Budget 2022 debate: Abdul Samad Abdul Wahab on Singaporean core

Build on the momentum to train and transform the Singaporean workforce as the economy recovers. NMP Abdul Samad Abdul Wahab made this call in Parliament on Tuesday (Mar 1), stressing that the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) will support companies to train, place and redesign jobs. NTUC LearningHub has achieved a record of more than 500,000 training places. It has also upskilled more than 300,000 workers since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. More importantly, NTUC will ensure that Singapore has a pipeline of local talents for the future. He said as borders reopen, companies should avoid taking the "easy way out" by bringing back foreign labour as a "quick fix" solution. He also urged the Government to provide stronger support for middle-income earners to cope with the higher cost of living and ensure that workers do not fall through the cracks. NTUC will continue to protect workers, he said. Its social enterprises will continue to cushion the impact of the rising cost of living.