With support from Singapore’s Tripartite Partners – the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) representing government, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) representing workers and Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) representing employers – we hosted a welcome programme yesterday for new senior Employment Pass (EP) holders. The aim was to enable them to learn more about living and working in Singapore and to listen to their feedback on how we could improve the welcome they receive and how we could help them integrate faster.

Ms. Pratima Amonkar, Asia Lead – Digital Natives and Cloud & AI Business Growth Strategy of Microsoft, delivered a truly authentic and very inspiring sharing of her integration journey in multicultural Singapore. She encouraged everyone to actively seek opportunities based on their interests and skills to find ways to integrate into Singapore for both professional and personal enrichment. Her passion for inclusion and integration brought her to SG Enable when she first arrived. Her involvement with the work of its Enabling Village allows her to enrich her work and personal life.

After Pratima’s remarks, we had a panel conversation on Tripartism and workplace inclusion and integration in Singapore with Dr. Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Manpower and for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms. Cham Hui Fong, Deputy Secretary-General, NTUC, Mr. John Ng, Vice President, SNEF, and Chief Executive Officer YTL PowerSeraya Pte. Limited, and Mr. Wong Joo Seng, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Spark Systems Pte Ltd and Board Director SICC, moderated by Mr. Victor Mills, Chief Executive, SICC.

The panel shared Tripartism in Singapore has ensured positive industrial relations for nearly 60 years. It removes the conventional adversarial approach seen elsewhere in favour of a collaborative approach based on achieving the mutual goal of a vibrant economy which provides good jobs. Diversity of talent is a source of strength for every business when local and foreign talent keep collaborating and learning from each other so we can all collectively succeed.

Issues raised by the audience included challenges with opening bank accounts, having the option to send their children to local schools, the current high price of rentals, the availability of talent and the ability of partners and spouses to work. Audience members enjoyed the event and found it useful.

The Chamber thanks all its distinguished guests and speakers for a productive time well spent.

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