SINGAPORE : It was a happy Teachers' Day for some NTUC Childcare employees.

Singapore's largest pre-school education operator had announced it would be increasing the salaries of its diploma graduate teachers.

But it also assured parents that the pay increase will not be passed on to them.

The announcement was made just before a Teachers' Day Lunch on Friday.

Given as a tribute to Pre-School Teachers, the event was attended by NTUC Secretary-General Mr Lim Swee Say.

The Kindergarten and Childcare Centres' Staff Union and the Education Services Union also announced a series of initiatives to retrain and re-skill these pre-school teachers so they can enjoy higher salaries.

The other objective is to increase the professional level within the pre-school industry.

Ang Hin Kee from the Employability Enhancement Department at NTUC said: "Job opportunities are made available in the childcare sector over the next few years. It is our belief that there will be greater professionalism.

"Because you create a pathway for professionals to come in, they will look at this industry from a different perspective. They will put in their business training, their existing expertise and grow and expand the business." - CNA /ls