by MP for Aljunied GRC, Low Thia Khiang
Chairman Sir,
1. Weaning the economy off foreign labour requires us to look inwards to our existing pool of elderly workers, retirees and homemakers. We share the view of the Finance Minister that many of our homemakers and Singaporeans who retired early are willing to work, either part-time or full-time.
2. We are a small nation with a small population; it is imperative that we find ways to maximize our manpower needs to meet the requirements of the economy to grow and to compete globally.
3. Older workers as potential employees in the workforce differ in abilities, desires, and needs. Hence, re-integrating them into the workforce may call for customised approaches depending on their abilities and aspirations. Re-integrating a retired professional versus re-integrating a production worker would require different approaches.
4. I would like to know what programs MOM has to encourage industries to redesign work processes for elderly workers and how successful these programs are.
5. Homemakers who wish to join or re-join the workforce are another pool of human resource. However, attracting them into the workforce has a different set of challenges. I would also like to know what progress has been made in this area so far?
6. Given the various schemes in place for training and retraining, how does the Ministry measure the effectiveness of its programmes and what other strategies does the Ministry have to further encourage these groups back to the workforce?
7. Besides working conditions, attractive pay and flexi-work hours, I believe proximity to their homes is another important factor for them.
8. The government may want to relook at the land use and usage of property in residential areas to allow some suitable industries to be located within the residential zone.