Deputy Prime Minister urges business to promote staff not just on credentials, but on skills and actual work performance
Speaking at the National Trade Union Congress (NCTU), deputy prime minister Lawrence Wong addressed foreign workers and called for improvements to Singapore’s meritocracy system.
“We had expected a strong recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, but have flown into strong headwinds,” Wong said. “We now find ourselves at a crossroads in our nation’s journey.”
Wong was chosen as lead of Singapore government’s fourth generation (4G) team in April. Members of the 4G team will consult with the public and focus on six aspects, economy and jobs, education and lifelong learning, health and social support, home and living environment, environmental and fiscal sustainability, and Singapore identity. The team will produce a report with policy recommendations in the middle of next year.
Under the economy and jobs pillar the report outlines an aim to empower every Singaporean to have lifelong employability in a more competitive economy amidst an uncertain world. In Wong’s speech at the NCTU he said, “We cannot abandon meritocracy, but I believe we can improve it and make ours a more open and compassionate meritocracy,” said Wong.
Read more: Foreign vs. local workers. Who is buoying up Singapore’s economy?
“The government will work to prevent income and wealth gaps from widening,” he continued adding, “the nation needs to broaden its conception of merit beyond academic credentials. That will entail working closely with employers to ensure they hire and promote staff not just on the basis of credentials, but on skills and actual work performance.”
Wong offer solutions such as investing in preschool education to enable every child to have more opportunities and prevent the circumstances of one’s birth from determining their future. Another suggestion was for people to recognise and develop talent in multiple fields and to give people the chance to advance during multiple stages of their lives, the urge to look beyond academic credentials was reiterated. He also said that overall systems of learning should be strengthened, not just in schools and formal institutions, but lifelong education so that people can continually upgrade their skills and secure better jobs.
The Prime Minister has already warned Singaporeans they must prepare for more economic challenges, inflation will remain high and central banks are tightening policies, warning the world may face a recession within the next two years. A recent survey revealed Singaporeans growing frustration over the country’s soaring inflation.
Read more: Foreign labour policy review on the horizon
Addressing the issue of foreign workers, which has been a hot election topic, Wong said, “Singaporeans would have to accept some degree of competition whether they are here or overseas,” and reiterated plans to pass a new law to ensure that all employers uphold fair employment practices.
“We will continue to update our policies to manage the inflow of work pass holders, ensure they come into sectors where we need them the most – and to complement, not displace, our local workforce,” he said.
“I hope to see a society and system that benefits many, not a few; that rewards a wide variety of talents, not a conventional or narrow few,” he said. “That values and celebrates all individuals for who they are and what they can achieve; and provides all with opportunities to do better throughout their lives.”
Descriptions of the six pillars
To empower very Singaporean to have lifelong employability in a more competitive economy amidst an uncertain world.
To equip every Singaporean with the opportunity to thrive., grow and realise their aspirations, regardless of their starting point in life.
To enable every Singaporean to lead a dignified and fulfilling life, and to better care for themselves and those around them.
To transform our living environment, and to build a more liveable home for all who stake their futures here.
To foster a more sustainable way of life that stewards our resources responsibly for future generations.
To grow our sense of belonging to Singapore, our commitment to citizenship and our sense of mutual responsibility towards each other.
