POWER CAREERS - Young NTUC
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25 JUNE 2017
60 CENTS
MCI (P) 102/12/2016
ON TRACK TO
POWER CAREERS
More women are making their mark in the growing fields of science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM). SMRT engineer Edelene Ee is one such
professional who is not afraid to get her hands dirty to make sure our trains run smoothly.
Check out our spread of stories on women in STEM industries (page 2 to 5).
2 WOMEN AT WORK NTUC This Week 25 JUNE 2017
TOP STORIES
Labour Nominated Member of Parliament and NTUC Women's Committee Chair K Thanaletchimi believes that in order to improve
8
FairPrice’s Exclusive the gender disparity in the STEM industries, we need to first stop placing gender labels on different professions.
Formula
Towards Gender
In the latest efforts to moderate
formula milk prices, NTUC
FairPrice has introduced
Australia’s Own onto their
Neutral Professions
shelves to give more value to
customers.
K Thanaletchimi: A mindset change is needed to help ramp
up the number of women working in science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM) industries.
By Fawwaz Baktee
9 H
Global Perspectives ere is a riddle for you. A father and son campaign to inspire and encourage youth in
Check out the first of our new are involved in a car accident. The father Singapore, particularly young girls and women,
column featuring thought dies instantly, while the son is critically to explore and consider careers within STEM
leaders from NTUC U Circle of
Friends, who are also the driving injured. The boy is rushed to the emergency fields.
force behind multinational room where he is to undergo an operation. The The annual programmes for girls aged 10 to
corporations in Singapore. boy is on the operating table and suddenly, the 15 are held at schools and include day camps
surgeon yells out: “I can’t operate on him! He’s involving challenges that develop creativity,
my son!” critical thinking and collaboration skills. There
How is this possible? are also field trips to meet up with women
who have carved successful careers in STEM,
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS including sessions where participants get to
So, what is your answer? Different people will interact with mentors and discover the benefits
give different answers. The answer – the surgeon and challenges of entering the STEM world.
is the boy’s mother.
The riddle exercise shows that some people CURBING ATTRITION RATES
still subconsciously attach gender to occupations According to a survey by Agency for Science,
12
and deem them either masculine or feminine. Technology and Research, Singapore has seen
Leveling Up Port Officers
The new Tuas Port in 2021 will
NTUC Women’s Committee Chairperson the number of women university graduates in
feature redesigned jobs. Find K Thanaletchimi said this mindset is still science and engineering double from 4,438 in
out how Port Officers’ Union is prevalent in Singapore and must be addressed to 2004 to 9,516 in 2014.
looking ahead to future-proof improve the participation of women in science, A huge improvement, according to Ms
its members through a series of
SkillsFuture roadshows. technology, engineering and mathematics Thanaletchimi, but more must be done to keep
(STEM) industries. women in these industries.
“There is still this gender [disparity]. For According to the Ministry of Social and
CONNECT WITH US many of us, there is a profession for males,
there is a profession for females. This is also the
Family Development, women make up about
57 per cent of university students in the science
same for games and sports. There must not be fields, 30 per cent in engineering and 35 per
www.ntuc.org.sg
a gender differentiation when it comes to jobs cent in information technology and computing
www.labourbeat.org and acquiring of knowledge and skills. In Asian fields. However, the numbers dip to a mere
countries such as Singapore, there is a notion 27 per cent when it comes to pursuing a career
www.facebook.comUnusualLabourMovement
that STEM jobs are more suitable for men. We in STEM.
www.instagram.com/ntucsingapore need to change this,” she said. “Based on many cases I’ve personally seen,
She confessed that this will take a while if left many women leave the STEM industries or they
www.youtube.com/user/NTUCSingapore to itself but for a start, schools can play a role in choose not to enter as they say they do not have
www.linkedin.com/company/ntuc shaping the minds of young people to see that enough support from employers. Employers
these jobs are gender neutral. must also be first movers in changing the
There are in fact already a few first movers environment to be more conducive for women.
to advocate for this change. Back in 2014, We mustn’t forget that STEM industries are in
the Singapore Committee for UN Women need of workers, and we need to tap on women
collaborated with MasterCard and Standard as a resource to fill these gaps as well,” said
Chartered to launch the Girls2Pioneers Ms Thanaletchimi.
NTUC This Week 25 JUNE 2017 WOMEN AT WORK 3
Pushing
Boundaries
“I have always enjoyed the sciences
since young and I take a lot of pleasure
in pushing boundaries, especially in
expanding what humans can achieve,”
says Lynette Tan, who works in
Singapore’s space technology industry.
Story and Photo by Fawwaz Baktee
D
id you know that there is an entity in Singapore that focuses on
developing our space technology industry? It has been quietly
doing its work for the past 10 years and goes by the name of the
Singapore Space and Technology Association (SSTA).
Members and partners include big aviation, aeronautical, aerospace
and technology companies such as Airbus Group and ST Engineering,
small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startup companies.
“Space technology is the pinnacle of human engineering. It really pushes
boundaries and we have to think beyond what we can see. When we started
in 2007, we thought we should create an association to inspire people and
raise awareness of the potential of science and engineering,” said SSTA
Director Lynette Tan, who oversees the running of the association.
FOLLOWING PASSION
Having enjoyed the sciences from a young age, her passion for the field
grew as the years progressed.
She went on to the United States to do a Bachelor of Science in Chemical
Engineering and graduated with the highest distinction. She also went to
Stanford University to do her Masters in the same field of study.
“I came from an all-girls school. During my formative years, I couldn’t
see the difference between boys and girls being good at different subjects.
“I don’t think it is a matter of ability but from what I gather, the
representation of women in science and engineering is lower because of
other factors,” said Lynette.
