Publications Message by Ms Josephine Teo, Minister for Manpower for SSEU Souvenir Publication 2019

In 2017, productivity growth surpassed workforce growth and the real median income of our residents grew at a faster rate. These improvements took place against the backdrop of continued low resident unemployment and an expansion of local employment, particularly for PMETs. The key challenge for tripartite partners is to sustain the momentum. Productivity gains remain uneven and not pervasive enough across all sectors. This will impact the sustainability of wage growth in the medium to long term. At the same time, businesses and jobs continue to be disrupted and workers and being challenged to keep pace with changing skills requirements. The energy and chemicals industry is a key pillar of our economy, accounting for about a third of Singapore's total manufacturing output. While outlook for the energy industry remains positive, the industry must prepare for challenges in the rapidly changing global operating environment to remain competitive and sustainable As companies move into smart manufacturing, workers must continually acquire new skills to stay abreast of technological changes. Unions, such as SSEU play a crucial role in helping companies cope with the disruptive change. In this regard, Shell and the union must work together to identify and bridge the skills gaps of workers, and transform workers' mindsets to embrace workplace transformation. SSEU should continue to work through the Adapt and Grow initiative to help Singaporeans take up jobs in sectors with growing manpower needs. A key focus this year is to put in place more programmes to re-train and re-deploy in-service staff who are at risk of displacement. We will further strengthen our programmes through the Adapt and Grow initiative to help Singaporeans take up jobs in sectors with growing manpower needs. Over the years, we have always been able to count on the strong support of tripartite partners. On SSEU's 35th anniversary, we reaffirm the shared commitment of the tripartite partners to be both pro-business and pro-worker in all that we do. Best wishes to SSEU and all members in the year ahead!