Ho Geok Choo
Singapore
“I thank the Minister of State for the comprehensive response. Just one question: the public had indeed been expressing reservations about eating seafood and I think we are also seeing Singaporeans shunning Japanese restaurants for fear of contaminated seafood. How safe is seafood imported from elsewhere and in Singapore now?”
“Thank you, Senior Minister of State. I have two supplementary questions. First question: short of sounding ageist, would the Ministry consider introducing an age quotient into the qualification criteria of this grant as such a move would encourage young couples to own a home and start a family of their own?”
“Sir, I would like to ask the Minister for his comments on how the political crisis in the Middle East and the nuclear crisis in Japan will have an impact on our energy needs. In view of these developments, what are Singapore's plans to go nuclear and what are our alternative sources of energy?”
“This is an example of mismatch. First, it highlights the need for course counselling for the individual to ensure that the training to be pursued is relevant. Second, it shows that employers in certain sectors are not ready or willing to accept PMETs who have formal management training.”
“Chairman, Singapore serves as a global and regional hub for several international companies. In the borderless global economy, accounting practices are being outsourced.”
“Mr Chairman, Singapore's 1961 Water Agreement with Malaysia expires on 31st August. As the date fast approaches, can the Minister update on Singapore's water situation and plans for self sufficiency? Mr Chairman, I would also like to find out what other plans does the Ministry have to strengthen the habit of saving water.”
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“When a new lawyer moves in, Bartleby is taken away to the Tombs, New York's aptly named prison. Bartleby continues his calm resistance there by refusing the food. "I prefer not to dine," he tells the cook. His passivity eventually kills him. Sir, the story of Bartleby truly reflects the essence of our times. In this globalised economy where change is the only certainty, Singaporeans must be responsive and be flexible, as that is the only path to survival. To remain apathetic and do nothing, as Bartleby did and as Dr Doom prescribed, would be like the contented frog who dozed off and was eventually boiled to death, that DPM Lee spoke about. In this impending change and high unemployment situation, Singaporeans and Singaporean companies can either do nothing or make good of the opportunities that the Government is offering on a platter. In today's world of bleak alternatives, Bartleby's story is a sobering reminder that what life requires is remaining engaged, ie, preferring and acting on those preferences. Contemplating Bartleby's sad end may give us some strength, as we continue to stand up for painful policy options and settle for long-term victories and vote for the lesser of the two, or more, pains. It is in this light that proactive organisations took upon themselves to engage in the developments around us. Therefore, the likes of SIA and many others carried out a review of their operations to better sharpen their competitiveness, and the review was premised on restructuring for relevance and performance. In the process, redundancy arose. However, every effort was made to compensate and reskill the excess employees to be employable again. This, I know, was well managed by SIA and the likes of HDB.”
“"I would prefer not to," Bartleby replies placidly. Melville wrote Bartleby, the Scrivener 150 years ago. This novel has what all great literature has: timelessness, and a depth that allows readers to find new things when they come back to it. When Adam Cohen first read Bartleby, with the 1960's faintly lingering in the air, it struck him as a meditation on freedom, against oppressive social structures. But re-reading it now, in a world full of bad options, it feels like a cautionary tale. Bartleby's approach to life is pure, but untenable: simply because, even when our choices are bleak, we have a duty to make the best ones we can. The grim options offered by Bartleby's office begin with the views: a white wall "deficient in what landscape painters call 'life'", and "a brick wall that offers at least, a contrast, if nothing more." His job of scrivener, since made obsolete by the Xerox machine, involves copying legal documents by hand. When he is not duplicating other people's words, he and his fellow scriveners are reading their copies back to one another to check for errors. Even Bartleby's stodgy boss concedes that it is "very dull, wearisome, and lethargic" work that to people with "sanguine temperaments" might be "altogether intolerable." At first, Bartleby completes his assignments energetically. But before long, when his boss asks for help with a small legal document, Bartleby responds with the phrase that will become his mantra, "I would prefer not to." Before long, he refuses to leave the office at all, and starts to make it his home. Rather than fire his recalcitrant employee, the boss keeps trying to persuade him to get to work. In time, the boss moves his law firm out of the offices that Bartleby haunts day and night.”
“All these are in line with Government's effort to re-make Singapore and to lessen direct Government's involvement in the marketplace. Sir, I am more concerned with Dr Faber's observation that Government's intervention in the wage debate is causing unhappiness and social divide. While this is a reality not to be taken lightly, I am also happy to note that Government has always shown compassion and care to help the weak and those who are badly affected by economic circumstances. I agree that wage cuts alone are not enough, but the move to retune our CPF is to give the lower income and above 40 Singaporeans time to sharpen their capabilities to ride the global economic landscape. Being in the first world, Singapore and Singaporeans will have to increasingly contend with the challenge of investments going into cheaper operating environment, jobs being lost to another individual who is better equipped and can offer value add contributions at the same or cheaper wage cost. It is in such a flux that the Government has to put in place the path finding process that will ultimately give us the right strategies and formula to continue to compete and sustain our economy. In fact, Dr Faber's recommendation that Government should stay out and not interfere with the wage situation reminds me of an article that I came across. The article, written by Adam Cohen, is entitled "When life offers a choice between the White Wall and the Brick Wall". The story goes this way: When Bartleby, the scrivener, is asked by his boss to help with some law-office drudgery, Bartleby says, "I would prefer not to." Despite his employer's attempts to change his mind, and to learn his reasons for turning down assignments, Bartleby never says much more. "Why do you refuse?" his boss asks.”
