By MP for Aljunied GRC, Low Thia Khiang
[Delivered in Committee of Supply on 9 March 2015]
The SkillsFuture initiative has the potential to transform our human capital development, which will increasingly drive economic development at the national and individual level. To achieve the objective, it will need to be properly implemented.
I would like to know the road map for implementing the various programs under the SkillsFuture initiative.
I hope that the SkillsFuture council will educate both local and foreign companies about how they can draw on Singaporean talent from our educational institutes using schemes like Learn as you Earn, as well as the various benefits of hiring Singaporeans, such as 90% subsidy for training for employees above age 40.
SkillsFuture Leadership Development targeted to support career progression of the PMET. I understand that EDB currently has program on this, I would like to know how does SkillsFuture initiative strengthen the program or will there be new programs?
SkillsFuture, together with the MOM’s Fair Consideration Framework, should ensure that Singaporeans face equal opportunities for hiring and career progression in all companies.
We should also work with employers to identify any gaps in Singaporean employability and promotion-readiness and fix these issues in the education sector.
Some commentators have said corporate leadership success requires qualities other than cognitive intelligence – such as communication skills, social skills, initiative, diversity of thought and confidence. We should ensure that our education and training landscape equips Singaporeans with the ability to compete for career progression on their own merits.
There should be no glass ceilings for Singaporeans. Nor should we accept gaps in the employability or career-readiness of Singaporeans.