The Singapore Space and
Technology Association
CULTURAL SETUP
One factor why women are under-represented in the workforce,
especially in the fields of science and mathematics, is the cultural setup of Established in 2007, SSTA focuses on developing Singapore’s
Singapore, she said. space technology industry and brings together government,
“While there is great gender equality in many areas, there is still a industry and academia to facilitate information and
conservative part of society that believes in gender roles. In Singapore, communication exchanges.
many women are expected to step up more to take care of their home and Through its educational and outreach programmes, it also
family just because they are responsible for child-bearing. It somehow aims to encourage individuals to enter the industries in STEM,
becomes a natural extension. especially in the area of aerospace and space.
“Husbands need to step up too. Having the husband to share the “It is not only rocket science. We need the engineers, medical
responsibility of raising the children will take the load off for many practitioners, conceptualists and savvy business professionals to
women to work and pursue their passions,” said Lynette, who is married create a compelling, sustainable ecosystem for this industry to
with two young children. evolve. It is a combined effort of the very best in these fields, all
working together in highly dynamic and pressured environments
BACK TO WORK that eventually and consistently produce results thought
Lynette hopes to continue promoting an interest in science, technology, unachievable,” said SSTA President Jonathan Hung in his message
engineering and mathematics (STEM). She also hopes that more women on the organisation's website.
with qualifications in these fields will come back to the workforce, as it Most recently, SSTA collaborated with the Japan Aerospace
would make the industries more vibrant. Exploration Agency (JAXA) to offer an educational programme
“Many women around the age of their late 20s leave the STEM to Singapore students to design space experiments onboard the
industries to start a family. We have to accept that. Maybe special International Space Station’s (ISS) Japanese Experiment Module,
attention can be made to bring women in their 30s back to the workforce also known as Kibo.
and pursue their passions in STEM ... These women can still contribute to To find out more about SSTA, log on to www.space.org.sg.
the industry and this is something we need to tap on,” she said.
4 WOMEN AT WORK NTUC This Week 25 JUNE 2017
POWERING UP
What could be one of the reasons
keeping more women from entering the
engineering field? It could very well be
because of the lack of awareness, says
33-year-old Edelene Ee.
By Fawwaz Baktee
E
very day, almost 3 million people in expertise in a specialised field of engineering. has more to do with consultancy in an office
Singapore commute by MRT. But how She has also upped that this year by recently setting. It all depends on what route of
many of us spare a thought for the hard being officially registered as a Professional engineering you get into. So this opinion has to
work an army of engineers and technicians put Engineer with the prestigious Professional change,” she said.
in behind the scenes to keep the trains running Engineer Board, a statutory board in the
as we head to our destinations? Ministry of National Development. RAISING AWARENESS
Meet one of these unsung heroes – 33-year- “In SMRT, I have supportive colleagues and To improve female participation in the
old engineer Edelene Ee. With an electrical bosses who don’t treat me differently than any engineering industry, more awareness must be
engineering degree, Edelene joined SMRT of my engineering counterparts. They don’t raised on the different types of jobs there are in
– a unionised company – back in 2008 as a have any prejudices against female engineers. engineering, she said.
management trainee and has since risen through Although I’m a female engineer, my bosses “We need to expose engineering to ladies at
the ranks to become the deputy director of the guided me and gave me equal respect and a younger age. Today, many are only exposed at
SMRT power maintenance division. opportunities as they would any other person the university level. This means only girls who
She currently leads a team of 120 power doing the job,” she said. are lucky enough to be exposed to engineering at
maintenance managers, engineers and technical Edelene also believes how engineering is an early age would opt to study that as their first
officers to ensure the safety and reliability portrayed in mainstream society plays a role in choice, and those who don’t won’t get to know
of the railway power distribution network deterring women from entering the industry. what engineering is all about.
encompassing trains and stations. “It’s often portrayed as being dirty work. “If exposure is done at the secondary school
“I guess power engineering is something You know, you have to always be in the sun level, we may see more women opting to study
not many people will appreciate until we have and everything. But there are many aspects of engineering courses in university and make a
a blackout and only then will we realise the engineering. For instance, design engineering career out of that,” explained Edelene.
importance of feeding electricity to the country,”
she said.
Although her job as an engineer requires her to
plan and introduce power engineering processes Growth Areas for Engineers
and technology, Edelene is not afraid of getting
out the office to get her hands dirty, and often u Rail Engineering: As for the public transport industry, Singapore will double its rail
goes down to the ground with her team. network across the island by 2030. The industry would require at least a further 15,000
rail workers, including engineers and technicians by then in order to keep up with the
EQUAL ABILITY expansion, according to the Land Transport Authority.
Edelene believes women can do just as well as
men in engineering. In fact, she was one of three u Precision Engineering: The manufacturing sector remained a key driver of growth for
female engineers to be accredited as a Chartered the economy in this year’s first quarter, according to the Ministry of Trade and Industry
Engineer (CEng) in Railway and Transportation (MTI). The sector was primarily driven by the electronics and precision engineering
Engineering in March last year. clusters, which is expanding at about 8 per cent annually.
The accreditation is awarded by The According to MTI, this is due to the robust global demand for semiconductors and
Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) – an semiconductor manufacturing equipment. To keep up with this growth, Singapore would
NTUC U Associate – and is recognised by the be looking to create 3,000 new jobs in the precision engineering industry by 2020 as part
railway industry as an indication of the deep of an Industry Transformation Map.
NTUC This Week 25 JUNE 2017 WOMEN AT WORK 5
A Career
that Counts
How many female statisticians
do you know? We meet up
with one who says gender
takes a backseat when you
have a passion for any chosen
profession.
Story and Photo by Avelyn Ng
A
nalysing foreign transactions in and I’m blessed that we are all quite family- to unequal opportunities in male-dominated
out of Singapore, Sri Rahayu Rahmat’s centric around here. There are part-time work industries.
profession is pivotal to the computation arrangements and new nursing rooms built for According to her, there is a need for change
of meaningful statistics and in turn, the expressing of breast milk. One colleague even of perceptions on both sides. As more employers
understanding and strengthening of the took a two-year no pay leave before returning recognise women's capabilities, women
country’s economic status. to work!” themselves should not make assumptions about
All the national-level talk and numbers may this industry and just give it a go, especially if
sound intimidating to most, but not Rahayu, DEBUNKING STIGMA they are passionate about it.
who has been working at the Department of Understanding that women are the minority in Moving forward, Rahayu plans to improve
Statistics Singapore (SingStat) since 2009. the mathematics industry as a whole, Rahayu her programming skills in SAS, an international
At the beginning, Rahayu was at the Policy suggested it may be due to a stigma pointing software for data retrieval and analysis.
