Question

Mr Leong Mun Wai: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) what is the Ministry’s forecast of job creation in the industries covered by Industry Transformation Maps; and (b) what steps is the Government taking to meet those demands.

Written Answer by Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Gan Kim Yong

1. The Industry Transformation Maps (ITMs) were launched from 2016. From December 2016 to December 2019, total employment across the economy increased by about 111,400.

2. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our economic development. The Future Economy Council (FEC), chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, has therefore launched ITM 2025, to refresh all 23 ITMs to address the structural shifts from COVID-19. ITM 2025 reviews are currently in progress, and updates will be shared progressively.

3. Meanwhile, the Government continues to support our businesses and workers through this pandemic, and prepare for a changed future. The SME Working Capital Loan and Temporary Bridging Loan Programme help businesses tide through these difficult times. Programmes such as the Jobs Support Scheme and Jobs Growth Incentive encourage businesses to hire and retain their local staff. Tripartite partners are also working closely together to uplift the productivity and wages of our workers, create good jobs, and prepare Singaporeans for future jobs and skills.