said: “We encourage The seasonally adjusted overall more employers to leverage on the strength of Cham Hui Fong unemployment rate also posted a drop to 2.4 the local female population, many of whom per cent in June 2007 from 2.9 per cent in have left the workforce mid-way through their March 2007 and 2.7 per cent in June 2006. careers to raise their children”. n

Bring Them Back Into The Workforce their employers on implementing work- It is not only good life strategies as this is one way of helping more women get back to work. for employees but is However, more can be done to ease good for businesses women back into the workforce. This and other work-life issues were given an as well as they will be airing at the Work-Life Conference 2007, better able to retain held at Orchard Hotel on 24 July and 25 July 2007. good employees. “Women become frustrated when they Madam Halimah Yacob on the fall out of the labour market. They have benefits of adopting good work-life spent time, effort and money on their balance. education and they feel that they’re not fulfilling their potential.” said Madam tranche of $10 million was fully committed Halimah who is the Director for NTUC in April 2007 and the Government has Women Programme. decided to top-up the fund with another The Tripartite Committee on work-life $10 million. Unanimity… The panelists agree that work-life friendly measures in the workplaces are good for the strategies was formed to devise strategies Good work-life balance is a win- economy, employers and employees. to help workers lead a more balanced and win situation. “It is not only good for By Jansen Yeo fulfilling life. employees but is good for businesses as to implement work-life programmes, Employers can tap on the WoW! Fund well as they will be better able to retain NTUC has set a target of getting 500 NTUC Women’s Programme wants to to help facilitate the implementation of good employees,” said Madam Halimah, women back into the workforce in the next have more companies on board. Unions work-life measures at their workplace. “Essentially, the economy cannot power 12 months. Working with eight companies are encouraged to initiate discussions with Introduced in August 2004, the fund’s first ahead with inadequate manpower.” n

The HP Way Overall, Family For We care for our officers Hewlett-Packard Singapore has a work-life work-life philosophy in place with programmes focus helps Family including like flexible working arrangements, benefits, social achieve St Hilda’s Primary young mothers and recreational activities for its employees. School believes in H.O.P.E. and take Its Director of Human Resource Foo Chiew a more It stands for Helping Eng elaborated: “At HP, employees and managers motivated, Others to Progress and into account are encouraged to discuss and find the best way and productive Excel. For the teachers, it their family needs in our to help employees balance their work-life to means balancing work and deployment of staff. meet business and individual goals. Promoting workforce. Our family. For students, it is to work-life balance enhances productivity, employees are do well in school. Work- optimises effectiveness, and enables sustained happier, healthier and life harmony at the school Danny Poh contribution.” involves creating a school Vice-Principal As a result of its work-life policy, HP has an more engaged. culture of inclusiveness, St Hilda’s Primary School attrition rate that’s lower than the industry. n Foo Chiew Eng care and trust. n  3 August 2007

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c Raise Employability of Older Workers & Effective Retirement Age y

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The Tripartite Committee on Employability of Older Workers was set up in March 2005 with two key objectives: To enhance the employability of older workers and help them stay employed longer so as to raise the effective retirement age beyond 62 years and to shape positive perceptions and mindsets of employers, employees and public towards their employment. NTUC supports this national initiative with its 3R strategy: Recruit workers aged 40 years and above, Retain workers aged 55 to 61 years and Re-employ workers aged 62 years and above.

The Art of Ageing Gracefully Many of us are still trapped in the thinking that we will not live past 70 years, and we want to retire and enjoy ourselves. How many of us have enough money to do so? When we survive to 65 years of age, we have another 18 years to go! Do we have enough in our CPF cash balances and our bank accounts to stop working. Lim Boon Heng

The Swinging Sixties... Life can be as sweet as you want it to be.