Planning Division, where she dealt more with
words than numbers. The crossover to the
Economics Accounts Division after a staff
Good to Know for New Entrants
reorganisation in 2013 was challenging even
to Rahayu, a National University of Singapore
degree holder in applied mathematics.
“My international accounts sub-division EDUCATION TRENDS
covers a broad area of industries, so we have According to a newsletter published by SingStat in March 2016, females, albeit being the
to keep coming up with new methodologies to minority, are increasingly represented in Natural, Physical & Mathematical Sciences for
improve our data quality. Part of the challenge is higher degree enrolment in local universities.
to identify and select relevant data from various With the exception of a dip in 2005, the female-to-male ratio has gradually risen over the
sources for compilation. years from 56 females per 100 males in 1995, to 82 females per 100 males in 2014.
“In our field, we are trained to analyse, for However, at the first degree level, there was a higher female enrolment in 2014 for
example, how a small piece of data may result in Natural, Physical & Mathematical Sciences field, clocking 142 females per 100 males.
a big impact to the accounts,” said Rahayu, now a
deputy manager.
TRAINING PROVIDERS LOCAL COMMUNITIES
PRO-FAMILY CULTURE u IMF – Singapore Regional Training u Singapore Mathematical Society (since
The 32-year-old is a mother of two children, with Institute (STI): www.imfsti.org 1952): www.sms.math.nus.edu.sg
another due for delivery in early October 2017.
u SAS Institute: www.sas.com/en_sg/ u Singapore Institute of Statistics (since
Like Rahayu, more than 40 per cent of her 16
training/home.html 1975): www.sis.org.sg
team members are mothers.
On whether she feels her job is too much for u NTUC LearningHub: www. u Association of Chartered Certified
women juggling with family commitments, she ntuclearninghub.com/udemy/ Accountants Singapore (since 1936): www.
said a supportive work environment makes all courses/?group=2 accaglobal.com/sg/en.html
the difference. u Institute of Singapore Chartered u Institute of Company Accountants
“It is definitely at the top of our minds. Accountants: www.isca.org.sg Singapore (since 1959): www.icoma.org.sg
I’ve seen my girl friends leave companies
because their management is not flexible about u National Institute of Education Singapore: u Association of International Accountants
taking of urgent leave, their colleagues are not www.nie.edu.sg/our-people/ (since 1975): www.aiaworldwide.com/
understanding that they have to leave on time to academic-groups/mathematics-and- singapore
fetch their kids from childcare and so on. mathematics-education
“We have a female chief statistician and
my deputy director is a family man himself.
6 OUR VOICE NTUC This Week 25 JUNE 2017
Keep Pace to
Stay Ahead
Singapore is on the right track with
its slew of programmes to prepare
workers for future jobs, says NTUC
Assistant Secretary-General Patrick
Tay in his latest blogpost. The NTUC delegation
meets delegates
By Ramesh Subbaraman from other labour
movements in Geneva
T
here are lessons for Singapore’s tripartite jobs, including changing mindsets at all levels,”
partners to learn from issues discussed at
the recent International Labour Conference
emphasised ASG Tay.
nEbO Nuggets
in Geneva held in June 2017. LESSONS FOR SINGAPORE By Avelyn Ng
The Singapore tripartite delegation to the For Singapore, the challenges faced by many of the
conference comprised several union leaders, advanced economies is a stark reminder that the In the lead up to our special
including NTUC Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) tripartite partners need to continually be ready coverage of nEbO’s 10th birthday
Patrick Tay. with new skills, stay relevant to new jobs and be on 9 July 2017, we bring you
In a blog post entitled 'Global Labour resilient to new changes. fun nuggets of information on
Developments–Keep Pace To Stay Ahead', ASG Tay He also believes that Singapore is on the right why it is – as its brand slogan
said although Europe has its own set of challenges, track with its various policies, programmes and says – “not the usual club”.
their labour movements are aware of the clear and funding to help workers adapt and grow and stay Did you know that nEbO
present dangers about the future of jobs and the employed and employable. once released a music album
need to look after and organise workers. ASG Tay is Among them are SkillsFuture, Adapt and Grow in 2012? Entirely written and
also the director of NTUC’s Future Jobs, Skills and and the Industry Transformation Maps.Initiatives performed by 15 of its members,
Training (FJST) department. within the Labour Movement include looking into the five upbeat pop songs were
future jobs, skills and training and the tripartite meant to encourage young
CHALLENGES IN EUROPEAN ECONOMIES workgroup which examines issues surrounding the listeners to stay strong when the
He said all the foreign labour movement emergence of freelance workers. going got tough. The title track,
delegations that the Singapore team spoke to were “The key is implementation and execution to ‘Nobody Enjoys Being Ordinary’,
still thinking hard about ways to overcome the ensure the time, energies and resources we expend was composed in celebration
challenges of the growing number of freelance and will benefit workers, businesses and the Singapore of nEbO’s fifth anniversary
self-employed workers. economy in their own ways. to reflect its core values and
“Even at the International Labour Organization “In short, workers, employers, government mission statement of preparing
(ILO) level, they are thinking of how to ensure that and society as a whole need to shift paradigms and youths to be work-ready, world-
this category of the working population can be mental models, break bottlenecks and straighten ready and life-ready.
better protected and looked after [in terms] of their kinks to achieve breakthroughs and derive positive
basic rights like social security, pensions, health outcomes,” concluded ASG Tay.
