Labour
SkillsFuture Singapore aims to reach more Singaporean who have been unemployed
![](https://theonlinecitizen.s3.ap-northeast-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/2016/12/27061940/singapore-2-e1482826748769.png)
SkillsFuture Singapore is aiming to improve its outreach as to provide Singaporeans with opportunities to develop their potential throughout life regardless of their starting points. Among the newly-formed key priorities this year, the agency wants to reach those who have been unemployed.
SkillsFuture Singapore chief executive Ng Cher Pong said, “The group of unemployed Singaporeans certainly is a pressing issue. And that’s an issue that we’re working on very closely with Workforce Singapore; helping individuals to re skill, find new jobs.”
CNA reported that the agency is concerned that many Singaporeans are still unaware of, or unsure how, to tap the available programs.
The SkillsFuture Credits, where the Government helps all Singaporeans aged 25 and above receiving a sum to pay for approved skills-related courses, is one widespread scheme of the initiative.
SkillsFuture Credit users are well-distributed across all age groups, the update also said.
![source: skillsfuture.sg](https://i0.wp.com/theonlinecitizen.s3.ap-northeast-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/2017/02/27002435/factsheet-62-pie-chart.44bf06cd.gif?resize=450%2C450&ssl=1)
source: skillsfuture.sg
The SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Program is a work-learn program designed to give fresh graduates from polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) a head-start. It provides them with more opportunities to build on the skills and knowledge they acquired in school, and supports their transition into the workforce.
The Skills Framework provides key information on sector and employment, career pathways, occupations/job roles, as well as existing and emerging skills required for the occupations/job roles. It aims to create a common skills language for individuals, employers and training providers. This further helps to facilitate skills recognition and support the design of training programs for skills and career development.
SkillsFuture Singapore also plans to improve its arrangement with both individuals and companies. Individuals can apply for subsidies for classes to gain skills for career growth.
CNA reported that its latest update said around 380,000 Singaporeans have benefited from programs under the SkillsFuture movement last year, which is 30,000 more than in 2015. And 920,000 training places have been taken up, around 11 percent more than the 830,000 the year before.
“We’ve made steady progress in SkillsFuture over the last one-plus year,” said Mr Ng, “The steady increase in the number of training places supported by the Government that has been taken up, benefiting more enterprises, benefiting more individuals — I think we’ve made some success there.”
“But also more importantly, SkillsFuture is about changing mindsets around lifelong learning and skills mastery. We’ve seen some shifts in the mindsets of enterprises and individuals,” he said. He also noted that it is still early days, with a lot of hard work to do.
SkillFuture said in its January update that more than 126,000 Singaporeans have used the SkillsFuture Credit to up-skill or re-skill themselves by end December 2016. Yet this number is actually considered a low take up rate as it represents only about one in 20 eligible Singaporeans.
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Labour
39yo man dies after tugboat sinks in Singapore waters
A 39-year-old man has died after the tugboat Oshio sank in Singapore’s Eastern Anchorage on Wednesday afternoon. Rescued by the Police Coast Guard (PCG), he later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. A search for the second crew member is ongoing, involving the MPA, PCG, and SCDF.
![](https://theonlinecitizen.s3.ap-northeast-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/2024/09/05100035/Oshio4-tile.jpg)
SINGAPORE: A 39-year-old man has died after the tugboat he was on sank in Singapore waters on Wednesday (4 September).
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) reported the incident in a statement issued the same day, confirming that the tugboat, Oshio, sank in the Eastern Anchorage at around 2.15 pm.
![](https://i0.wp.com/theonlinecitizen.s3.ap-northeast-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/2024/09/05095653/Oshio2.jpg?resize=740%2C469&ssl=1)
Source: vesselfinder.com
As reported by Singapore media CNA, the man, one of two crew members on board the tugboat, was rescued by the Police Coast Guard (PCG) and taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities have not released details about the second crew member, who remains missing.