it’s since gone further up. Moreover, in Singapore’s economic growth from third in a state of denial as reality has an 2005 the life expectancy on reaching world to first with corresponding better uncanny knack for staring us in the By Marcus Lin age 65 had also gone progressively up quality of life, diet and so on. But it’s also face. The writing is on the wall and the to 18.1 years. food for thought as it begs the question message is clear. Like it or not, greying “When I get older, losing my hair how many of us can remain hale and people won’t just go away and the key many years from now, will you still Trapped hearty in dotage spending time out and is successful ageing. be sending me a valentine, birthday Statistics don’t lie. The upshot is that if about and not in geriatric wards. greetings, bottle of wine? If I’ve been nature takes its full course, the odds are Rainy Days out till a quarter to three, would you that many can live up to the ripe old age New World Order Unless you live in a Peter Pan utopia lock the door? Will you still need me, of at least 83 years. This is barring acts A worldwide ageing phenomenon is at of eternal youth, the cold facts are will you still feed me when I’m 64?” So of God, unhealthy lifestyles, accidents, our doorstep and demographers project that lest we take ownership of our sang the Beatles in 1967 in their ditty inexplicable illnesses, unforeseen that Singapore will have more than health our get up and go would have “When I’m 64” about the insecurities calamitous events and other nasty 500,000 people aged 65 and above by got up and gone before we know it, and angst of ageing when they were still surprises do not spoil the plot. 2020. Bearing in mind Singapore’s size, and the afflictions of age will kick in young and beautiful in an England who According to the NTUC Immediate it would be quite a sight to behold with leaving us wondering what hit us. Not had so gloriously won the soccer World Past Secretary-General Lim Boon Heng: permutations aplenty. Put graphically, everyone has the financial nous to have Cup the year before. Singapore was then “Many of us are still trapped in the that’s about one in every four persons squirrelled away a tidy sum in their nest- all of two years old and grappling with thinking that we will not live past 70 based on an approximate population eggs for that proverbial rainy day. Most teething problems of forging a national years, and we want to retire and enjoy of 4 million in a land area of 704 sq of us are at the mercy of the vagaries of identity. ourselves. How many of us have enough km whose needs cannot be overlooked. the economy, the fickleness of fate and When Singapore achieved money to do so? When we survive to 65 We will quickly have to get acquainted fortune and the uncertainties of a world independence in 1965, official statistics years of age, we have another 18 years with words like sexagenarians, with no absolutes. reveal the life expectancy at birth was to go! Do we have enough in our CPF septuagenarians, octogenarians and It all boils down to a question of 64.5 years. Forty years down the road cash balances and our bank accounts to nonagenarians. health and money, in that order. Are in 2005, this figure rose to 79.6 years. stop working.” Fatalists may put things down to we healthy enough and have sufficient This was an increase of about 15 years It’s hardly surprising when one sees destiny and hope providence won’t funds to lead quality lives in our later and you can bet your next birthday that this upward curve is in tandem with leave us in the lurch, but we can’t be years? 3 AUGUST 2007 

Survey Shows Singaporeans Upbeat About Retirement

An interesting recent global future retirement income”. associating it with more time to pursue However, Singaporeans emerged tops in retirement survey on 11,590 respondents The survey also revealed that interests, enjoying life and giving back the feeling that the individuals should The Art of Ageing Gracefully from 16 countries conducted by AXA Life “Singaporeans feel that 65-year-old to society through charity and voluntary be responsible for retirement planning. Insurance profiled 306 working adults aged workers are still fit to contribute; they work. Working Singaporeans considered It also showed that they expected some 25 and over, and 305 retired people under wish to continue working after they are 67 as “old” while retirees put it at 72 reforms in CPF in terms of extending the 75 years of age in Singapore. In a wide- retired and are not opposed to extending compared to the US where its 77 and 81 retirement age and changes in benefits ranging survey, it claimed Singaporeans the retirement age to 65 years”. During respectively. Most working Singaporean and most were satisfied with Medisave are positive about retirement but may not retirement, Singaporeans topped the adults wanted to retire at 54 with actual as their health protection scheme. They have enough to retire. It said Singaporeans international list in terms of engaging in age being 59 while the retirees who retired also topped the list in having the most “are the second youngest in the world in activities to stay healthy; sports, travel, at 56 wished they had done so at 60. number wanting to carry on working terms of wanting to retire early, yet almost volunteer work and activities involving Singapore ranked one of the lowest in after retirement. The survey also showed half of them have not started preparing social contact. terms of retirement income sufficiency Singaporeans were by and large health- for their retirement and more than 60 More than seven in 10 Singaporeans’ but are starting to plan at an earlier age, conscious and knew how to enjoy the per cent of them do not even know their perceptions of retirement were optimistic, though still lagging behind many countries. finer things in life.n