NTUC This Week readers can
and work injury insurance, and basic employment
e-mail advisors@nebo.com.
rights,” said ASG Tay.
sg to learn more about their
Another important agenda is the future of work
music community and get a
as concerns of job losses due to digitalisation and
FREE copy of the album. Stay
artificial intelligence are real. The above blog post by NTUC Assistant Secretary- tuned to next week’s nEbO
“The unions recognise the need to identify General Patrick Tay was first published on www.
labourbeat.org on 23 June 2017. Any extracts Nuggets!
the future jobs and the need to retrain and
should be attributed back to the author.
equip their workers with the skills for the new
NTUC THIS WEEK
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NTUC This Week 25 JUNE 2017 FUTURE OF THINGS 7
Making Light of Work
SATS has been fast to respond
to the air transport industry
transformation recommendations
and is using technology to increase
productivity at the workplace.
By Avelyn Ng
S
ATS, Asia’s leading provider of aviation gateway services
and food solutions, opened their technology innovation
centre, TechnIC@SATS last month. The centre is
co-funded by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
and the Singapore Economic Development Board, with a
Photo by SATS
commitment of $110 million.
At the ceremony, Second Minister for Transport Ng Chee
Meng applauded SATS for being “one of the first to respond
to the challenge” in view of the Air Transport Industry eCommerce AirHub Streamlines Mail
Transformation Map launched in April this year.
He said: “Through this initiative, we can leverage
Sortation Process
technology to automate manpower-intensive processes, thus SATS opened a new 6,000 sqm eCommerce AirHub in April 2017 to enhance
raising Changi [Airport]’s productivity and efficiency, as well Changi Airport’s mail sorting capability and support the growing eCommerce
as transforming manual jobs into high quality ones.” market. It is the only ground handler in the region to operate such an automated
The solutions developed since the centre’s establishment airside facility.
in 2014 include automated assembly line, cutlery sorter and It houses a fully-automated mail sortation system that multiplies the
a wheelchair system. Using technology, the company has mailbag processing capacity by more than three times to more than 1,800 an
seen a 7.7 per cent increase in value added per employment hour. It also reduces turnaround time by 50 per cent, allowing international
cost over the last three years. eCommerce mail to connect to an earlier flight for faster delivery.
With the new features, the roles of forklift driver, cargo handler and cargo
coordinator have been consolidated into a new higher-value job position called
For every project, we work closely eHub specialist. To date, 18 employees have been reassigned to that role with up
with the management to ensure that to 10 per cent pay increase after undergoing three months of classroom and on-
the workers receive adequate training the-job training.
and in the event of a job enlargement, “With automated scanning systems and lifters, the effort that is required
to carry these mailbags has been reduced significantly. I am also able to do
a wage increase or allowance. Where interesting tasks such as assigning flights through the new mail sortation system,
possible, we also introduce new value- as well as communicate with our airline customers directly to make arrangements
creating job scopes.” for cargo space in the aircraft. I feel a greater sense of job satisfaction by being able
to contribute more to the handling process,” said Norman Idris, 27, who used to
Singapore Airport Terminal Services Workers’ Union
General Secretary Goviden Sathasivam be an operations assistant.
Automated Guided Vehicle Makes
Food Delivery Less Labourious
Frankie Lee, 53, has been working as SATS inflight catering operations
assistant for delivery (OAD) since 1991. However, things took a turn when
he suffered a slipped disc while at work in 2012.
On average, OADs have to make about 20 trips daily, pushing food
trolleys that weigh 150kg to 200kg from the kitchens to over 10 airline
lounges across more than 200 metres of carpeted floor.
Noting the strain on mature workers, SATS introduced Dolly, an
automated guided vehicle that uses sensors to get multiple food trolleys to
follow the staff per trip. With it, the number of OADs needed to serve over
40 airlines per trip has been reduced from six to three.
Now, Frankie’s job has been redesigned to train staff on new
technological enablers such as Dolly. He estimates about half of his team
are like him, belonging to the older generation who are not tech-savvy.
“I didn’t know how to write e-mails or use a computer initially, but
Photo by Avelyn Ng
I learned. It is natural to be uncomfortable with something new but we
must not fear it. Be positive and be willing to embrace change,” he said.
8 SOCIAL ENTERPRISES NTUC This Week 25 JUNE 2017
Keeping it Affordable
NTUC FairPrice continues
to make formula milk
affordable in its latest
initiative.
By Fawwaz Baktee
D
oing its part to address the rising cost of
formula milk by providing a wider range
choices for consumers, NTUC FairPrice
announced on 15 June 2017 its new range of
infant formula called Australia’s Own.
The formula will be priced between $27.50
and $35 for a 900g tin and will be exclusively
available at major FairPrice stores, all FairPrice
Finest, FairPrice Xtra and FairPrice Shop
outlets. They can also be purchased at FairPrice
Online.
FairPrice CEO Seah Kian Peng made this Following the Government’s
announcement at a media briefing at FairPrice announcement to review
Xtra at AMK Hub. The event was graced by import requirements, FairPrice
Senior Minister of Trade and Industry and has been in discussion with
National Development Dr Koh Poh Koon. the authorities on bringing COST OF
Dr Koh, who is currently leading a taskforce
to address the rising prices of formula milk
in better value formula milk INFANT FORMULA
in Singapore, said: “One of the immediate
from additional sources. The
With more than 150 varieties of infant formula milk
actions taken by the Agri-Food and Veterinary introduction of Australia’s Own available, NTUC FairPrice continues to expand its
Authority of Singapore (AVA) is to work with will provide another quality sources and offer a wider range of high-quality choices
retailers to facilitate the entry of more suppliers option for parents, adding to at affordable prices. Its latest brand, Australia’s Own,
is almost half the price of the national average.
and brands of formula milk, while ensuring the extensive range already
food safety. available at FairPrice to help
“I am heartened to see NTUC FairPrice
take proactive steps to make more choices of
parents make informed choices.”
formula milk available, especially lower-priced FairPrice CEO Seah Kian Peng
ones, so parents can select an option that best NATIONAL AVERAGE
suits their family’s needs. I hope that other 900g Formula Milk Stage 2
$56.06*
retailers and distributors will do the same.” FairPrice will also look to enhance public
Australia’s Own uses high-quality cow’s milk education on children’s nutritional needs by
sourced from Victoria, a dairy pasture region in working with with the Health Promotion Board * Department of Statistics
Australia, and produces formula with state of to place in-store collaterals on formula milk Singapore 2016
the art methods. nutrition to help parents make more informed
choices.