“Thank you, Sir, for allowing me to join in the debate. The Straits Times of 30th August carried an article by investment guru Dr Marc Faber, also known as Dr Doom. The gist of his views is as follows: (1) The Singapore Government should allow firms to fail and set up new sectors; (2) A more effective move to reduce cost and increase competitiveness would be to move all manufacturing operations to low cost countries, even at the expense of job losses here; (3) That it is desirable that wages decline and that the price levels in Singapore decline, but he feels that the Government should not interfere in the market to cut wages; (4) That Government intervention in wage levels may lead to unhappiness and create an unfriendly social climate to the extent that it creates a bigger divide between the have and have nots. I would like to comment on the longer-term application of his views. I am concerned on his short-term do-nothing prescription which may send the wrong signals to Singaporeans. Sir, the Government is responsible for Singaporeans' well-being and the country's progress and has been proactive in charting Singapore's path to recovery, cutting costs of doing business and sustaining Singapore's competitiveness. As the custodian of a country, if the Government did nothing and allow companies to move away at the expense of more and more job losses and let nature take its course, Singaporeans are bound to doom. That the Government should do nothing at all is untenable. Singapore is a small nation and our cohesiveness is our strength. The Government is right in setting the tone and form for the longer term perspective of our CPF system which will allow wages and prices to move down and, ultimately, to allow market forces to determine future wage and price levels.”
“I would like to clarify with the Minister. Since this university is going to be a privately-funded one, and we are also going to ensure that it is a university of quality standing, we could expect therefore that the students that would be drawn into this university would also be the better quality students who can afford to enter this university. What would be the outcome for us? Would we end up promoting a very elitist society?”
“I want to ask the Minister: if these rental flats are still available, why is there a queue?”
“Sir, the success of Changi Airport, in short, boils down to satisfaction of passengers and our ability to connect with other airports and anchor airline partners. In the Minister's plan to continue to develop the vibrancy of Changi Airport, how does he propose to incorporate programmes that would continue to enthuse the service providers to continue to deliver excellent service, which is a very important factor in attracting tourists and passengers to come to Singapore?”
“(8) In involving itself with employment facilitation, can the Agency elaborate on how the Agency will integrate and streamline with the self-help groups, the CDCs and the MOM CareerLink Distributed Centres such that we will not see duplication of resources? Sir, it has been confusing to Singaporeans. Many who are looking for simple information or answer feel that their experience is like looking for a needle in the haystack. We need to be clear on who is in charge of what and where Singaporeans can go to to look for this service provider. WDA needs to be clear here. Finally, may I ask the Minister on the basis and criteria for the composition of the members of the Board of Directors of the Agency? The Minister has cited rich diverse experience of the Board that he has identified. But we would like to know more specifics on these criteria. There are a number of credible employer groups and professional bodies with resources that the WDA can tap on. Combined, these institutions represent a significant number of companies and professionals that deal with human capital issues as their main business. In my opinion, the Agency would have much more to gain to have them on the Board. I look forward to the Agency incorporating my suggestions. On this note, I would like to support the passing of the Bill.”
“What plans does SWDA have to continue with existing programmes such as the career placement and workskills training programmes that have proven to be of benefit to the white-collar job seekers. What plans does SWDA have to enhance the existing employment facilitation infrastructure and effort rendered by the CDCs, SPEC and the self-help groups? (5) What plans does the SWDA have for the Skills Redevelopment Programme (SRP) in general, in terms of the number of training places by industries, types and jobs? What improvements or refined work would the SWDA make in terms of the often expressed sentiments that Singaporeans tend to go through many cycles of retraining because the training is free and they are reluctant to take up jobs for which they have been trained for? (6) In view of the high number of unemployed and their lack of labour market skills and knowledge, would the SWDA consider extending the life and workskills programmes as they are serving a critical need under the current high unemployment situation? Sir, the important point is that we have to ensure that those who have gone for retraining will eventually take up jobs offered to them. A monitoring system that will penalise those who decline job offers and incentivise those who retain their jobs should be considered. (7) Some important industry sectors seem to be missing from the ones targeted for help and for action by the Agency, for example, the financial sector, the education sector, information technology, the media sector, and the arts sector. Would the Agency also consider working closely with executives in these sectors to ensure that their training needs are provided for, and that there is sufficient choice out there for people who want to pursue further adult education in these sectors?”
“Next, I would like to dwell on several questions that I have with regard to the provisos in the Bill: (1) How does the transfer of the Human Capital Development Division and the Labour Market Development Division from the Ministry of Manpower to the new Agency, together with the transfer of the SDF Secretariat, the CREST Secretariat, and the NSRS Centre of SPRING better help achieve the objectives of the Government in the upgrading of workforce training and development? What synergies will be gained by placing them under the auspices of the new Agency? (2) One of the new Agency's mandate is to expand industry-focused CET development. Does this mean that it will neglect more generic skills, like general management skills, human resource skills, and basic computer literacy to the workforce in general? Furthermore, what steps will the new Agency take to ensure that there is the integration of industry needs with that of curriculum development? (3) Some of the industry sectors targeted by the proposed new Agency already has established training providers. For example, there is SHATEC in hotel industry, Nanyang Polytechnic in the health care industry, and so on. How will these training providers benefit from the development of CET systems and infrastructure? Will there be duplicated development and how can resources be streamlined and optimally used? Will the new Agency help new training providers come to the fore to offer new and better training programmes to industry players? (4) In view of the relatively high percentage of unemployed executives, professionals and managers, what are some of the initiatives and programmes that will help them to cushion their existing plight?”
“These jobs command quite decent salaries ranging from $1,500 to $2,000 and they are performed by a large number of non-local residents. This may not be perceived well in these difficult times. It would seem to me that one of the more urgent tasks for SWDA is to increase the participation rate of Singaporeans in these jobs that are mostly filled by non-residents. Of course, there are also other lower-end jobs that are not filled because they are paid ridiculously low rates, eg, jobs in the construction and manufacturing sectors, which explain the low number of Singaporeans doing these jobs. Another observation is the need for a national databank on jobs and on the unemployed in Singapore, together with a breakdown in terms of sectors, industries, executives and non-executive types. I would like to reiterate the points of my parliamentary colleagues that the perception on the ground indeed is that foreigners are taking away the jobs from locals, and that policy makers are not listening because they are not experiencing the pain that Singaporeans are going through. We need to change this perception. A national data bank will allow a more dedicated approach to be taken. Perhaps a good start would be to review the statistics collected under the Labour Force Survey. Are there other statistics which need to be compiled and presented so that researchers and the public can be more discerning in using the statistics for studies, analysis and policy formulation?”
