He also emphasized that the majority international labor market statistics aren’t broken down by nationality.
He added: “The most important thing is results for our employees. In this regard, the results are encouraging – Singapore remains globally competitive in attracting investment, unemployment remains low, wages for Singaporean workers are rising, and good jobs will continue to be created now and in the future.”
From the Indian community to the Chinese, Singapore is feeling the pressure of immigration
From the Indian community to the Chinese, Singapore is feeling the pressure of immigration
Singapore achieved these results by remaining united and dealing together, he said. “Let us not follow the path of other economies that struggle with the politics of division and jealousy.”
During Parliament on Monday, Singh repeatedly asked in regards to the number of recent job positions for Singaporeans, PRs and foreigners in each industry, which was ultimately met with a pointy reply from Chan that “the last word competition isn’t pitting Singaporeans against PR, however the Singapore team of Singaporeans, PR and even foreign labour.”
Following the exchange, Singh reiterated his comments in a Facebook post on Tuesday, saying there was “inconsistent” information on the variety of jobs for Singaporeans created by the Industry Transformation Maps (ITM) – a set of plans that guide various economic activities in sectors on how innovate, be more productive and create more jobs.
He noted that the ITM construction trade fair “stands out positively and clearly demonstrates that the aim is to supply good jobs for Singaporeans.”
However, for other ITMs, references include “employees”, “local” or “PMET (skilled, managerial, executive and technical) jobs, moderately than Singaporeans themselves”, he said.
He also noted that the federal government doesn’t classify Singaporeans as a separate category in most employment statistics. Also included are PRs who, together with Singaporeans, are included within the “local” category.
“This classification makes it difficult to consider the problems and issues that affect the Singaporean workforce across industries and over time,” he argued.
“It also makes it difficult to track and consider policy options or alternatives to enhance the employment and career prospects of Singaporeans – something that every citizenship-minded citizen and most of us moderate politicians with a stake in Singapore should be concerned about.”
If Singapore is so wealthy, why do its residents feel blocked?
If Singapore is so wealthy, why do its residents feel blocked?
Chee noted in his post that in his original response to Singh’s parliamentary query, Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad highlighted that between 2015 and 2018, total employment within the 23 ITM sectors increased by 19,500, excluding foreign domestic staff.
This consisted of a rise within the employment of Singaporeans by 39,300, a rise within the employment of PRs by 8,600 and a decrease within the employment of foreigners by 28,500.
“MOS Zaqy also explained that it would be more meaningful to look at employment changes over a longer period, as most of the ITMs were only launched in 2018.” Chee said.
Echoing Chan’s comment that the federal government has “nothing to cover”, Chee added: “We must firmly reject any attempts to drive a wedge between different groups in our society and firmly oppose attempts to incite fear and hatred for political purposes. Only then can we make progress together as Team Singapore.”