LATEST ADDITION TO HELP “Indeed, it will require a sustained
The initiative is the latest addition to the approach that requires working closely with
existing 150 varieties of formula milk already various stakeholders to look at ways to ensure
available at FairPrice stores, with prices ranging affordable formula milk for children remains
from $22 per kg to $97 per kg. available to all,” said Mr Seah.
“Following the Government’s announcement
to review import requirements, FairPrice OTHER INITIATIVES
has been in discussion with the authorities Last month, FairPrice announced the launch
on bringing in better value formula milk of the $14-million FairPrice FairMily Kit to
from additional sources. The introduction of celebrate the birth of all Singaporeans over the
Australia’s Own will provide another quality next three years, as part of the NTUC Good
option for parents, adding to the extensive Start Bundle. This scheme is expected to benefit AUSTRALIA’S OWN
range already available at FairPrice to help 35,000 babies per year and will be available for 900g Gold Follow-on
all Singapore citizens born from January 2016 Formula Stage 2
parents make informed choices.
“As a retailer that is here to make lives better,
we will continue to proactively work with the
to December 2019.
Additionally, FairPrice Foundation, the $29.50
authorities and new suppliers based overseas charity arm of FairPrice, launched the NTUC (Available exclusively at major
to provide better value and a wider choice of FairPrice Foundation-CDC Milk Fund in NTUC FairPrice stores, as well
formula milk for customers here,” said Mr Seah. February this year. This $1.5-million initiative as Warehouse Club and
was done in partnership with all five Community FairPrice online)
He added that the range of formula milk
complements ongoing initiatives FairPrice Development Councils (CDCs) to help more
has put in place as part of a “multi-pronged than 7,500 needy families with the rising cost of
approach”. formula milk.
NTUC This Week 25 JUNE 2017 FUTURE READY 9
Thought
Leaders - coaching them so that we may all learn. I love to
ask people about the motivation and drivers in
life both outside and inside of work, their bigger
purpose in life and their career ambitions.
How can people continue to push themselves
to be their best?
First and foremost, by understanding
the person you can, want and need to be.
Understanding what motivates and drives you
also helps you know what blocks or scares you.
This awareness can help you make conscious
In this first of a series featuring choices that motivate and help in overcoming
insights from top business barriers. Always celebrate successes, no matter
leaders in NTUC’s U Circle of how small they are.
Friends network, we speak to How can individuals stand out in an
Edrington’s HR director for increasingly borderless digital world?
Asia Pacific and India. A high level of self-awareness and knowledge
them. It is also an environment that stimulates of what is needed to be successful. Growth,
By Jonathan Tan diversity of thought, where hierarchy is not nowadays, is too focused on certification.
the norm and where people are approachable I think people who understand their purpose
and accountable, regardless of seniority or as a person and as a leader, who know what
W
hat can working professionals do experience. motivates or hinders them, who can translate
to stand out from the crowd in an I think the most important way to achieve their fears into possibilities, who know how to
increasingly borderless digital world, this is by promoting trust amongst staff and inspire or rally others around them, will stand
and how can they push themselves to cope with one of the ways this happens is through regular out for miles in a crowd.
the dramatic changes of the workplace? engagement sessions with all employees to
We caught up with Ilja Rijnen, Edrington’s share strategies, personal leadership and What are your thoughts on training and
HR director for Asia Pacific and India to foster ideas on how to overcome our business upgrading?
hear what he has to say. Edrington is an challenges. We also stimulate diversity by The world will never be as simple as it is today.
international spirits company best known for getting staff into short business assignments It is changing and innovating quicker and we
its Scotch whiskies and is based in Scotland. or project groups, regionally and even globally, need to stay relevant to survive. It is no longer
to expose them to tackling specific business as important to identify the person with the
NTUC This Week: What kind of working challenges. right skills as ensuring people keep growing
culture do you foster in your workplace? and transforming at a speed that is ahead of
Ilja Rijnen: I foster a learning culture where How do you inspire that? the market or competitors. I believe in short,
people dare, and can make mistakes while being Through leading by example. Allowing people relevant training and workshops over multi-
open about having done so and learn from to make mistakes, having open discussions and year programmes.
Shaping the Workforce of Tomorrow
NTUC collaborates with public and private
sector partners to use data and analytics in
research on workplace skills of the future.
Photo by Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
By Jonathan Tan
T
he fact that working people will need to constantly gain new
knowledge and skills to remain relevant and be able to meet the
demands of the future economy is not something new anymore.
Now, a number of players have come together to look ahead and map out
what the future job landscape holds.
NTUC, the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKY School), the
Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) which is part of SkillsFuture Singapore,
Microsoft and LinkedIn are banding together through a memorandum of The collaboration will see NTUC join public and private sector partners to map out what the future
job landscape holds.
understanding.
In this three-year agreement, they will combine their resources and
leverage data, analytics and research to help Singapore maximise workforce “This meaningful collaboration is a further step in this direction.
productivity, shape public policy and enhance both advocacy as well as Alongside the challenges of the future of work, there are opportunities to
training programmes. be tapped. As stakeholders, we have to look ahead, plan for the future and
“On the ground, the Labour Movement has observed a rising incidence leverage each of our capabilities to work closer together for the benefit of
of jobs, skills and expectations mismatch in the workforce, especially in early our workers, our businesses, our economy and our society,” said NTUC
disrupted sectors. Efforts to prepare the workforce to take on the challenges Assistant Secretary-General and Future Jobs, Skills and Training Director
and opportunities of today and tomorrow have been bolstered. Patrick Tay.