“The Bill should throw light on how the SWDA would focus on a healthy and productive workforce among the mature workforce and how to incentivise employers to provide jobs to the mature workforce. Perhaps a higher funding mechanism or tax incentives for employers who invest on further training and who employ more mature workforce, can tip the scale towards being pro-mature employees. Secondly, an adaptable mindset for both the individual and the organisation calls for an attitude that will go the extra mile to acquire the aptitude that will ultimately determine the altitude of attainment and success. In other words, so long as there is a right mindset with relevant skills, Singaporeans will overcome and prosper. Sir, I am hopeful that employers will also look into job re-design to facilitate the employability of the less skilled mature employees. I am pleased to know that a career counselling service is being considered by the SWDA to help the job seekers. Similarly, I would like to urge that this be expanded to provide a proactive service to employers to assure them that the retrenched employees are not necessarily bad hats. And employers with jobs to offer should not shun them. A dedicated match-making role may be adopted by SWDA, so that it can assist to change the perception that the unemployed retrenched are marginal performers. Having followed the recent discourse on the participation of our local residents in the newly created jobs, I would like to offer this humble opinion: There are non-exportable service jobs in the local retail, hairdressing, hotel and horticulture sectors. There are jobs as drivers in the local transport and logistics industry. There are jobs as nurses, care attendants and technicians in healthcare and medical welfare industry.”
“What is more important for the new statutory board to evolve, in the implementation process of each of the functions, is transparency in respect of the information and data the public needs. This is important from the point of view of the benefits that Singapore and Singaporeans would derive from an integrated continual adult education and further training infrastructure that incorporates effective employment facilitation and creation of jobs. Firstly, a pro workforce development culture must be inculcated to spur on the further development of continual adult education and further training of our Singaporean workforce. I am therefore happy to note that the SWDA will put in place, support and infrastructure to provide the necessary funds/incentives, and will induce employers and manpower development players to collaborate in initiatives and measures. More importantly, can the SWDA seek ways to ensure that the weaker segments, the unemployed and the economically inactive population, of the workforce are helped to level up their knowledge, skills and capabilities and to ensure them of equal employment opportunities? Sir, the SWDA has many challenges and issues to overcome. For example, in the area of unequal employment opportunities, can the SWDA muscle in to remove discriminatory practices in employment, promote the employment of the mature workforce, especially in an ageing population, promote innovative and new workplace practices, flexi-work arrangements and family-friendly HR policies? In this context, the SWDA needs to provide directions to support a work culture that, for example, does away with retirement age because an ageing population dictates a need for financial independence and career options through continuous working.”
“It calls for a drastic change in mindset for both the individual and employer. This is a sure way for Singaporeans to stay relevant and employable, and for businesses to stay viable. Sir, I envisage that such an Agency will contribute to the economic progress of Singapore and help build a skilled, adaptable, enterprising and resilient workforce. Of particular importance is the Agency's quick response to facilitate employment for the unemployed and to partner the human capital professional institutes to develop and promulgate best practices in human capital management. As we embark on this journey of re-making our workforce, it is important to nurture and enhance not only a pro workforce development culture but also to inculcate an adaptable mindset, not only in the Singaporean workforce, but also in business owners and employers. Sir, recent press sentiments, for example, the article in Today, 8th August 2003, headlined "Too many statutory boards spoil the show", implied that businesses and people are not benefiting from the 70 statutory boards in Singapore. The article argues that Singapore can do with less of such regulatory bodies in order to be nimble, proactive and quick-thinking. While the new statutory board has its roles to play, it is therefore important to dispel some of the mixed feelings and the notion that the creation of a new statutory board would add costs and inconvenience to building up our manpower capability. Instead, I would advocate that clarity of vision and outcomes arising from the establishment of the SWDA be properly articulated. Sir, the functions, duties and powers of SWDA are well defined.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as Singapore stands on the threshold of creating history or a new chapter in Singapore's employment and economic development, may I make these humble observations. The reading of this Bill is timely in view of the challenging and difficult employment situation where the skills and competencies of the Singapore workforce need a drastic makeover. This is in order that the Singapore workforce of today can stay relevant and competitive in the harsh new global economy, dominated by rapid changes and a new work order. This Bill is a step in the right direction in addressing an array of heart-tugging events like retrenchments and announcements on restructurings that have been advocated in recent months. These range from economic restructuring to wage restructuring to CPF restructuring and pre-emptive layoffs. These restructurings are like dosages of medicine that have come one after another. Singaporeans feel rather sedated by these continual dosages of medication for the economic ills that we are going through. At the same time, they also look forward to recover before the next dosage. As a reprieve from the over dosage, hopefully, this Bill will give a breath of fresh air to Singaporeans and a sense of hope for the long haul. In the spirit of revitalising and promoting continuing adult education and training, employment facilitation and developing the HR industry through best practices in human capital management in an ever changing operating environment, I would like to put forward some suggestions for consideration to facilitate the implementation of this Bill. A constantly changing operating environment means skills and knowledge get obsolete at a faster pace, making it necessary to unlearn, relearn, reskill and pursue upgrading in skills and knowledge.”
“Sir, it would appear to me that we seem to be only responding to the source of the problem and therefore we take a very reactive approach. The Minister of State mentioned earlier that, depending on the threshold level, the individual schools probably would be organising some of the fact-finding programmes. Since the Ministry is now taking cognisance of some symptoms that are already occurring in some junior colleges, would the Ministry not consider mounting a programme where we take a more proactive approach towards some of these symptoms that we are seeing today?”
