Forward Singapore: Delivering on opportunities and assurance for Singaporeans throughout life

16 November 2022

Minister Tan See Leng posing for a photo with participants

Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng and NTUC Secretary General Ng Chee Meng spent time with professionals, managers, and executives (PMEs) from a range of industries to listen to their views on issues pertaining to jobs and our economy. The session with PMEs was the last in the series of engagements under the Forward Singapore Empower pillar to gather ground feedback on how to refresh our social compact.

Participants seated a round table, deep in discussions

Participants sharing their personal career experiences and being resilient in the face of setbacks. (Credit: MOM)

In his opening remarks, Minister Tan emphasised how the Government, unions and employers should come together to help workers maximise their potential in the current economic situation. At the same, he added that each individuals had the responsibility to develop themselves through upskilling and having a good career plan.

Minister Tan See Leng seated and exchanging views with participants.

Minister Tan See Leng exchanging views with participants. (Credit: MOM)

Opportunities and assurance for all Singaporeans

Based on previous engagements, Minister Tan highlighted that most Singaporean workers were concerned with having sufficient opportunities and assurance during the different stages of their career.

A society of opportunities starts with ensuring that everyone has a strong start. We are giving everyone access to quality education, and diversifying pathways in our schools. But the changes cannot stop at schools. For opportunities to continue into our working lives, they need to be found in our economy and jobs too.

— Minister Tan See Leng’s opening address on 2 November 2022.

Minister Tan shared with participants how the Government was planning to build on existing efforts to address these concerns.

Firstly, he emphasised the importance of building a strong and connected economy that is open to global talent. By gaining experience in operating around the world, it would help build a stronger pipeline of Singaporeans for corporate leadership positions that would develop specialists and leaders across all sectors of the economy. He stressed the need to welcome investors and attract the best in the world to contribute to Singapore’s next bound of progress.

Secondly, Minister Tan spoke about how our economy must support multiple pathways of progress for Singaporeans with a range of talents and aspirations. This would involve redesigning jobs to offer attractive career pathways and building an inclusive labour market that rewards and recognise the value of mastery of skills in different areas.

Minister Tan See Leng and NTUC Secretary General Ng Chee Meng seated on stage

Minister Tan See Leng and NTUC Secretary General Ng Chee Meng engaging PMETs on providing sufficient opportunities and assurance for Singaporean workers. (Credit: MOM)

Lastly, Minister Tan urged Singaporeans to take charge of their career plan, which included being resilient and being able to bounce back from setbacks. He explained the importance of conducting regular checks on career opportunities available based on current skillsets. He also spoke about developing healthy habits of upskilling reskilling and taking on career challenges to stretch one’s development even further.

Want to be part of the discussion? Submit your views on how we can build a stronger Singapore here.