SPEECH BY MR LIM HNG KIANG, MINISTER FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, AT THE NATIONAL DAY OBSERVANCE CEREMONY HELD AT MURATA ELECTRONICS SINGAPORE PTE LTD ON FRIDAY, 10 AUGUST 2007 AT 8.30 AM
Mr Masatoshi Koike, Managing Director of Murata Electronics SingaporeMr Cyrille Tan, General Secretary of United Workers of Electronic and Electrical Industries
Comrades and friends
A very good morning to all
Introduction
It is my pleasure to be here to join you in celebrating our country’s 42nd birthday. As we celebrate, I am happy to highlight that Singapore’s GDP has achieved a sterling GDP growth of 7.6% for the first half of this year.With strong growth in most industry sectors, including manufacturing, we are confident of achieving good overall growth for 2007. As such, MTI has revised the economic growth forecast from 5% to 7% to7% to 8% for 2007.
Today, with economic expansion, job creation and employment at a record high, it is important to recognise that these have not come about by chance but are a result of our constant drive to maintain our competitiveness and focus in achieving high labour productivity with respect to other rapidly growing Asian economies such as China and India.
The recent Ministry of Manpower
employment report showed that the number of retrenched workers in
the 2nd Quarter has dropped to 1,600 from 1,964 in the
1st Quarter of this year.However, about 1,100 of them
have come from the manufacturing industry, mainly from the
electronics sector. This restructuring in the electronics sector
will continue to pose a challenge to our companies and
workers.
Here at Murata, you are celebrating your 35th
anniversary.I am happy to note that in the course of this company’s
35-year history, you have not retrenched a single worker.At the
same time, the Singapore plant has also become the largest chip capacitor
manufacturer outside Japan, having a workforce of about 1,500.This would not have
been possible without Murata’s constant emphasis on training and
skills development in both good and difficult times for all
employees.
Strong emphasis on
Training
Since 2001, Murata has sent more than
500 operators for NITEC Intermediate training in Mechanical
Technology.Through NITEC training, the employability of workers has
been enhanced as operators are now able to perform simple
troubleshooting jobs while the technicians can attend to more
complex systemic problems.
Murata also has developed a wide
training scope for its employees through On-the-Job Training (OJT),
Cross Functional Training and re-certification of skills. As an
indicator of the company’s commitment to technical training, it has
achieved a total number of 2,403 training places for 2006.In
addition to the core technical skills, attention has been also
given to the cultivation of soft skills through the Employability
Skills System. I urge each and every one of you to take advantage
of your company’s training.
I am confident that with the
commitment which both management and workers have towards upgrading
of skills and capabilities, Murata will continue to grow and be in
a good position to cope with the changes to
come.
Labour-Management
Relations
It is important that as the company
grows, the workers too enjoy their fair share of the value and
wealth created.Through the excellent labour-management relationship
fostered between Murata and the union, the welfare and interests of
the workers are well taken care of.As an indicator of the
commendable state of industrial relations here, Murata and the
union have reached an amicable settlement for both the variable
bonus of 2006 as well as annual increment for 2007. The company has
also contributed generously to the welfare of union members and
charitable causes organised by the
union.
Conclusion
This year’s theme for our National Day
celebrations is “Celebrate Singapore : City of Possibilities”.Singapore is a city of possibilities today because we are
hardworking, innovative and enterprising in creating and seizing
opportunities.In this regard, with Murata’s strong emphasis on
training and development, and the fostering of good relations with
the union, I am confident that you will attain greater heights and
accomplish your
“possibilities”.
With this, I congratulate Murata on your 35th
Anniversary in Singapore and wish everyone a Happy National Day.
Thank
you.