“Sir, I want to check with the Minister whether there has been any survey or even a dialogue that has been organised for students to hear from them whether they are indeed going through stress of all sorts in school.”
“Sir, in view of our economic restructuring, how do we intend to actually grow those sectors that will be our cash cows? As for those sectors that we would not be doing well in, what are our plans going forward? Would we be eliminating these sectors and, if so, how should we relocate employees in these sectors?”
“Sir, I would like to check with the Minister whether he could verify and clarify that investment in overseas education of children can be reclassified as a form of investment, just as we have CPF-approved investment schemes. Similarly, whether small businesses could also be classified as such under the Government-approved small business scheme. And if they can be classified, then why is it that a portion, under qualified conditions of CPF, could not be utilised as a form of subsidy for such investments?”
“Sir, I would like to ask the Minister how he would facilitate the employment of young graduates who are today finding themselves very disillusioned when they graduate from the university, especially when they are losing out to the diploma holders as well as the ITE graduates.”
“First, I would like to commend the Minister for Health and our Government for having taken a very transparent approach in managing the SARS issue. I have a question for DPM Lee, and that is, in view of the downturn, especially in the service sector, is there any consideration for us to re-look at the CPF contributions by employers, perhaps a reduction during this period? This is because I remember an old lady telling me once that if you do not have fresh vegetables to eat daily, why think of drying and preserving vegetables. Once the economy turns around, we can perhaps look into a restoration again. This will work towards helping to save jobs for the workers.”
“By allowing dialect programmes to be shown over national TV, what signals will we be sending to Singaporeans who have been brought up in a culture of bilingual policy? There is also concern that such a move by MITA may lead to other racial groups also requesting for similar viewing of dialect shows, in which case, where do we draw the line? Whilst the variety can be interesting and rich, will the viewing of such dialect shows lead to norming of dialect groups, which can extend into the way we live, where we work, as had happened in the past? We would recall that our bilingual policy has an impact on our housing, occupation and lifestyle.”
“Sir, it took the Chinese Singaporeans 10 years to achieve a 15% in the number of Chinese Singaporeans embracing the language. In the same period, the use of Chinese dialects dropped from 50.3% to 30.7%, ie, a 19.6% drop. Yes, we are making progress in embracing Mandarin. But, contrary to what the Media Advisory Panel has alluded to, we are not proficient in the language yet. From what I was told, students who have scored A1 for Chinese in their GCE "O" levels have said that all they had to do was to mug 3,000 Chinese characters and then remember them by heart. After that, they will just discard the use of the words. And these are our creme de la creme. In other words, the language has not been internalised in most of the students and it does not come as second nature to them. Sir, the issues I would like to raise are as follows: will the lifting of the ban result in a slowdown of the good progress we have been making? How can we ensure that our progress rate, including embracing our bilingual policy, will not be affected? Sir, we should be mindful of the fact that while we have succeeded in our bilingual policy, there are Singaporeans who are not able to effectively master either English or Mandarin. My next question therefore is: by allowing dialect to co-exist with Mandarin, even if they are on ad-hoc basis and limited in scale, will we expect some degree of deterioration in the proficiency of Mandarin? There is evidence that learning more than one language can lead to the learners making errors because of what linguists call "language interference". On the third issue, the bilingual policy is a fundamental national policy.”
“Sir, the Media Advisory Panel has recommended for a lifting of the ban on dialect programmes. In 1979, the Speak Mandarin Campaign was launched by the then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. The slogan was "Speak more Mandarin and less dialect". This was subsequently followed by concerted efforts in eradicating dialect songs, talk shows and story-telling programmes, as well as dialect commercials on TV and radio. The Programme Advisory Committee, in recommending the return of dialect programmes on TV, had argued that most young people are now effectively bilingual in Mandarin and English. Therefore, allowing dialect programmes would have no adverse impact on the Speak Mandarin policy. Other reasons given are that it is a good way to let young Singaporeans know something about dialect, as dialect is still part of our cultural heritage. Literature has shown that many nations use language as a means to unify the country, eg, in China, the US, Europe and India. The different languages that were once spoken converge into one or two major ones. This move by MITA is significant for Singapore. The unique geopolitical context of Singapore, with its unique multi-racial setting and immigrant origins would require young Singapore to be fundamentally strong in just two languages that will serve to unify its multi-racial character. When our political leadership made the major decision more than 20 years ago to implement the bilingual policy, many good reasons were given. I have requested Speaker of the House to allow me to distribute some extracts of the reasons from our political leadership. I am also distributing a table that shows the proficiency that Chinese Singaporeans have made in English, Mandarin and Chinese dialects in the years between 1990 and 2000.”
“Besides on the desire of the school to want the student to go back to school, I have pointed out to the principal that the student's lethargy during the PE lesson could be due to the fact that his right hand is slightly handicapped and he may need follow-up on medical treatment. My appeal was to no avail. Very often, these cases may not be so bad as to warrant a referral to the Social Service Unit of MCDS. Nonetheless, they need to be professionally managed with time and dedication given. We know that it will be a drain on the school resources and the case may have a negative influence on other students. Despite this point, we should still follow up with a dedicated service. I would like to propose the setting up of a dedicated follow-up service for principals to refer their difficult cases for attention. This would ensure that students can continue to go back to schools whilst at the same time benefiting from the care of the follow-up service. I also urge that measures like suspension and expulsion should not be used so readily. Is there a guideline for schools on when they can resort to measures like expulsion and suspension? Are these guidelines made known to parents and students? Since a certain standard of expectation is required, it is only correct that these standards are made clear and known to the students and parents. In other words, is there a due disciplinary process that leads to the final decision of suspension or expulsion?”
