New MOM scheme helps locals benefit from training by overseas experts
TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE – As the boss of a precision engineering company, Mr Philip Kia would send his engineers to Germany or Japan to learn to operate the latest machines from the manufacturers.
One such week-long stint in Germany last year for two engineers cost S$10,000.
The duration of such trips tends to be short and lessons are conducted “in a rush” due to the expense involved, said Mr Kia, 61, the managing director of local firm Ichi Seiki, which sources precision machines from German or Japanese companies and sells them to local clients such as automobile or aerospace firms.
As a result, his staff may not fully master how to operate the machines, which could be used to cut components such as phone covers or drones.
Last October, however, Ichi Seiki flew two German experts to Singapore for three weeks to conduct training for employees at its Kaki Bukit office.
This was made possible by the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) new Capability Transfer Programme. Piloted last October, the 15-month programme provides funding support of 30 to 70 per cent – capped at S$300,000 per project – to speed up the transfer of foreign expertise to local workers. The MOM may fund more than SS$300,000 per project or up to 90 per cent, but this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The funding supports the salaries of the trainers, their cost of living while in Singapore, as well as training equipment.
The programme helps ensure that the foreign workforce complements local workers, said Manpower Minister Lim Swee Say at his ministry’s Committee of Supply debate on Monday (March 5).
Application engineer Chui Kher Ning, 27, is among Ichi Seiki’s 12 engineers who have benefited from training by the German experts, who will fly to Singapore every few months to conduct lessons.
Between trips, the trainers are an email or Whatsapp message away.
Previously, colleagues who went overseas for training may have been unable to answer questions Ms Chui had about the products. This hampered her ability to guide Ichi Seiki’s clients.
“Having (the trainers) here physically to conduct training, I can ask specific questions that perhaps my seniors might not be able to answer,” said Ms Chui.
“It gives me confidence that I can perform my job better and maximise the potential of the machines, so that my company can sell them to others.”
