The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) has recently wrapped up its #EveryWorkerMatters Conversation engagement exercise, which involved feedback from over 40,000 workers. In a statement made by secretary-general Ng Chee Meng, he emphasized the importance of the insights gathered and announced that recommendations based on these findings would be shared in the coming months.

A notable aspect of the feedback exercise was the active participation of younger workers, with a quarter of the engaged individuals aged between 17 and 25. Ng highlighted the significance of this demographic as it represents the future of Singapore’s workforce. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, citing global economic uncertainties and geostrategic tensions that could impact Singapore’s growth.

Ng also underscored the rapid technological advancements that are reshaping job roles and workplace dynamics. In light of these changes, he reiterated NTUC’s commitment to continuous training as a key strategy to ensure that workers remain competitive and adaptable in the evolving economy.

To support this goal, NTUC has established over 1,455 Company Training Committees (CTCs) and has successfully trained more than 100,000 workers across various sectors. These committees aim to align worker training with business outcomes, fostering a collaborative environment where both employers and employees benefit from enhanced productivity and improved work conditions.

Furthermore, NTUC is expanding its Progressive Wage Model to reach a broader segment of the workforce. They are also intensifying outreach efforts to support niche and underserved worker groups. In addition, applications for NTUC’s Career Starter Lab are now being accepted, providing valuable resources for individuals entering the job market.

In his National Day message, Ng emphasized that while Singapore has made significant strides, complacency is not an option. The insights gathered from this feedback exercise will be crucial in shaping the future of the workforce and addressing the challenges that lie ahead for both workers and employers alike.