“Madam, in my MPS cases, I have often come across parents and students with regard to disciplinary measures imposed on them by schools. Whilst I am very heartened by the positive response of some schools in the treatment of disciplinary cases, I have also come across several others where the treatment of disciplinary cases can be further improved. Madam, the notification by principals of schools that students are suspended or expelled because of their recalcitrant behaviour may not be the solution to many of these problem cases. Very often, these cases come from dysfunctional family where there is a lack of parental control, ie, parents are lowly educated and family is poor and cannot make ends meet. Some of these problem case students also have history of medical problems. I have no doubt that the schools would have gone through an array of measures to counsel and discipline and, as a last resort, have taken the approach of suspension or expulsion. There is a case of a student who has just been suspended and he was informed that he can only return to school in May this year to sit for his examinations. What is the purpose of suspension in this instance? Without any proper guidance and follow-up, I doubt a dysfunctional family would be able to transform the child from now till May for him to go back to school to take his examinations. Also, what would be the outcome of the examination results if he is going to miss his lessons during this period of suspension? I have written to the school to appeal to the principal to reinstate the student after having counselled the student and the mother myself. The student has agreed to improve on his behaviour and indicated a strong desire to go back to school.”
“--- may want to share the essence and philosophy of such a model with parents so as to emphasise to parents that knowledge alone is not enough. In the home, attitude and skills have got to be emphasised as well. In view of the need to nurture a holistic individual, would MOE consider incorporating the ASK model, and therefore the programmes premised on the ASK model, such as inculcation of values and speaking skills, as a compulsory enrichment programme if the model cannot be subsumed under the curriculum of the school syllabus?”
“Whilst we cannot equip learners with attitude, we can, however, create the awareness in learners of the importance of values which translate into one's attitude and behaviour. Sir, MOE has the right formula to model our future leadership. SM's recent address at NTU has led to a barrage of views about the Singapore youths. Labels, such as apathy towards politics and examination and CCA leave no time for current affairs began springing up. The fact that SM was faced with a relatively silent majority had raised concern about this generation of youngsters, whom we know will, one day, have to make a choice and assume the leadership to govern Singapore. Did they keep silent because they were not interested, or were they overwhelmed and awed by a great statesman? Their behaviour could be a result of both. From what I understand, a programme, such as the teaching of values in the attitude component of the ASK model, is taught through infusing this element in the teaching subjects. My question is: is it enough and effective? If it is value that makes us amend, then why is value not taught as a core curriculum subject to emphasise its importance, if not for anything else? We know that, in nurturing a student, a tripartite relationship of parents, schools and children (PSC) is crucial as both parents and schools would act as reinforcing agents in nurturing the children. I am inclined to propose that the schools ---”
“Sir, in a recent visit to NIE, I noted that, amongst the information and materials shared by MOE, was the ASK model, which stands for Attitude, Skills and Knowledge. My personal experience with this model dates all the way back to 1990 when I was involved in the Service Bureau of Changi International Airport Services and the training of service providers. I can lay claim that the service excellence in Changi Airport is attributed to this powerful model where service providers are trained on the need to internalise the three important components in order to do an excellent service job. There is no doubt that such a model has helped Changi Airport to clinch its number one position as the best airport by business travellers in the last 13 years, or so. Such a powerful model should similarly be embraced by schools, and students should be taught to internalise the model. This model is powerful because it provides a holistic education of the individual. Yet, we do not seem to know much about this model that is currently adopted by the school. Talking to school educationists subsequently, I was told that the model is just a framework and there is not really a dedicated effort to use it as a foundation where the three components of attitude, skills and knowledge are given equal emphasis. Sir, I would like to raise two issues with regard to the holistic education of our students. MOE has done a very good job in imbuing our students with knowledge of subject talks. But two such areas where they could do better are in equipping students with skills and inculcating values by nurturing their attitude and behaviour. Sir, it is generally known that knowledge can be taught, skills can be acquired, but attitude has to be nurtured.”
“How much lower should we cut our personal income tax rate in order to attract foreign talents? Are there other better ways to appeal to them besides undertaking a measure that may not be effective?”
“I would like to ask MOM whether there is any educational programme for employers with regard to mindset change on work flexibility and terms and conditions of work for local Singaporeans in this sector. Two, in order to encourage businesses to engage Singaporeans in jobs traditionally shunned in restaurants and hotels, what schemes does the Ministry have to encourage more Singaporeans to join these sectors? A second issue concerns the recent change on foreign workers policy in the construction industry. The primary consideration in this change is to allow multi-skilling to qualify for lower levy and to encourage businesses to employ Singaporeans. Now, it is important that we also encourage Singaporeans to be multi-skilled in the construction sector. This is survival for Singaporeans in the construction industry, otherwise they may find themselves levelling down, while the foreign construction workers will level up with multi-skills training and tasking. My questions are: how does the Ministry propose to encourage more Singaporeans to take up multi-skills training in the construction industry? I would also like to know why the recent policy on the rationale and criteria for the foreign construction workers is not extended to the other sectors where there is a high demand for foreign workers. On the third issue, it concerns the lowering of income tax for foreign talents. Sir, one reason why the Government has lowered the personal tax rate is to attract foreign talents into the country. I would like to ask the Minister whether there is sufficient reason to lower the income tax rate for this group of people, given that the personal income tax in this country is considerably lower than in other parts of the developed world.”
“Sir, I support Mdm Halimah's point about not just the workers need to change their mindset but, at the same time, would like to urge employers to also change their mindset. The first issue I would like to raise is with regard to the retail and hospitality sectors where most Singaporeans are shunning these sectors. I support that we take in foreign workers and talents where we are lacking in the skills and expertise, or we cannot find Singaporeans to fill these jobs. So long as the foreign workers or talents compare better than our locals and make up for what we lack, there is no good reason for us to reject them. But where jobs can be filled by Singaporeans, we must continue to educate Singaporeans to be less picky and employers to adopt flexibility in managing the needs of the local working population. And I would like to support what Mr Arthur Fong has said earlier regarding job sharing. I came across a case recently. An Indian beauty salon owner came to apply for a work permit for an Indian national trained in beauty therapy. The reason is that the foreign talent will be willing to work on weekends, long hours, and accept a lower salary. I had to convince the owner to explore job sharing which may make it easier for him than to look for a local who needs to look for a job with normal work hours because of domestic arrangements. The newspapers, as Mdm Halimah has said, have carried articles on the attitude of Singaporeans leading to eating houses and the like, preferring to opt for foreign workers. The issues I would like to raise are: one, it would appear that the terms and conditions of the job offered have made this job less attractive to Singaporeans.”
