Mr Desmond Choo: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade) how
will the Ministry ensure that new companies or investments brought into
Singapore are aligned to developing a strong Singapore core and progressive
workplace practices.
Written Answer (to be attributed to Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade and
Industry (Trade))
1. The Economic Development Board (EDB) adopts a targeted approach to
investment promotion, attracting projects that are in line with Singapore’s
competitive strengths, as well as our constraints in manpower, land and planned
international commitments on carbon emissions, to create good jobs for
Singaporeans. From 2011 to 2015, EDB secured commitments of S$65 billion
in fixed asset investments. These investments are expected to generate total
business expenditure per annum of S$34 billion, value-added per annum of
S$77 billion, as well as create 107,000 jobs when fully implemented.
2. The Government works with relevant educational institutions and
industry partners to ensure that Singaporeans are equipped with the skills to
take up good jobs. This is embodied in the national SkillsFuture movement,
which develops an integrated system of education, training and career
progression for all Singaporeans, promotes industry support for individuals to
advance based on skills, and fosters a culture of lifelong learning. One initiative
that encourages employers to develop a Singaporean core is the SkillsFuture
Earn and Learn Programme. This is a place-and-train programme for fresh
polytechnic and ITE graduates, who are matched with employers and have
SECRET
opportunities to learn through structured on-the-job and institution-based
training. This programme equips graduates with industry-relevant skills.
Those who successfully complete this programme receive industry-recognised
qualifications.
3. The Government also ensures that Singaporeans have a level playing
field for good jobs through the Fair Consideration Framework. It sets out clear
expectations for all companies to consider Singaporeans fairly for job and
career opportunities. In addition, all companies must comply with the Tripartite
Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices and have fair employment practices
that are open, merit-based and non-discriminatory.