Food For Thought - Conclusions From The Survey On The Financial Side Of Things On The Social Side Of Things • Singaporeans are slowly becoming aware of • Singaporeans are positive about retirement and have remained so since 2005. retirement planning. They start planning earlier • Singaporeans want to retire second youngest in the world at 54 years. (33 compared to 37 in 2005). However they are • Singaporeans will consider working after they are retired and are not opposed still third oldest among the countries surveyed to extending the retirement age to 65 years. They feel that 65 year old workers and only half are actively planning for their are still fit to contribute. retirement. • Singaporeans see themselves being active in retirement, occupying their time • Singaporeans are still optimistic that their with travel, pursuing hobbies, doing volunteer work and spending time with standard of living will be good after retirement. friends and family. However, given that six out of 10 do not know • Family bonding is still strong in Singapore with more than half working what their retirement income will be, there is no Singaporeans agreeing to support their parents with regular visits and through basis for this positive feeling. financial and material means. • Singaporeans rely on CPF funds, their own savings • Most Singaporeans keep healthy by exercising, having good sleep and rest and and life insurance for their retirement income. avoiding alcohol and smoking. They will consume health products to keep active • Singaporeans are setting aside more income for and healthy too. their retirement and have a bigger net balance • Both retired and working Singaporeans spend an average of 7 hours a week on compared to 2005. the Internet. They enjoy chatting on the Internet to meet friends and their usage • Singaporeans expect some reforms in CPF in terms for banking and purchasing financial products is low. They surf for information of extending the retirement age and changes in and visit blogs. benefits. • Both retired and working Singaporeans spend an average of 7 hours a week • Singaporeans’ main worries are not having on the Internet. They enjoy chatting on the Internet to meet friends and their sufficient funds and suffering from health issues usage for banking and purchasing financial products is low. They surf for in their later years. information and visit blogs. • Majority of Singaporeans are satisfied with • Like most Asians, Singaporeans have high ownership of mobile phones and Medisave as their health protection scheme. n personal computers with Internet access n

Make Your Money Work For most Singaporeans apart from This MS does not have to sit pretty. finance companies who have introduced Policyholders can invest a lump sum the rich, our single biggest outlay is It can be used to purchase a life annuity, products to cater to this expanding amount or top-up investments using our home which takes a sizeable chunk be placed as a fixed deposit with a bank market of mid-lifers. CPF or cash or invest regularly or top- from our CPF savings. Then there is or left in the CPF to attract interest A sampling includes AXA Life up investments using cash. Hong Leong the CPF Minimum Sum to be withheld while one carries on working during Insurance who, though they do not offer Finance offers the Golden 55 Plus fixed on reaching 55, currently pegged at this “bridge” period to the 62-year or any annuity plans, have investment- deposit-linked-savings account targeting $99,600, which is essentially a nest-egg beyond milestone. Many are aware link plans with an optional automated senor citizens aged 55 and above with set aside for CPF members’ upkeep in of the aforesaid three options, but regular withdrawal feature that can upfront interest credited to the savings their twilight years. there are also many insurance and work as a retirement income solution. account every month. n