“Therefore, it will not help to increase the employability of the mature workers. The point is how many mature workers who have lost their jobs have gotten back into employment, because their CPF rate has gone down. The problem of employability may have its cause elsewhere. It is, therefore, a double whammy blow for this group of people. Adopting a measure of reduced CPF contribution rate to increase the employability of mature workers has not been effective. It may be more prudent to educate employers to change their perception concerning mature workers. Sir, we can appreciate the difficulties that many among this group of workers face in ensuring that they have sufficient funds in their CPF for their retirement and do not have to depend on the state for their upkeep. While it is laudable to try to enhance the employability of this group of workers, it is also important that we keep other objectives in mind before implementing the policy. This is to ensure that the mature workforce does not suffer undue hardship in years to come.”
“Sir, there are two main issues that I would like to raise with regard to the CPF funds. The first issue refers to the use of a portion of the CPF funds as an advance loan for a limited period. We know that in households where the sole breadwinner has lost his job and where the spouse is sick and unable to work, and where they have children to support and bills to pay, the financial burden can be a very heavy one. I would like to know whether the Minister would be prepared to consider the release of a portion of the CPF funds as an advance loan to help tide over the period of unemployment, especially if it is a prolonged period. Sir, such amounts are to be treated as temporary loans, which the unemployed will have to return when they have found jobs subsequently. The CPF loan should be used for living expenses and meeting financial obligations such as study loans for themselves or their children, and for payment of the insurance premiums covering medical and hospitalisation eventualities. The second issue relates to reviewing the restoration of the CPF for those above 50 years to the same rate as those below 50 when the recession is well behind us. The main concern behind the policy of a lower CPF rate for those who hit 50s will ensure that mature Singaporeans are able to find jobs in the future. Most of these concerns centre around the observation that employers perceive mature workers to be more costly than their younger counterparts and less productive as well. Sir, we have yet to obtain data to show that the mature workers do not represent value for money when compared to their younger counterparts. A lower CPF contribution rate for this group would insignificantly reduce the overall cost of doing business in Singapore.”
“Otherwise, we may face the same sort of structural unemployment for the sandwich PMEs as we are facing today for the workers. My question is: will Government be disposed to facilitate the set-up of such a fund by encouraging employers, employer groups and professional bodies to start such a fund and the Government will match such donations, as it has done for the endowment fund for workers?”
“And third, how can we ensure that given the right attitudes, skills and qualification, PMEs above 40 can gain equal opportunities for employment? The second issue relates to an endowment fund for PMEs. Last year, I have asked for such a fund. I called it the HEED fund as I was trying to persuade the Government to heed the need for such a fund. Since the Government has paid no heed, again this year, I am bringing it up. Sir, the need to reskill and retrain this group of PMEs is also important. In time to come, we know that this cohort of employees will constitute the bigger workforce. Sir, this fund will help the retrenched PMEs, or those who are to be retrenched, to pursue higher skills and education. This will help to increase their employability and also enable them to fend for themselves through self-employment, part-time work and flexible work arrangements. This group is growing by the day. Yet, we seem to put our own mindset that they can fend for themselves - they do not need help at all. The likes of Olivia Lum are testimony that they should be able to make it if they try hard enough. But, Sir, how many Olivia Lums can there be? For every one Olivia Lum who makes it, there are hundreds out there who just need that booster. Call it luck or providence intervention. It only touches a few out of the hundreds. And when they are in droves out there, a civic cautious society would want to mobilise and organise some form of assistance. This is to ensure that we contain the possible energies that they are capable of generating back to the economy if we organise and harness them well. Sir, the set up of the endowment fund can develop and equip PMEs for the future economy.”
“To begin with, I would like to propose that in the award of contract for services, a Singaporean entity should be included to work with the foreign entity as partners. In this way, Singapore will begin to develop specific icons in the area of knowledge management. This will then further spur the entrepreneurial spirit among Singaporeans. On PMEs, Sir, I would like to raise two issues. The first issue relates to job match for PMEs. The retrenched are having a tough time getting back to work. The economy picked up a little bit last year but jobs coming back and new jobs created were mainly for blue-collar and lower skilled workers. FTAs concluded will create 20,000 jobs, so EDB said. But EDB also said that it would take about three years to materialise for each investment. And where high job skills are created, they appear to be too highly skilled for many Singaporeans. For example, there are jobs created in the biomedical sector which require a PhD. Another possible industry in which this group may be able to find gainful employment is with MOE. But we know that even in polytechnics, contracts for lecturers are not renewed. The truth of the matter, Sir, is that even with new jobs created, it is likely the graduating cohort and the younger ones who are going to fill up the gap first. This is because, all things being equal, the potential employer will prefer to employ a younger one. The questions I would like to raise are as follows: First, can the Minister enlighten the House on the extent of job mismatch among the PMEs, ie, they do not have the right skills for the jobs available? Second, how many have gone through the job conversion programme at MOE and gained a foothold as their teaching staff?”
