SINGAPORE : The founder of Singapore's latest casino training school says the Republic should look at other Asian countries on how to train locals to work at casinos.

Speaking at the first Asian Poker Forum, Dr Alan Soh says this is because the integrated resorts here will be unable to fill up the quota of employing three-quarters of Singaporeans at the casinos.

The Marina Bay Sands had promised to create 10,000 jobs, with 7,500 going to Singaporeans.

Dr Soh of AGMI International says Asia is a fresh market with fresh money.

And in Singapore, the upcoming Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World integrated resorts is evidence of that.

But he says the rate of training casino staff is not enough.

Dr Soh said: "If you look at the rate which my school is recruiting students right now, I think the shortfall is going to be quite serious. I'm talking about at least 50-60 percent will be the shortfall figure."

He suggested that the Singapore authorities look at the Macau Tourism Board's efforts to train the local workforce for the casinos.

In fact, the Macau Tourism Board pays for training, unlike Singapore.

Dr Soh says nothing has been done so far to mitigate the predicted shortfall.

In Macau, he says, casinos with 100 tables need between 700 and 800 staff like dealers and management to run it. He predicts the same ratio for the casinos in Singapore.

And as further evidence of the opening of the gaming market in Asia, an Asian Poker Series tournament is being organised.

If all goes well with the authorities, the organisers hope to have the series in Singapore in the third quarter of this year. - CNA/de