Speech by SPS Tan Wu Meng at the Recognition Ceremony for the SkillsFuture Leadership Programme

SPEECH BY DR TAN WU MENG, SENIOR PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS, AT THE RECOGNITION CEREMONY FOR THE SKILLSFUTURE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME FOR ENERGY MANAGERS (HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL ENERGY WEEK 2018), ON 2 NOV 2018, 1245HRS, MARINA BAY SANDS, SINGAPORE,

Mr Quek Poh Huat, Chairman, Singapore Institute of Power and Gas,

Mr Peter Leong, Principal, Singapore Institute of Power and Gas,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Introduction

1. Good afternoon. I am happy to join you for the recognition ceremony for the inaugural Energy Managers Programme under the SkillsFuture Leadership Development Initiative.

2. We are at a turning point in the energy sector. This week at SIEW, we heard about emerging trends in energy. Renewables are today more than a buzzword – they are a reality and rapidly growing sector. Digital transformation and also decentralised microgrids are catching on. These are transforming how we produce, manage and consume energy.

3. With changes come challenges and also opportunity. And we owe it to our people and our workers to be ready. To help our brothers and sisters in the workforce to be ready for the future. To seize new opportunities for Singapore which can uplift people’s lives. Working with SIPG to Reskill and Upskill Power Sector Workers

4. So we are strengthening the skills of our energy workforce. One key partner is the Singapore Institute of Power and Gas, or SIPG, which provides training courses for energy professionals. I want to highlight their good work in two areas – the reskilling and the upskilling of the sector’s workforce.

5. Earlier this week, we announced the creation of new alternative pathways which Licensed Electrical Workers can take to apply for a licence, or upgrade a licence. When an electrical worker does quality electrical work, it is with skilled hands, relevant knowledge and a sharp mind. So, we should look at skills based licensing. Because the aim of licensing is not about ensuring someone has the right piece of paper – it is about ensuring the worker has the right skills for that job. And there can be many paths to attaining the right skills and reaching the required standards.

6. Hence, from next year, we will accept applicants with the appropriate years of experience in electrical work, as long as they attend bridging courses and pass an assessment. SIPG, Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic are working together to offer these bridging courses.

Successful Completion of the 1st EMP and Opening of the 2nd EMP

7. We are also working closely with SIPG to create a pipeline of energy leaders who will shape our future energy landscape. In June this year, 19 of you completed the inaugural run of the Energy Managers Programme (EMP), a leadership programme for high-potential energy professionals.

8. To the first batch of 19 EMP participants, congratulations for successfully completing the programme. Developing leadership skills is a lifelong journey. Being a pioneer is not easy – but you took that first step, and stepped up.

9. But now you are also more than pioneers. With your skills and networks, you can share insights and experiences with your colleagues. Working together will make the whole industry become stronger.

10. I would also like to commend your employers for planning ahead and investing in leadership development and renewal. It is important for organisations to be forward-looking so as to be better prepared in this fast-changing landscape.

11. I am also pleased to announce that the EMP will start its second run in 2019. This time, we will open applications to international participants, especially those from the ASEAN region.

12. We hope that the local EMP participants will benefit from the fresh perspectives of their overseas counterparts, and broaden their professional networks beyond Singapore’s shores. This is critical as the world becomes increasingly borderless and more interconnected.

Conclusion

13. In conclusion, our people are at the heart of our story. From employers to the Government, to our unions like the Union of Power and Gas Employees, and training partners such as SIPG, each of us has a responsibility to help our people upskill and grow.

14. On this note, congratulations once again to the EMP graduates. Let us all continue to work together to keep the lights on and the gas flowing for Singapore.

15. Thank you.