“My questions are: will the Government be disposed towards the idea of encouraging employers to consider SPEC membership as a step-down caretaker benefit for the employees? MOM can encourage via endorsement statements in their publicity materials. My second question is: at the same time, will the Government consider a tax rebate for such step-down care benefits that employers take up for their PMEs? Another issue is the idea to set up a community of learning and sharing so as to better transfer, manage and retain knowledge. This is particularly so for projects that are given to foreigners. There have been calls by several MPs for civil servants to be less bureaucratic and to be more customer-centric. Sir, we can say that it is all perception issues but perception, we know, is reality. I wish to highlight another perception which reinforces that anything foreign seems better. Such perception undermines the experience and expertise of our local Singaporeans. It has been observed that often times, our Ministries, statutory boards and GLCs award contract for services to foreign service providers and bring in overseas speakers at hefty fees. This is desirable where locals lack the experience and expertise. In many instances, foreign entities pull out when the going gets tough. Neither do we see a transfer of knowledge or expertise and experience to Singaporeans. We all know for Singapore's longer development, capabilities, knowledge and experience must be managed, captured and retained for the KBE. This is a sure way to go to nurture self-employment and entrepreneurship. We should therefore facilitate the set-up of a community of learning and sharing.”
“Sir, there are two issues that I would like to raise with regard to preparing for self-employment and nurturing entrepreneurship. First, on preparing for self-employment. I would like to submit some suggestions to facilitate a more ready mindset and to help these unemployed to be more self-reliant. Experience of the last two years have woken up several jobless among the PMEs that their once corporate career life is never to return again. How can we help the unemployed continue to feel a sense of usefulness and purpose? To be suddenly thrown out of work, one can be very disorientated and feel a sense of loss. One way is to enable them an association with a surrogate employer who can then nurture their confidence and equip them with skills and knowledge and connect them to potential project work. Sir, I would like to declare at this point that I am the founder member of SPEC and serves as the Honorary Deputy Chairman. SPEC was set up two years ago as a self-funding cooperative to provide a mutual self-help environment for these people. SPEC has a mindset change and career counselling module under WSTP and more than 3,000 Singaporeans have benefited from this programme. Both employers and employees, who have gone through this module, are better prepared for the parting of ways. I would encourage employers to tap on the services of SPEC and these include: employment and small business advisory, job and business counselling, writing business plans and proposals. On a regular basis, it runs seminars, showcasing the success stories of self-made Singaporeans. This is to encourage economically inactive PMEs to learn from others and take on self-employment and entrepreneurship in the portfolio economy.”
“How would the activities and functions which the CET and CAL seek to provide, as outlined in Chapter 13, impact the various economic entities, presently providing similar services and functions? How can the small consultancy and training providers survive with increased competition? If there are benefits arising from the intervention from MOM, we must take care that we manage the small timers well. Otherwise, we would be repeating the experience of the small provision shop and the super stores. Lessons of the past can be applied in this instance. On issue 5, the Government has been told far too often that it must shed its nanny image. Will not the setup of the CET and CAL, even with the best intentions to facilitate the market and industry, signal the paternalistic attitude of the Government which many fear may be misplaced in this particular area at this time? Finally, Sir, with unemployment hovering between 4% and 5%, many Singaporeans have been urged to consider entrepreneurship and self-employment as an option. Will not the setup of these two entities steal away some of their chances?”
“Sir, I would like to congratulate MOM for the setup of the CET Board that will ensure continuous training and education for employees to enhance their employability. Sir, I refer to Chapter 13 of the recommendations in the ERC Report. I have six issues which I would like to raise and which I hope MOM will take into consideration when planning the agency. Issue 1, is on the scope of coverage, as defined in the write-up. The whole write-up refers to workers, leaving out the entire segment of our workforce that constitutes PMEs. This segment of the workforce is growing and is anticipated to constitute about 60% of the workforce in the near future. In the light of the critically important role played by this workforce segment in our increasingly sophisticated knowledge-based economy, would it not make better sense to reflect their importance in the write-up? I would like to propose that the write-up take a more global tone to reflect the PMEs. Issue 2 will be on the programmes drawn up for PMEs. What types of programmes will be in place in the new agency that will be suitable and be made available to PMEs? How will the training needs analysis be carried out for in-service employees and economically inactive PMEs? As for the third issue, can MOM clarify the specific differences between the statutory board on CET and CAL? To the public, there appears to be no distinction. Also, how would these two entities relate to SPRING Singapore and PSB Corp? On the fourth issue, the Government has often been told that it must give space to the small timers among the SMEs a chance to grow and flourish and not compete with them unnecessarily.”
“Chinese tourist arrivals to Malaysia from January to November 2002 numbered about 517,000. Projecting from this figure, the year 2002 figure will be about 560,000. The Singapore figure for Chinese tourists for January to November 2002 numbered 611,000 visitors. This will be projected to about 660,000 for the whole year. In 2001, Malaysia recorded a tourist revenue figure of RM24.2 billion, about S$11.1 billion, an average of RM$1,890 per visitor. If Malaysia is earning S$11.1 billion from this sector, it can illustrate to the Malaysians that, mutually, we can grow the pie, so much more if only we combine our efforts. Perhaps Singapore can be the coordinating hub to link Malaysia with the other regional islands in Indonesia for the tourists to visit. Not only will increased tourism boost the economy, but it will also help to create jobs for the retrenched. Can the Minister enlighten the House as to whether there are existing programmes with the Malaysian counterpart? If not, is there any intention to pursue one? Also, are we embarking on a massive customer service training for our service providers, in view of the increasing service excellence programmes that both China and Malaysia are embarking on?”
