Mr Lim Hng Kiang at NDOC of Murata Electronics Singapore

SPEECH BY MR LIM HNG KIANG, MINISTER FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, AT THE NATIONAL DAY OBSERVANCE CEREMONY HELD AT MURATA ELECTRONICS SINGAPORE PTE LTD ON FRIDAY, 10 AUGUST 2007 AT 8.30 AM

Mr Masatoshi Koike, Managing Director of Murata Electronics Singapore

Mr Cyrille Tan, General Secretary of United Workers of Electronic and Electrical Industries

Comrades and friends 

A very good morning to all

Introduction

It is my pleasure to be here to join you in celebrating our country’s 42nd birthday. As we celebrate, I am happy to highlight that Singapore’s GDP has achieved a sterling GDP growth of 7.6% for the first half of this year.With strong growth in most industry sectors, including manufacturing, we are confident of achieving good overall growth for 2007. As such, MTI has revised the economic growth forecast from 5% to 7% to7% to 8% for 2007.

Today, with economic expansion, job creation and employment at a record high, it is important to recognise that these have not come about by chance but are a result of our constant drive to maintain our competitiveness and focus in achieving high labour productivity with respect to other rapidly growing Asian economies such as China and India.

The recent Ministry of Manpower employment report showed that the number of retrenched workers in the 2nd Quarter has dropped to 1,600 from 1,964 in the 1st Quarter of this year.However, about 1,100 of them have come from the manufacturing industry, mainly from the electronics sector. This restructuring in the electronics sector will continue to pose a challenge to our companies and workers.

Here at Murata, you are celebrating your 35th anniversary.I am happy to note that in the course of this company’s 35-year history, you have not retrenched a single worker.At the same time, the Singapore plant has also become the largest chip capacitor manufacturer outside Japan, having a workforce of about 1,500.This would not have been possible without Murata’s constant emphasis on training and skills development in both good and difficult times for all employees.

Strong emphasis on Training

Since 2001, Murata has sent more than 500 operators for NITEC Intermediate training in Mechanical Technology.Through NITEC training, the employability of workers has been enhanced as operators are now able to perform simple troubleshooting jobs while the technicians can attend to more complex systemic problems.

Murata also has developed a wide training scope for its employees through On-the-Job Training (OJT), Cross Functional Training and re-certification of skills. As an indicator of the company’s commitment to technical training, it has achieved a total number of 2,403 training places for 2006.In addition to the core technical skills, attention has been also given to the cultivation of soft skills through the Employability Skills System. I urge each and every one of you to take advantage of your company’s training.

I am confident that with the commitment which both management and workers have towards upgrading of skills and capabilities, Murata will continue to grow and be in a good position to cope with the changes to come.

Labour-Management Relations

It is important that as the company grows, the workers too enjoy their fair share of the value and wealth created.Through the excellent labour-management relationship fostered between Murata and the union, the welfare and interests of the workers are well taken care of.As an indicator of the commendable state of industrial relations here, Murata and the union have reached an amicable settlement for both the variable bonus of 2006 as well as annual increment for 2007. The company has also contributed generously to the welfare of union members and charitable causes organised by the union.

Conclusion

This year’s theme for our National Day celebrations is “Celebrate Singapore : City of Possibilities”.Singapore is a city of possibilities today because we are hardworking, innovative and enterprising in creating and seizing opportunities.In this regard, with Murata’s strong emphasis on training and development, and the fostering of good relations with the union, I am confident that you will attain greater heights and accomplish your “possibilities”.

With this, I congratulate Murata on your 35th Anniversary in Singapore and wish everyone a Happy National Day.

Thank you.