10 3 AUGUST 2007

Commentary

Beyond A Passion To Serve Hongkong: One Up For Workers The signature campaign by Hong Kong Disneyland’s kitchen cleaning staff calling for more rest days, better pay By Shona Tan and working conditions have yielded some progress. Following the campaign Just a couple weeks ago, we visited by the Union Network International, the Tangs at VivoCity as part of a Learning management arranged to meet with Journey to find out how Tangs had made staff and union representatives. The use of Customer-centric Initiative at outcome has been increased staffing the workplace. They shared how over levels, a better scheduling system many months, the organisation has been and two scheduled rest days a week wherever possible. working hard to adopt a framework to “Behind the glamour of Disney there gear the staff up to be customer-centric are low paid workers who deserve a and based on customer feedback, the far better deal,” said Elaine Hui, who results have been outstanding. Having is coordinating the UNI project to shopped at Tangs recently, I can say organise Disney workers in Hong Kong. that my shopping experience there “We welcome this early progress and was a pleasant one because of the good will re-double our efforts to build union strength to tackle the pay issues.” service. Having now been on board NTUC- Collective Might… Identifying the values and attributes that are common amongst us will strengthen US: To Be Or Not To Be Administration & Research Unit for our journey towards LM2011. Workers at Toyota Motor Corporation’s six months, what has struck me most flagship United States plant are divided has been the passion and commitment adopt this as part of their branding Currently, most unions across the on the issue of unionisation. Supporters from unionists and staff as everyone strategy and as we move from a “great to world face a decline in membership but are battling to convince doubters that races ahead to make the lives of working great” labour movement, I would urge here in Singapore, union membership joining the United Auto Workers union people in Singapore a better and more that we first identify what is the common continues to grow and soon we will will improve their lives. Mr CJ James, 46, meaningful one. Certainly, everyone’s “DNA” amongst us. recruit our 500,000th was convinced it was time to unionise m e m b e r. A s w e after suffering repetitive stress injuries effort should be applauded! In fact, this is how and watching her co-workers break However, as we embark on the many great and long Great brands increase the number down. “I’ve watched hundreds come journey towards LM2011 to roll lasting brands are are not only able to of members we have, and go, some so crippled they can no out many initiatives and tackle a built across the globe. a challenge for us will longer work, and they have to fight the great number of issues, we must not Great brands are not provide great service, be how we continue company to get any kind of benefits or only serve with passion but with the only able to provide but they build on that to service the needs worker’s compensation,” said Mr James. However, not everyone was convinced. customer in mind. Furthermore, as great service, but they service relationship to of all our members. As we compete They pointed out the job losses at we are a large family with so many build on that service provide an emotional General Motors Corporation, Ford parts of the organisation doing quite r e l a t i o n s h i p t o for members, the Motor Company and DaimlerChrysler different things, the fundamental provide an emotional connection with their key challenge will Corporation as evidence of union failure. question remains – how do we set a connection with customers such that be not just how to standard of service that can be seen their customers such attract but retain UK: Here They Come consistently across all our customer that the customers the customers are no them by making The lure of higher wages and a better touch points. We all know that regardless are no longer just longer just customers, t h e m b e l i e v e r s standard of living has attracted more of whether you are a retailer, a government c u s t o m e r s , b u t but become believers. i n t h e l a b o u r foreign migrants to work in Northern or in our case a labour movement, quality become believers. movement. Ireland. Coming from Portugal, Poland And when customers I believe we can if and other East European countries, customer service is what will help to touch And when customers the workers have more than doubled the hearts of the people we serve. become believers, become believers, we can identify the last year. Coordinator of South So how can we do this? One way would they stick with that they stick with that values and attributes Tyrone Empowerment Programme’s be that as a labour movement united by a “brand” for life. Just that are already Dungannon Migrant Support Group common cause, that we articulate a set of take Apple’s latest “brand” for life. common amongst Bernadette McAliskey said the presence common values to guide us in the things product, the iPhone. us. Collectively, of the migrants had boosted the that we do. We all have within us our Despite numerous because we take economy. “People are coming because responsibility for these shared values their money is worth so much more own set of values, but as we are drawn to media reports about usage issues for the at home. They are contributing to the work together in the labour movement, phone, I know many an Apple fan who and attributes, this will strengthen economy and paying taxes and sending could we not identify values that are would still purchase one when the product our journey towards LM2011 and money home.” common to us? Most great organisations hits the streets in Singapore. beyond. n