“Sir, I would like to raise an issue with regard to Malaysian Airlines having China girls as stewardesses to boost tourist visits to Malaysia. According to the Oana-Xinhua report, MAS plans to employ some 100 China cabin crew this year. The tell-tale sign is not about the cabin crew, but rather the increasing attraction of Malaysia as a favourite tourism destination for Chinese travellers. It has been forecasted that MAS' sales volume for 2003 is expected to double that of next year. It has been reported that during the Chinese New Year holidays in early February, sales increased by 60% compared to that of the previous year. Sir, surely we can add value to Malaysia's new found strategy of attracting China tourists. How can Singapore attract this group from China? How can we ensure that this group will not bypass Singapore? Is there any arrangement with the Malaysian Tourism Board to package a bi-neighbour attraction package perhaps, which destinations could include both Malaysia and Singapore. Will Singapore take the initiative to offer a joint programme which can work both ways in this particular area, since tourist arrivals from China are growing? Whilst offering Singapore's hotspots, we can also offer to market Malaysia's hotspots through direct tourists to Singapore. This way, we will work towards a mutually beneficial arrangement. How many other such arrangements are there today with Malaysia? Is there any special tourist attraction that we can offer? For sure, we are no shopping haven, neither do we have the wonders of the world. Sure, we have Sentosa, the Esplanade and the lights. What more can we have that will offer a difference? It is time that we started to look also at our competitiveness at the tourist dollars and our standard of customer service.”
“Sir, I would like to raise an issue with regard to drug abuse. Drug abusers, last year, registered a marginal 1% decline. On the other hand, the number of new drug abusers had increased, and this has hit a 5-year record high. In fact, 911 new drug abusers were arrested last year, making it a 16% increase over 2001. The good news is that the number of heroin abusers arrested has decreased. It made up of 66% of last year's arrests compared to 80% in previous years. Of the number of new abusers last year, two-thirds were men aged 30 and above, and more than half of them were men in their 20s. Sir, this is worrying as the trend seems to indicate that younger adults are experimenting with synthetic drugs, like ice and catamine at nightspots. Last year, the number of ice abusers doubled while catamine abusers went up almost 90%. The general impression is that synthetic drugs are non-addictive and harmless. Doctors, on the other hand, have warned that these drugs may give abusers kicks and altered sensations, and prolonged abuse will cause irreversible damage to the organs. Can the Minister tell this House what is being done to arrest the growing trend of synthetic drug abuse? What programmes are there available to ensure that the harmful effects of synthetic drugs are made known to students and the general population?”
“Sir, in the last two years since September 11, I must compliment MHA for its very comprehensive organisation and planning of the security infrastructure in Singapore. The recent educational programmes on how Singaporeans should manage in the event of a crisis as well as visits to the bomb shelters and exhibits of our security capabilities are very encouraging. Nonetheless, we know that terrorist attacks can come in many forms. The terrorists can be both ingenious in their methods and persistent in their objectives. The acquisition of weapons of mass destruction is regarded as an act of piety by the terrorists, and they could very well already have chemical and biological capabilities. It is noted that most of the detection systems are detection for weapons and explosives. Could the Minister tell us if there are sufficient measures to detect and neutralise chemical and biological agents that could be smuggled by the terrorists into the country?”
“Just one last point. Because the fixed items actually would be inherited by newcomers. When newcomers inherit the fixed items, you can go on weeding off employees by retrenching them. But, on the other hand, you have new employees growing into the rigidities of the system.”
“On collective agreements, I have said that employers and unions may even need to review the terms and conditions in CA so as to help employers better manage the manpower cost. I gave the example and asked why should we not be looking at some of the fixed items in CAs which have actually entrenched the good practices of management, especially in this volatile time, and I have called them "grandfather baggages". For example, in this volatile time, why should we have CAs signed for three years? Can we not have a shorter period? Very often, in the three-year duration, annual increments be made fixed for three years. If a company were to lose money, say, in the second year, the company is entrenched into having to pay the same amount of annual increment. I have also said that, in anticipation of the reaction of our labour MP, we can argue that CA is, of course, a negotiable item between the employer and the union. But I have mentioned that because negotiations can sometimes be so protracted, running into three or four years, before you can sign a CA, it can sometimes end up as one of the causes for companies not looking at trimming the entrenched practices and taking the easy way out by trimming away the workforce, instead of by removing some of these fixed items. So I have suggested that it is time to rethink the structure and purpose of CAs in the New Economy, just as the unions have been evolving over these years to make their role more relevant. Nowhere have I suggested that we cast aside CAs. I have also made a point about why we have to look at some of the rigidities in CAs ---”
“Thank you, Sir. In advocating for a flexi future, I have identified, as one of the domains, collective agreements to promote a flexi culture in Singapore. Unfortunately, Mr Yeo has, in one sweeping statement, inferred my suggestion as doing away with the collective agreements and has cast my speech out of context. I would like to reiterate once again and please bear with me as I go through the significant portion on the CA.”
“I would like to seek your permission to clarify Mr Yeo Guat Kwang's response to the part of my speech where I had referred to the collective agreements.”
“8 radio, graduates were interviewed on their feelings about the job market and many have expressed despondency over the bleak job prospect. Sir, I am concerned that if this matter is not given the attention, the morale of our university graduates and their resolve to find a job would be affected. The School of Straight Talk runs programmes on Entrepreneurship, Self-Employment and Minding the Mind in difficult times. Such programmes will help boost the confidence of our graduates, inculcate a flexible mindset and equip them with practical skills. I urge the Government to extend some financial assistance under the WSTP funding for retrenched workers to this group of graduates as well. In this way, they can prepare themselves better for the job that they are looking for. And so, university graduates need not despair whilst waiting for that job. Sir, in conclusion, I would like to raise that in our pursuit for unprecedented structural change, we must be mindful that our transactions and relationship with people do not evolve into an adversarial stance, where each hardens its resolve. What we do not need more are the quick fixes to problems within the rules in the box. Instead, we need strong social capital support for the stark choices arising from thinking out of the box. As people grapple in the dark to find new ways, they want and need help. Such help must be based on respect, trust and advocacy of interests within the context of evolving new lives for Singaporeans. Sir, Budget 2003 will spur the implementation of the ERC recommendations and the success lies in the acceptance of a flexi future by the public, private and people sectors of Singapore. Only then can the economy remain competitive for years to come. 12.07 pm”