NTUC in talks with industry to give young PMEs overseas exposure

SINGAPORE — Too few young professionals, managers and executives (PMEs) have lived and worked overseas, which can give them the exposure to secure top regional positions within multinational firms here, said labour chief Chan Chun Sing today (July 24).

Speaking at the annual National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Future Leaders Summit held at the NTUC Centre Auditorium, he said the labour movement is in talks with chief executive officers to create opportunities and partnerships to allow the current generation of PMEs to get the overseas exposure while they are young.

“NTUC is not just concerned about helping our PMEs find jobs... We want to make sure that the next generation of PMEs, by the time they reach middle age where they have family responsibilities and so forth, they are in the best position possible to reach the top positions,” said Mr Chan, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Otherwise, it would be very frustrating to see jobs for regional and global operations being created here and yet, Singaporeans are not equipped to compete for these positions, he noted.

This year’s summit focuses on “future-ready leadership” and looks at how the economy and concept of leadership is evolving today.

Fifteen chief executive officers and leaders across various industries are presenting at the summit, which is being attended by more than 700 people.