Speech at Launch of STB's Tourism Careers Campaign
Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Defence, The Atrium@Orchard, Plaza Singapura
Mr Lim Neo Chian,
Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board
Mr Ong Ye Kung,
Chief Executive, Singapore Workforce Development Agency
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
1. I am pleased to join you this morning to launch the TOurism TAlent or TOTAL Plan, as well as the Singapore Tourism Board's (STB) careers campaign "Tourism – A Journey of Discovery".
Singapore's Vibrant Tourism Industry
2. A record number of tourists are coming to visit Singapore. For the first nine months of this year, 7.6 million visitors arrived on our shores, a 5.3% increase over the same period last year. We are on track to achieve our target of another record-breaking year with 10.2 million visitor arrivals and $13.6 billion in tourism receipts for 2007.
3. More tourists are expected over the next few years with the completion of mega-developments and international events such as the Singapore Flyer, Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay Sands, Resorts World at Sentosa, a rejuvenated Orchard Road and Gardens by the Bay, just to name a few.
New Manpower Demands and Opportunities
4. More tourists will mean more jobs for Singaporeans. We can expect some 50,000 to 60,000 new jobs in the tourism industry over the next three years, with a wide range of service careers from managers and accountants to event organisers, surveillance officers and chefs. More full and part-time service workers will be needed to be tour guides, retail assistants, waiters and guest relations officers to give our visitors a "Uniquely Singapore" experience. The prospects for a career in tourism-related sectors have never been brighter.
TOurism TAlent (TOTAL) Plan
5. With the growth of the tourism industry, we will need to train more Singaporeans with the right combination of skills and service mindset to fulfil these roles. We need to have a ready supply of workers enter the trade over the next few years to support these mega tourism projects and the increase in tourist arrivals. To meet this manpower demand, the STB, WDA and SPRING will work together to launch a Tourism Talent (TOTAL) Plan.
6. TOTAL will train and prepare 74,000 Singaporeans for jobs in the tourism sector over the next three years. It will help ensure that we have the pipeline of skilled workers to support the growth of the tourism industry. TOTAL will cost the Government more than $360 million. But, it will be well worth it and pay dividends many times over. With this plan, Singapore will be better positioned to grow our tourism industry and attract even more tourism investments and exciting tourism infrastructure.
Pre-Employment Training (PET)
7. TOTAL comprises 3 main strategies. First, start early and more effectively in the supply pipeline by preparing students. In anticipation of escalating manpower demand, the STB has been working closely with the universities, polytechnics and ITEs to progressively increase their intake and offer more tourism and hospitality-related courses such as culinary, retail and resort management. The STB and other partner agencies such as SPRING and WDA will also continue to extend scholarships and study awards to help the industry attract and retain talented manpower.
Continuing Education and Training (CET)
8. Second, upgrade adult workers with the right skills and service mindset to seize jobs available in the tourism sector. TOTAL will provide many opportunities. Whether it is someone looking for a mid-career switch, a second career after retirement or a tourism worker hoping to upgrade his skills, there will be a suitable training programme.
9. A top priority is jobs that require specific technical skills which will take time to train. For example, it takes at least 1 to 2 years to train a qualified chef or what the industry calls a “Commis Cook”. Another need is for technicians who will maintain the theme park rides in Resort World at Sentosa. The skills level required by these technicians are similar to those needed by the technicians who maintain our MRT lines. We will have to ensure that there is a sufficient number of such skilled personnel and given a longer lead time required to train such workers, we have started preparations early.
10. The WDA expects to equip some 15,000 workers in identified occupations and critical jobs where specialized skills are required by 2010 under its Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) programmes.
Building 'Service DNA'
11. We can also expect that surrounding countries will also work hard to compete and attract the tourist dollar. Large tourist developments and big events are necessary but not sufficient to keep bringing back visitors to Singapore. A single negative encounter can undo our positive image. It can occur anywhere - from the point of entry through air, sea or land; in taxis, shops or restaurants; or in entertainment outlets. This is why it is critical to equip Singaporeans with the service DNA to provide a total positive experience.
12. The IR developers have also told us that although specific skills are required, the primary requirements are to have a service mindset and being able to deliver good service, ie service skills is most critical in their recruitment consideration and a pre-requisite for a range of tourism jobs. Hence, the WDA aims to train some 36,000 non-tourism workers in service excellence skills over the next three years through a new generic service skills training programme called the Certified Service Professional programme (or CSP). This will be rolled out at the beginning of next year.
13. There are also many tourism jobs suitable for older workers. Examples include service attendants, retail assistants and F&B servers. Older workers possess strong traits such as patience, empathy and broader life skills that are valuable to the service industries. We will make a special effort to reach out to them.
14. Take the example of 70-year-old Mr Joseph Chung. He was with the Singapore Postal Services for more than 38 years, and was 59 years old in 1996 when he made a career switch, from being a Postmaster to a docent with the Singapore Philatelic Museum. For the past 11 years, he has been interacting with visitors and bringing them on tours around the museum. Last year, Mr Chung attended the Tourism WSQ In-Employment Upgrading Programme for Tour Hosts. The programme provided him a chance to learn from others and he was able to achieve certification and recognition for his skills.
15. He has since expanded his tasks to include conducting educational activities for school children in the museum and giving talks in school assembly sessions to educate school children about the history and significance of stamps.
16. Joseph has received many compliments from guests. He is a good example of how an older worker can be an invaluable asset to the organisation.
Industry Development to Attract Locals
17. Third, we need to market the tourism industry as a choice career option to attract more Singaporeans. Government agencies will assist but industry associations and partners will need to play a more active and concerted role involving job re-design, improving HR practices and enhancing the image of the industry in order to attract and retain good local workers. Fresh school leavers and working adults will join the industry if they can see clear career progression pathways and attractive rewards for good staff performance.
18. To help in these efforts, the STB will embark on a three-year campaign to create awareness on the type of tourism jobs available and motivate local workers to join the industry.
19. I am pleased to launch the start of this campaign today. "Tourism – a Journey of Discovery", provides an excellent platform for all who want to learn more about working in the tourism industry. STB has also put together the Tourism Careers Web Portal and the Tourism Information Pack to help job seekers better appreciate the industry and its many job opportunities.
Conclusion
20. The tourism sector can be another strong sector to diversify our economic base. To help this sector grow, all Singaporeans, as workers or guests, can do their part to make it a total and positive experience for visitors. We can make Singapore a must-go, must see destination for visitors around the World.