29/04/2015

Speech by Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Health, at the Launch of the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme for Food Manufacturing

Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Health

Dr Tan Sze, Managing Director, Nestle R&D Center Singapore, Mr Goh Eng Ghee, Acting Chief Executive, Singapore Workforce Development Agency, Mr Tan Choon Shian, Principal and CEO, Singapore Polytechnic, Mr Thomas Pek, President, Singapore Food Manufacturers' Association, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning.

I am pleased to attend today's launch of the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme for Food Manufacturing. Just last month, I witnessed the launch of the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme at the Lifelong Learning Institute. Today, I am heartened to see the first sectoral rollout of the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme for polytechnic graduates.

Singapore's Food Manufacturing Industry

• Singapore’s food manufacturing industry has been a significant component of our growing economy. In 2013 , the industry contributed approximately S$9.1 billion of manufacturing output and employed over 29,000 workers across multi-national corporations as well as small and medium-sized enterprises. There are about 840 companies operating across more than 17 industry sub-sectors including flavourings, sauces, ready meals, noodles, sausages, confectionery and more. Leveraging on our strategic location, world-class infrastructure and connectivity, skilled manpower and reputation for high quality standards, Singapore is well-positioned to become the next food manufacturing hub with a growing number of international enterprises having operations here.
• The local food manufacturing industry is aiming to move higher up the value chain, with food science and technology gaining importance as industry players intensify their R&D efforts. Local food manufacturers are investing in R&D for more first-in-the-market products, and enhancing their processes and packaging for better quality products with longer shelf-life.
• Food manufacturers are also placing greater focus on newer technologies and higher-order skills to enhance their operational processes. Specifically, they are looking to boost their capabilities in food product innovation, quality control and assurance, and food processing technologies. These are the areas that the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme for Food Manufacturing seeks to address.
  

A head-start for fresh polytechnic graduates

• The pilot run of the programme kicked off last week with an inaugural batch of 20 participants at 12 companies. The inaugural batch of trainees includes a number of Singaporean polytechnic graduates who have decided on a career in food manufacturing while supporting the growth of the industry.
• One of them is Ms Nur Afiqah Binte Mohammad Yusof, who works here at Nestle R&D Center as a Food Product and Process Specialist. Ms Nur recently graduated from TP with a Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition, and was a student intern here from April to August 2014. She enjoyed her internship stint so much that she joined Nestle after her graduation to deepen her skills under the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme.
• Another participant is Ms Vinny Ho Yu Xuan, who holds a Diploma in Food Science and Technology from SP. She works as a Food Technologist at The Soup Spoon, where she seeks to enhance her knowledge and widen her experience through the work-study programme. The Soup Spoon is one example of how local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can leverage on the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme as part of their talent attraction and development strategy.
• Another participant, Ms Jocelyn Koh Phuay Shuang, graduated with a Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition from NYP. Ms Koh works as an Assistant Product Innovation Specialist at Faesol, another local SME, and looks forward to working with her colleagues to develop innovative food solutions for food companies.
  

Holistic manpower and skills development plan

• As part of a holistic manpower and skills development plan, WDA is also working on other initiatives to complement the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme for Food Manufacturing. One of these is a collaboration with Newcastle University on a Manufacturing STEP Scholarship programme. This is a 2-year research-based Masters programme for Professionals, Managers and Executives (PMEs) to develop capabilities beyond their current functions. Scholarship recipients will work on an industry research project of strategic importance to their company, jointly supervised by the company and Newcastle University.
• In other words, the scholars will continue to support the company’s operation while they pursue their Master degree. WDA has set aside a total of $888,000 to support up to 12 scholarships. Food companies such as Nestle and Sensorcraft Technology will be tapping on the Manufacturing STEP Scholarship programme to groom their future leaders.
  

Conclusion

In conclusion, the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme for Food Manufacturing represents a structured and progressive career advancement and skills upgrading pathway for polytechnic graduates. I would like to urge more companies and polytechnic students to come on board the programme. Besides strengthening the manpower capabilities of industry players, the programme also helps individuals to advance in their careers through skills mastery.

Last but not least, I would also like to express my appreciation to companies, polytechnics, universities, associations and government agencies that have collaborated on this SkillsFuture initiative. I would also like to call upon all Singaporeans, employers and students to embrace and partake in the national SkillsFuture effort to foster deep skills in the workforce, and be part of Singapore’s transformation into an advanced economy and an inclusive society.

Thank you.