SINGAPORE: This year's May Day awards went to 78 individuals and companies. They include Mediacorp Private Limited, which received the ‘Plaque of Commendation’ award.

This award is conferred on organisations that promote and support good industrial relations, workers' workfare and welfare, the employment of older workers and raising the effective retirement age.

And heading the honours list is Singapore's top ‘investment salesman’, former chairman of the Economic Development Board (EDB), Philip Yeo, who received the Distinguished Service (Star) award.

According to the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), Mr Yeo had placed focus on job creation. That vision resulted in thousands of jobs and nearly S$74 billion in fixed asset investment under Mr Yeo's leadership in the EDB.

Mr Yeo said: "If you are an industrial investor, you will look for a labour force which is harmonious, works closely with management and there is stability because they are putting their money here.

"Some of them who come here are worried because the concept of union in some countries is conflict. So we bring them to see (NTUC chief) Swee Say and we say our unions are interested in the welfare of workers (and) they are better trained and given the skills to help them."

Mr Yeo is confident that workers here are now better prepared to face another economic downturn when it comes.

Another recipient of this year's May Day awards is veteran trade unionist Thomas Thomas who is now devoting his attention to corporate social responsibility.

He said: "In corporate social responsibility, it is respecting people, respecting the environment and respecting the way you work and businesses conduct themselves in a responsible way. This is what trade unions also stand for.

"So I see my new role as an extension of my union role in a different platform, but fighting and standing up for the same core values of trying to make life more balanced and trying to work for an equitable one."

Two veteran unionists, who have died, Nithiah Nandan and Swithun Lowe, were also presented with posthumous awards.

NTUC said the number of May Day awards given out this year is the highest so far, since they were introduced in the early 1970s.

Also speaking at the awards ceremony was President of the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), Stephen Lee, who revealed that over 700 companies have already implemented age-friendly practices. This was made possible with the help of the NTUC, SNEF and the Workforce Development Agency.

Mr Lee said at least 220 companies have voluntarily agreed to disclose the age profile of their workers. He added that implementing wage flexibility over the years has helped companies weather tough times. And today, over 80 per cent of the workforce is under some form of wage flexibility. - CNA/vm