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Chat With Joyce

Which NTUC FairPrice Supermarket do you frequent? Coronation Plaza, because it’s nearest to where I live, and stocks practically everything I need. It has a good selection of fresh vegetables and sufficient cuts of meat. A fresh supply comes in on Thursdays, which also happens to be my day off. My kids also love the gourmet sausages, and we buy ham and bacon as well. Where else do you shop? I look for Australian beef at NTUC FairPrice Bukit Timah Plaza and I’ve found the brand of curry powder I used to buy back from Malacca at the Marine Parade outlet. What insurance policies do you hold with NTUC Income? My husband, Winston Hwang, who’s also a general practitioner, and I bought the Young Family Policy just after we got married about 20 years ago. Which NTUC facilities do you use? My two daughters, Michelle and Elizabeth, like to go to Downtown East with their schoolmates. They love Wild Wild Wet! They have had a few stayovers at the chalet just so they could be among the first at the theme park the next day. They are looking forward to the 32-lane bowling centre which will be opening To The World next year. We also frequent Orchid Bowl at the various By Jansen Yeo female winner of Project SuperStar Singapore 2006. Mr locations. My eldest son, Christopher, and Michelle Wu is also producing an album for Darren Tan, the male bowl, and for almost two years, Christopher, who is If you count the number of “homegrown” singers winner of Project SuperStar Singapore 2007. now in Secondary 3, was training daily at Orchid that Singapore has produced, Joyce Liang must be Dr Liang’s album, Close To Me, is a collection of 11 Country Club with the Singapore Sports School until included as one. ballads such as You Raise Me Up, Sway and We’ve Only the school set up its own bowling centre. We have Her first concert was at her home, to an appreciative Just Begun. While it may have started off as an album come to know the staff at the cafe well, and were just audience of more than 80. The show, which spanned for posterity, the clear quality of Dr Liang’s voice soon at Steven Chua’s Orchid “Live” Seafood Restaurant eight Broadway hits complete with three costume caught the attention of EQ Music, which offered to re- two weekends ago. My husband and I also play an changes, was so well received that every one of her master her album into audiophile format and distribute occasional round of golf with friends at OCC. guests begged her for an encore – at The Esplanade it. It was released at music stores on 28 July 2007. On Michelle, who is in Secondary 2, competed in the no less! The general practitioner has since performed that same day, EQ Music informed Dr Liang that it will National Schools “C” Division Bowling Championship there, though not in a solo capacity, last month – in be distributing her CD in Thailand. at SAFRA Yishun Country Club recently. Her school Georgette, an original musical by Ng Yi Sheng, as well Dr Liang, although a newcomer to the commercial normally trains at SAFRA Mt Faber. It was also at as a number of concerts as part of the Philharmonic music scene, is not unfamiliar as a performing artiste. SAFRA Mt Faber that Christopher bowled his first Chamber Choir. The mother of three has performed in musicals with the perfect game of 300, during the 37th AIA Singapore When Dr Liang, 44, wanted to produce an album as Singapore Theatre America Repertory Showcase and National Bowling Championship last year. So this is a keepsake for family and friends, she approached Kenn has travelled around the United States of America with an extra special place in our hearts! n Wu, the man behind Kelly Poon’s album. Kelly was the a Christian singing group, The Continental Singers. n

Wedding Bliss

The sounds of bagpipes filled the chapel as the bride walked in. It added a distinct Scottish flavour to mark the marriage of Labour Member of Parliament Irene Ng and Scotsman Graham Berry. The church blessing took place at the Church of Singapore on 28 July 2007. This followed the solemnisation of their marriage which took place in Scotland on 7 July 2007. About 350 family members and guests attended the wedding. They included President SR Nathan and Mrs Nathan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Madam Ho Ching, Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament. Prominent members of the labour movement were also there to extend their well wishes to the couple. They were NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say, NTUC President John De Payva, NTUC Central Committee Members and many more from Love Is In The Air…It was love first at first sight for the lovebirds. Mr Graham Berry proposed to Miss Irene Ng after a 2-month the NTUC Family. n whirlwind romance. 1220062007 年年118月302日日 评论

撰文：陈莎美

更正

本报上一周的封面，报道德士师傅协会联合职总英康推广康保双全保单，其中 会员折扣的部分，“保期5年以下、保期5-8年、保期8年以上”，应改为“会龄5年以 下、会龄5-8年、会龄8年以上”，特此更正。 20062007 年年118月023日日 13

王得天报道 1420062007 年年118月302日日 20062007 年年118月023日日 15

王得天报道 职总青年团

表演者感言 2007年8月3日 售价40¢ 网址 http://www.ntuc.org.sg MICA (P)129/12/2006

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