10 MAY DAY AWARDEES NTUC This Week 25 JUNE 2017
May Day Awardees 2017
In our ongoing series, we shine the spotlight on recipients
from various categories.
PLAQUE OF
COMMENDATION
FIRST SECURITY & PRIVATE INVESTIGATION (S) PTE LTD
First Security was unionised on 24 October 2011. Throughout
the six years, both Union of Security Employees (USE) and First
Security have enjoyed strong labour-management relations.
First Security believes that people form the bedrock
of the company and shares USE’s belief to safeguard the
welfare of workers. The company holds regular consultations
with the union to learn about the latest developments on
policies affecting workers. In an effort to safeguard workers,
the company negotiated a collective agreement with USE.
During the negotiations, the company acted responsibly to
better terms and conditions wherever possible, leading to
improvements in employees’ benefits.
THE AMERICAN CLUB
The American Club shares a harmonious and close working
relationship with the Attractions, Resorts & Entertainment Union
(AREU). Both work together to enhance the welfare and the well-
being of the employees. The American Club first embarked on the
Progressive Wage Model journey for their service and kitchen staff
back in 2013. To up the workers’ productivity, they tapped on the
Inclusive Growth Programme for their table-tracking system and
self-help kiosk in 2015. In terms of re-employment, The American
Club had already committed to re-employ workers up till the age of
67 back in 2014, ahead of the upcoming legislation.
PARTNERS
AWARD
MOHAMMAD HASRUL PASSAREBU DAUD
When Muhammad Noor Naim was diagnosed with leukaemia
in 2015, he reached out to his union, United Workers of
Petroleum Industry (UWPI), and it was the company’s Branch
Chair Mohammad Hasrul Passarebu Daud who spoke to the
management on his behalf.
“When I joined JAC (Jurong Aromatics Corporation),
brother Naim was my mentor. When he was diagnosed, many
of us suspected that he wouldn’t be able to come back to work.
My committee and I knew we had to do something to help
him the best we knew how,” said Hasrul, 35, who is also an
executive council member of UWPI and is in the union’s youth
committee.NTUC This Week 25 JUNE 2017 MAY DAY AWARDEES 11
COMRADE OF
LABOUR
ATAN ENJAH
Atan Enjah joined Keppel Employees Union
MEDAL OF
in 1983 and was elected into its executive
committee in 1990.
COMMENDATION
Over the years, Atan has served in many
roles such as being an assistant secretary. He
was also the union’s general treasurer from
September 2008 to August 2016 and was elected
as the general secretary from September 2016.
He still holds the post today.
He was a highly responsible general treasurer
and his advice has helped the union to manage
its funds well. Atan also demonstrated flexibility
as a supervisor in the company by picking up
new skills, with a proven ability to adapt to the
changing landscape.
He gave constructive ideas during the
signing of the company’s collective agreement.
With his friendly disposition and good
leadership skills, he has helped to established
a good labour-management relationship. He
takes the initiative to approach management to
provide relevant training and skills upgrading
for his fellow workers.
GAN YOKE LAN
Gan Yoke Lan is known for participating
actively and contributing positively during
the executive committee meetings. A
senior manager with PSA Haulier Services
Department, Yoke Lan became a member of
Port Officers’ Union (POU) in 1994. She was
elected as vice president into the executive
committee in 2010 before stepping down to
be an executive committee member in 2016. YEO SWEE HAR
Besides managing the social events as vice She walks the talk, discussing and sharing often
president, she was also in-charge of all women with the Singapore Manual & Mercantile Workers
matters for POU. Her close rapport with the Union. Whether it be grievances, collective
members at the ground and her candid nature agreement negotiations or initiatives, she is always
brought POU closer to the officers. Yoke Lan there in person. Union strength and representation
needed to juggle her office and union work in in Parkway Pantai Limited continues to remain
order to serve her members well. It involved strong with Swee Har at the HR helm. As the vice
a delicate balance of time management president, head human capital management of
and personal sacrifices. Despite the tough Parkway Hospitals, she is responsible for the HR
demands, she managed to work closely with matters of the Singapore operations division of
her executive committee members to raise Parkway Pantai where she looks after the welfare
awareness of union representation and of 5,200 staff. Swee Har has been instrumental
the social benefits provided by the union. in directing the policies towards the retirement
These helped to increase the membership and re-employment of workers in Parkway Pantai.
strength of the union. In 2015, POU won the Before news of the legislative increase in the re-
U Achiever Award among the medium-sized employment age to 67, the company already took
NTUC affiliated unions. steps to support older workers to continue working
beyond the retirement age. Currently, there are
67 employees beyond the age of 67. The current
company policy allows staff to work up to 70.
For the full version of the citations, please visit bit.ly/MayDayAwardsCitation2017.12 SKILLS UPGRADING NTUC This Week 25 JUNE 2017
ICT: FUNDED
COURSES
NTUC LearningHub launches
courses to upskill workers to meet
the demands of the ICT sector
T
here is a growing demand for manpower in Singapore’s
infocomm technology (ICT) sector.
NTUC LearningHub has partnered with SkillsFuture
Singapore (SSG) and Workforce Singapore (WSG) to offer a place-
and-train Professional Conversion Programme (PCP).
The aim is to train mid-career switchers to become qualified
infocomm technology professionals.
Union members can take advantage of the Union Training
Assistance Programme (UTAP) and SkillsFuture Credit for the
following courses.
Showcasing Port Log on to www.ntuclearninghub.com for more details on
Sector’s Future Skills
various IT-related courses and the PCP.
JAVA SOFTWARE DEVELOPER
Software developers are responsible for creating and testing
Future jobs at the new Tuas Port will computer systems. Senior software developers usually have more
management, planning or research responsibilities. Software
need officers with intertwined skills, developers may move into related fields such as system design, IT
says Port Officers’ Union. architecture or business system analysis. They may also work as a
freelance consultant or start their own company.
