Speech by SPS Low Yen Ling for the Presentation Ceremony for Skillsfuture Study Award for power sector

OPENING REMARKS BY MS LOW YEN LING, SENIOR PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE SKILLSFUTURE STUDY AWARD FOR POWER SECTOR, ON WEDNEDAY, 25 OCTOBER 2017, 12:10PM, MARINA BAY SANDS

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Welcome

1          Good afternoon. I am very happy to join you here today. 

Rapid Changes in the Energy Landscape

2          The energy landscape is evolving at a rapid pace, driven by three ‘D’s: digitisation, decentralisation and decarbonisation.  Digitalisation, with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and advanced meters, will help our energy system better respond to the changing needs of consumers. Decentralisation, that comes with more distributed generation, is often deployed as part of a micro-grid. Decarbonisation is taking place with the rising adoption of renewables, driven by technological advances and the increased focus on sustainability.

3          We need a capable and highly skilled workforce in the power sector to take advantage of these trends, so that we can build a smarter and more sustainable energy system for Singapore, while maintaining system security and reliability.

4          To this end, the Government has launched two initiatives for the power sector under the national SkillsFuture Movement. These initiatives will ensure that our workforce is ready for the new job opportunities that will be created with new developments in the energy landscape.

SkillsFutu

re Leadership Development Initiative by Singapore Institute of Power and Gas

5          The first is the Leadership Development Initiative, which aims to develop the next generation of leaders for the power sector. Under this initiative, the Singapore Institute of Power and Gas, or SIPG, will develop new leadership programmes and peer-learning that blend local needs with global best practices. These courses and learning opportunities will equip Singaporeans with the necessary leadership and technical skills, so that Singapore’s energy infrastructure can continue to be efficient and resilient.

6          SIPG is looking to launch the first leadership programme in 2018.  More information will be shared at a later date.

SkillsF

uture Study Award for Power Sector

7          The second initiative is the SkillsFuture Study Award, which supports Singaporeans in their journey to acquire and develop industry-relevant skills throughout their career. For the power sector, early to mid-career Singaporean professionals looking to deepen their power engineering skills will enjoy a monetary award of up to $5,000 to defray training expenses.

8          Today, we wish to congratulate our inaugural batch of recipients of the Study Award for Power Sector. Despite their heavy work and family commitments, they have taken the initiative to upskill themselves so that they can contribute more effectively in their work places. From the video which we have just watched, I am greatly heartened by how the Study Award has recognised and rewarded individuals, regardless of their age or academic qualifications, for their commitment to upgrade their skills and contribute to the industry.

9          I would like to particularly commend Mr Abdul Jamil Bin Muhammad, a senior technician with close to 20 years of service at Senoko Energy.  With the Study Award, he is now pursuing a Higher NITEC in Mechanical Engineering, a goal he had never thought he could achieve. I look forward to hearing from him later when he shares about his experience in mastering new skills. 

Support from Stakeholders

10        Building capabilities is not just an individual effort. Without the support of their employers and unions, it will be difficult for employees to up-skill themselves. To the employers who are here with us today, we applaud your strong support for your colleagues.  We hope to see more organisations doing their part to invest in their talents to stay abreast of new developments in the Power Sector. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the Union of Power and Gas Employees for their proactive role in encouraging their members to apply for the study award.

11        And we must not forget the family members of our award recipients. Studying part-time often means sacrificing precious time with loved ones. Family members play a crucial role in providing support and encouragement, as juggling work, study and family commitments can be extremely challenging. So to the family members of our award recipients with us today, thank you for supporting your loved ones on this path of learning.

12        With the encouragement and affirmation of employers, unions, and family members, we hope to see more workers in the power sector upgrade their skills and competencies with the Study Award.  This will help raise the competency of this industry to the next level. 

Conclusion

13        As I conclude, I extend my heartiest congratulations once again to our award recipients. I wish you every success as you continue the journey to upgrade your skills and deepen your knowledge.    

14        Thank you.

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