More specifically, he highlighted the job opportunities provided by the two giant petrochemical complexes coming up on Jurong Island
=============
Sep 20, 2008
New jobs still available
They can be found in sectors like aerospace, petrochemicals and tourism, says minister
By Kor Kian Beng
JOB-SEEKERS in Singapore received comforting words of reassurance from Acting Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong yesterday.
Despite the global financial crisis, he said there were enough new jobs and pointed out the sectors where they could be found. They are: construction, aerospace, petrochemicals and tourism.
ON FOREIGN WORKER ISSUE
'We recognise Singaporeans' concern and anxiety about having more foreign workers among us. That is understandable. The key is to find ways to address such concerns so that the impact on our local population is managed. On the job front, we have to make sure that there are new jobs created for Singaporeans, that they continue to remain employed. On the social front, we have to ensure that we manage the ground so that the impact on the society is manageable.'
Acting Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong, commenting on the presence of foreign workers here
... more
More specifically, he highlighted the job opportunities provided by the two giant petrochemical complexes coming up on Jurong Island, and the two integrated resorts.
The petrochemical plants being built by Shell and ExxonMobil will start operating by 2011.
Meanwhile, ExxonMobil is hiring up to 10,000 people to build the plant, and Shell, between 8,000 and 9,000.
The doors of the integrated resorts will start opening from 2010 and they will need about 20,000 workers. Also, they will generate other spin-offs for the economy, said Mr Gan when he opened a job and skills training fair.
The Power Up Your Career roadshow, which ends tomorrow, is aimed at people keen on working in manufacturing, logistics and real estate management.
Held at VivoCity, about 450 jobs are on offer at the fair, which is organised by the Workforce Development Agency (WDA).
The agency, set up five years ago to tackle high unemployment, yesterday marked its anniversary with a new vision statement: 'A competitive workforce, with workers learning for life, and advancing with skills'.
Speaking to reporters later, Mr Gan said the turmoil in the world's financial markets may cause employers to be more cautious and slow their hirings. Some of Singapore's export industries could be hit and it might even lead to layoffs.
But workers can rise to the occasion by doing two things, he said.
One, have realistic expectations about salary or the jobs being sought. Two, continually upgrade their skills.
Taking these steps will improve a worker's employability and job mobility, he added.
'If the recession comes or the economy slows down further, they will be able to look for better or new jobs.'
A record 144,600 jobs were created in the first half of this year, compared to 113,800 in the same period last year. Unemployment remains at 2.3 per cent, as it did last year, when 234,900 jobs were created.
The minister also expressed confidence in the WDA keeping the workforce competitive and resilient.
Its chief executive, Mr Ong Ye Kung, said the agency has helped to train 180,000 workers (10 per cent of the local workforce) under the Workforce Skills Qualifications system.
Next year, it expects another 100,000 workers to be trained.
Mr Ong believes the upgrading will make the workforce more flexible and agile and better able to respond to a slowing economy.
Mr Koh Juan Kiat, executive director of the Singapore National Employers Federation, agreed.
He also said the effects of the financial crisis would be confined to the banking and insurance industries here. 'There will be moderation in job growth,' he added.
[email protected]
=============
Sep 20, 2008
New jobs still available
They can be found in sectors like aerospace, petrochemicals and tourism, says minister
By Kor Kian Beng
JOB-SEEKERS in Singapore received comforting words of reassurance from Acting Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong yesterday.
Despite the global financial crisis, he said there were enough new jobs and pointed out the sectors where they could be found. They are: construction, aerospace, petrochemicals and tourism.
ON FOREIGN WORKER ISSUE
'We recognise Singaporeans' concern and anxiety about having more foreign workers among us. That is understandable. The key is to find ways to address such concerns so that the impact on our local population is managed. On the job front, we have to make sure that there are new jobs created for Singaporeans, that they continue to remain employed. On the social front, we have to ensure that we manage the ground so that the impact on the society is manageable.'
Acting Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong, commenting on the presence of foreign workers here
... more
More specifically, he highlighted the job opportunities provided by the two giant petrochemical complexes coming up on Jurong Island, and the two integrated resorts.
The petrochemical plants being built by Shell and ExxonMobil will start operating by 2011.
Meanwhile, ExxonMobil is hiring up to 10,000 people to build the plant, and Shell, between 8,000 and 9,000.
The doors of the integrated resorts will start opening from 2010 and they will need about 20,000 workers. Also, they will generate other spin-offs for the economy, said Mr Gan when he opened a job and skills training fair.
The Power Up Your Career roadshow, which ends tomorrow, is aimed at people keen on working in manufacturing, logistics and real estate management.
Held at VivoCity, about 450 jobs are on offer at the fair, which is organised by the Workforce Development Agency (WDA).
The agency, set up five years ago to tackle high unemployment, yesterday marked its anniversary with a new vision statement: 'A competitive workforce, with workers learning for life, and advancing with skills'.
Speaking to reporters later, Mr Gan said the turmoil in the world's financial markets may cause employers to be more cautious and slow their hirings. Some of Singapore's export industries could be hit and it might even lead to layoffs.
But workers can rise to the occasion by doing two things, he said.
One, have realistic expectations about salary or the jobs being sought. Two, continually upgrade their skills.
Taking these steps will improve a worker's employability and job mobility, he added.
'If the recession comes or the economy slows down further, they will be able to look for better or new jobs.'
A record 144,600 jobs were created in the first half of this year, compared to 113,800 in the same period last year. Unemployment remains at 2.3 per cent, as it did last year, when 234,900 jobs were created.
The minister also expressed confidence in the WDA keeping the workforce competitive and resilient.
Its chief executive, Mr Ong Ye Kung, said the agency has helped to train 180,000 workers (10 per cent of the local workforce) under the Workforce Skills Qualifications system.
Next year, it expects another 100,000 workers to be trained.
Mr Ong believes the upgrading will make the workforce more flexible and agile and better able to respond to a slowing economy.
Mr Koh Juan Kiat, executive director of the Singapore National Employers Federation, agreed.
He also said the effects of the financial crisis would be confined to the banking and insurance industries here. 'There will be moderation in job growth,' he added.
[email protected]