By Ramesh Subbaraman
MOBILE APPLICATION DEVELOPER
(IOS AND ANDROID)
B
e prepared to take on three skillsets at the same time when the Tuas Mobile application developers are responsible for creating a
Port begins operations in 2021. One example is the combination of an workable programming code based on software requirements.
operations executive, engineer and IT professional all intertwined into one. They also maintain and develop programmes for organisations,
That was the message Port Officers’ Union (POU) President Benjamin such as applications (‘apps’) for Android or iOS platforms.
Tang Chun Wai shared with union members at a recent SkillsFuture roadshow
organised by the union. WEB DEVELOPERS
Web developers are responsible for creating and maintaining
SKILLSFUTURE ROADSHOWS websites and website applications, especially the underlying
POU held six roadshows at various port terminals between April and June to software and databases (known as the ‘backend’). Web developers
showcase the future skills needed and encourage union members to make use of may also work on the interface and visual design (known as the
their SkillsFuture Credit to upskill. ‘front-end’).
“We organised these roadshows to impress upon all members the importance
of lifelong learning and the need to take ownership of one's skills,”said Mr Tang. MICROSOFT SQL SERVER DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR
In all, some 400 POU members attended the roadshows, which also had Database administrators are responsible for the performance
booths from NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) and and security of a database. Senior database administrators
NTUC LearningHub featuring upskilling courses available for the port sector usually have more management and technical responsibilities.
such as the specialist certificate in cyber security, data analytics and systems They may move into fields such as systems development, project
engineering. management, database architecture or other strategic roles.
Mr Tang added that POU’s efforts to instill the importance of future skills Database administrators may work as contractors or be self-
do not end with the roadshows. Next on the cards is a series of professional employed as freelance consultants.
development seminars for its members. The first session will be held on 28 and 29
June, with a speaker from the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). NETWORK ENGINEER
Network engineers (also known as network administrators
TAKING ON A NEW ROLE and network support technicians) are responsible for the
One union member who recently upskilled to take on more roles in PSA is integrity of communication networks within an organisation or
31-year-old senior mechanical engineer Chen Tian’en. between organisations. They may work in-house as part of an
He started off as an operations executive at the Brani Terminal’s yard organisation’s IT support team or as part of an outsourced IT
crane section. networking consultancy firm.
“After three years as an operations executive, I decided to give the
engineering department a try to see how to better enhance the synergy NETWORK SECURITY ANALYST
between operations and engineering. Network security analysts are responsible for ensuring the
“I learnt the fundamentals of how to maintain cranes and enhance their security of an organisation’s network. They are focused on
reliability. For that, I attended some in-house courses and applied hands on overseeing and ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of all
what I had learnt,” said Mr Chen. computer systems.NTUC This Week 25 JUNE 2017 U ASSOCIATE 13
The Youth Work Association (Singapore) chairman reveals big changes
ahead for the youth work sector and how it is exploring ways to work with
the Labour Movement.
Story and Photo by Jonathan Tan
A
ccording to Dr John Tan, chairman that the age range of these youths broadly fall together with our fellow U Associates. I’m
of the Youth Work Association between 10 and 18 years,” he said. hoping that we can develop more cross-sector
(Singapore) or YWAS, the youth partnerships. It may not be in the front-
work sector is set for a huge boost when the BUDDING LM RELATIONSHIP line capabilities of our members but in their
National Youth Work Competency (NYWC) To better serve the needs of its 135 members, organisational capabilities.
Framework is launched on 16 July 2017. YWAS has been exploring collaboration “In particular, we are looking at partnering
YWAS is a professional association focused opportunities with the Labour Movement. U Associates like the Singapore Human
on establishing benchmarks for professional “Looking at the U Associate ecosystem alone, Resource Institute and others in IT and
standards and advocacy for youth work there are a lot of possibilities to come together accounting. The possibilities are all there for
professionals. to help support members in a deeper, technical development,” said John.
“This framework will be a basis for generic manner. In a broader sense, we can support
skillsets as well as the establishment of career anyone who may have issues with young people
pathways for youth workers. That is something and who may want specialised help. INSIDER’S
GUIDE
that YWAS is looking forward to and will help “This is the potential and we are exploring
with a youth worker’s career development,” ways of working together with fellow U
said John. Associates who work with young people on
A joint initiative between the Central Youth ways to engage them better,” said John, who
Guidance Office and the National Council of added that NTUC’s youth communities such as
Social Services, the framework offers clearer nEbO and Young NTUC can make a difference
career progression and is also a big step towards to youths.
Established: 2012
the recognition of youth work practitioners as For a start, YWAS has begun working with
Why: To be an advocate for professionals
professionals. Young NTUC and has a learning journey to the
working with youth, establish benchmarks for
Boys’ Town in early July. professional standards and to celebrate the joy
WHAT IS YOUTH WORK? “We are looking at using that as an of the profession.
Professional roles in youth work are mainly opportunity to give young people a sneak Became an NTUC U Associate in: Nov 2016
focused on rehabilitation and helping at- preview into how youths in the Boys’ Town Did You Know: The 10-person executive
risk youths. Specific roles include youth are being trained and helped. It is a good committee comprises representatives from
social workers, youth counsellors and youth opportunity to reach out to younger people who youth-serving agencies such as CARE
psychologists, but the specific youth element of may consider a career in youth work,” he said. Singapore, MUIS, Fei Yue Community Services,
Halogen Foundation, Students Care Service
the roles are not recognised as a profession yet. and Boys’ Town, among others.
“It would be anyone who has some form of FUTURE PLANS
youthworkassociation.org
contact with a young person. That would be “I think we definitely want to make our
the most generic definition,” he said, adding presence felt more, especially in working14 WEEK IN REVIEW NTUC This Week 25 JUNE 2017
Snapshots Future Outlook:
Start Imagining Today!
A quick round up of what went on in and From delivery drones, working in virtual reality
around the Labour Movement recently. to apparels that double up as phone chargers –
Compiled by Ramesh Subbaraman life is never going to be the same again.
Look out for more in this regular column.