A search and rescue operation involving the MPA, PCG, and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) is currently underway.
Divers have been deployed to locate the sunken tugboat for salvage operations.
MPA has also issued navigational broadcasts to warn vessels to avoid the area. No oil pollution has been detected from the incident.
According to the MPA website, the Eastern Anchorage, situated near Marina Barrage, serves general purposes such as receiving stores, water, bunkers, and as a waiting area for berth facilities by vessels, excluding non-gas free petroleum vessels, liquefied natural gas vessels, liquefied petroleum gas vessels, and chemical vessels.
Authorities are continuing their search efforts and are monitoring the situation closely.
Labour
Nearly half of Malaysian workers consider themselves a minority: Randstad Malaysia
Randstad’s 2024 Employer Brand Research reveals that nearly half of Malaysian workers feel like minorities due to ethnicity, religion, and other factors. Gen Zers reported the highest minority perception, and career growth obstacles persist, particularly for minority and female employees.
![](https://theonlinecitizen.s3.ap-northeast-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/2024/09/04100558/Kuala-Lumpur-Malaysia.png)
Randstad, the world’s largest talent company, released the results of its 9th annual Employer Brand Research in Malaysia today.
The study, which surveyed 2,500 individuals in the country as part of a global pool of over 173,000 respondents, revealed that nearly one in two Malaysian workers consider themselves a minority in the workplace. Reasons for this include ethnicity, nationality, religion, and disability, with 12 per cent opting not to disclose their reasons.
Fahad Naeem, Country Director of Randstad Malaysia, stated, “Despite progress in promoting diversity, our research highlights a gap in true inclusivity across Malaysia’s workforce. Equity remains crucial for organisations aiming to attract and retain talent. A diverse and respectful workplace enhances collaboration and business success.”
The survey, conducted by Kantar TNS in January 2024, found that 56 per cent of Gen Z respondents and 47 per cent of Millennials reported feeling like minorities at work, compared to 41 per cent of Gen Xers. Among Gen Zers, 19 per cent cited their religious beliefs as the reason for this perception, compared to 12 per cent of Millennials and 9 per cent of Gen Xers.
Naeem emphasised the importance of addressing these concerns through anti-discrimination policies and merit-based recognition, warning that negative workplace experiences shared on social media can damage employer brands.
Minorities Face Career Growth Obstacles
The research also showed that 44 per cent of respondents reported facing obstacles in career progression, with minorities 26 per cent more likely to encounter such barriers. This includes disparities in promotions, pay raises, and access to training opportunities.
Naeem urged employers to be transparent in their evaluation metrics, noting that open communication could help bridge the gap and unlock the full potential of a diverse workforce.
The top reasons for leaving their jobs are to improve work-life balance, the lack of career growth opportunities, and low pay amid rising living costs.
Generational Disparities in Career Growth Perceptions
The report highlighted that Gen X workers feel the most overlooked by their employers, with one in five expressing doubts about whether the best opportunities go to the most deserving employees. Gen Xers are also the least likely to believe their employers provide equal pay for equal work.
Conversely, Baby Boomers were more optimistic, with two in three reporting that senior managers offer fair reskilling and upskilling opportunities, compared to 52 per cent of Gen Zers and Gen Xers.
Gender Inequality Persists in Male-Dominated Sectors
While gender inequality is less pronounced at the national level, the survey revealed persistent disparities in male-dominated sectors like manufacturing and technology. In manufacturing, 25 per cent of men feel they are not receiving equal pay for equal work, compared to 14 per cent of women. In the technology sector, 31 per cent of women believe they are underpaid compared to 18 per cent of men.
Naeem stressed the need for equitable policies in these sectors, warning that without them, companies risk losing top talent to industries that better value diversity and contributions.
The full 2024 Randstad Malaysia Employer Brand Research report, featuring in-depth data and insights, is available on the Randstad Malaysia website.
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