Singapore strives to develop dynamic and productive workforce

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Saturday announced it will help develop a dynamic and productive workforce to attract new investments and sustain business competitiveness.

The ministry presented its plan and priorities in the next five years, as part of the addendum to President S.R. Nathan's address to the Parliament on Thursday when the 11th Parliament opened.

The ministry said in the addendum that it wants all workers to take part in the opportunities generated by an improving economy.

For this, Singapore must have a good adult training infrastructure to help workers upgrade their skills and build their careers, the ministry said.

And it will also focus on the employment of the low-wage and older workers in the next five years.

As Singaporeans are now living longer and one in every five Singaporeans will be in their 60s by the year 2030.

On the same day, the Community Development, Youth and Sports Ministry (MCYS) announced to set up a new council to create more opportunities for the elderly to lead active lifestyles.

According to a local media Channel NewsAsia report, the yet-to- be named council will look into creating more opportunities for the elderly to pick up new skills, work or volunteer.

The council will be supported by the 10 million Singapore dollars (about 6.37 million U.S. dollars) "Golden Opportunities" fund for senior citizens that were announced by the MCYS in February this year.

Source: Xinhua