FairPrice Brand Takes Third Spot By Fawwaz Baktee
NTUC FairPrice has clinched the third position in this year’s
‘Singapore’s Top 100 brands’, revealed
Campaign Asia-Pacific recently. The
NTUC social enterprise jumped two
Bubbles in the Sky
positions after coming in at number Suddenly the future sky is going to be
five last year. a very busy place lined with invisible
FairPrice was also the only highways. Check this out – coming
Singapore-based brand in the top our way soon could be this orb-shaped
three, coming behind tech giants drone which will independently
Samsung and Apple, which fortified deliver items.
their positions at number one and The sphere consists of a carbon
two respectively. ring that supports eight propellers
The other Singapore brand that in a giant helium-filled balloon. A
made it to the top 10 was Singtel, which locked in at number 10. gripping mechanism is found at the
NTUC Income also made it to the top 100, coming in 71, and was bottom of the drone to lift objects into the orb.
the only insurance company to make the list. Its designers from tech company Festo said that the drone can fly
Each year, the rankings are based on comprehensive research on using GPS and does not require a pilot to control it.
consumer brand perception done by global information, data and If this idea takes flight, the orb drone may very likely deliver
measurement company Nielsen. goods or transport human beings one day.
Source: www.festo.com
Ramadan Joy
Volunteers from the Singapore Stylish Charger
Organisation of Seamen (SOS) Need a charger for your mobile
and the Seacare Co-operative Ltd phone? Thanks to this technological
(Seacare) brought Ramadan joy to breakthrough, off-the-shelf clothing
muslim families in the Jalan Kukoh can soon power small electronics on
estate on 20 June 2017. the move.
They delivered 100 shopping Conceived by scientists at the
trolleys filled with daily essentials University of Massachusetts, the
like rice, cooking oil and festive concept revolves around regular clothes
goodies to families in the area. Each that are coated with a substance that
family also received a cash gift of converts friction from your movements into
$50. electricity. This will then be used to power small electronics attached
In all, 10 blocks of flats were covered during the visit. The to the garment.
initiative was done together with the Jalan Kukoh Residents’ Source: www.umb.edu
Committee.
Working in VR
Flag Day Outreach Virtual is becoming real! If you got an embarrassingly large number
Migrant workers and locals got together on 18 June 2017 for the of post-it notes dotting your workstation, then you’re up for
inaugural flag day of the Migrant Workers’ Assistance Fund (MWAF). some good news. Augmented reality startup company Meta’s new
The fund is the humanitarian charity of the Migrant Workers’ Centre software, Workspace, lets you work in virtual reality (VR).
(MWC). Volunteers spread across the Orchard Road belt, Little India, Forget the mess you always create with piles of notes and paper.
Geylang, Jurong and Boon Lay to raise awareness about MWC and its With Workspace, all you would need at work is a set of VR goggles
work and how the fund is used to help distressed migrant workers. which you use to view and work on your holographic desktop.
Migrant workers at the various locations
also got to know more about the suite Source: www.metavision.com
of services provided by MWC while
locals learnt how they can help make
Singapore more welcoming and
inclusive to foreign workers.
The day’s activities ended with a
break fast gathering with some 100
muslim migrant workers.NTUC This Week 25 JUNE 2017 EVENTS 15
What’s Happening
Where Compiled by Jonathan Tan
Sun and Sand-sation
The weather is clearing up and the time
is just right to head to the beach for some
sporty fun. Sign up for Sand-Sation by U
Sports to get active with some buddies
over the weekend of 26 and 27 August at
Sentosa’s New Mempari Beach. Fun may
be the priority, but the highlight of this
beach sports extravaganza is in testing
your skills against other teams in sports
like ultimate frisbee, beach volleyball and
touch football.
26-27 Aug 2017, New Mempari Beach,
Sentosa. From $80 per team for NTUC or
nEbO members. Terms and conditions
apply. For registration and more
information, visit www.usports.com.sg/
events/u-sports-sand-sation-2017/.
Bandung Retreat
From awe-inspiring views of an active volcano to luxuriating in the natural
hot springs in the hills, this three-day two-night retreat to Bandung is just a
mere two hours away by flight from urban Singapore. Apart from indulging
your senses in the great outdoors, there are plenty of shopping and feasting
opportunities too.
Travel dates: 19–21 Aug 2017. Registration fees for twin package: $629/pax
for U Live members (NTUC members aged 55 and above are automatically
included under U Live), $$649/pax for NTUC members. To register, email
stella.tan@ntucclub.com.sg with your name, NRIC, date of birth, contact
number and union. Other terms and conditions apply.
U Heart: Let’s Celebrate! Career
Share a little bit of your time to bring a smile to the
faces of elderly seniors at NTUC Health’s SilverACE@
Discovery
Redhill senior care centre. As a lead-up to National and
Day 2017, Young NTUC is inviting volunteers to spend
a morning with the folks at the centre to reminisce Mentorship
about Singapore’s past and engage them in some Tell all your young friends
song and games on 15 July 2017. The event is part and colleagues. Young
of the Labour Movement’s U Heart 2017 volunteerism NTUC is organising a career
campaign.
15 Jul 2017, 9am–1pm, SilverACE@Redhill, 71
Executive Career mentorship session on
4 July to give youths an
Redhill Rd. To register, visit the Events page on
www.youngntuc.org.sg.
Management Talk opportunity to interact with
career mentors. Hailing
Discover how you can be the best from various industries with
version of yourself by harnessing your diverse work experiences,
personal strengths. This talk aims to equip these mentors will offer
professionals, managers and executives career insights and
with tips on personal awareness perspectives which aim to
and how to be better leaders in the smooth out any kinks in a
workplace. youth’s fledgling career.
29 Jun 2017, 7-10pm, Devan Nair 4 Jul 2017, 6.30–9.30pm,
Institute for Employment and NTUC Centre. To register,
Employability at 80 Jurong East visit the Events page on
St 21, Event Hall 2. To register, visit www.youngntuc.org.sg.
https://event.e2i.com.sg/public/
webpage/1/577.You can also read
