Budget 2024 debate: Edward Chia on supporting low-wage workers, promoting inclusivity and ESG accreditation
Can the Government shorten the period for Progressive Wage Credit Scheme reimbursements to aid cashflow issues faced by small- and medium-sized enterprises? How are courses in the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme selected or curated to keep up with job disruptions? How does the Job Skills Integrator Programme dovetail with the SkillsFuture programme? These questions were raised by MP Edward Chia in Parliament on Tuesday (Feb 27). On the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme, Mr Chia wanted to know what structures are in place to ensure a swift feedback loop for employees on the relevance of the curriculum and procedures to ensure timely adaptation. Noting that some employers have expressed concern regarding the depletion of their workforce as employees take time off to pursue new diplomas, he asked if diploma programmes can be adapted to allow workers to continue working part-time in a firm. As Singapore strives to create a more inclusive environment within firms, he pointed out that it is essential to consider how to leverage investment and purchasing decisions to promote social equity. He also highlighted the concept of impact investments and the importance of ESG accreditation.
Can the Government shorten the period for Progressive Wage Credit Scheme reimbursements to aid cashflow issues faced by small- and medium-sized enterprises? How are courses in the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme selected or curated to keep up with job disruptions? How does the Job Skills Integrator Programme dovetail with the SkillsFuture programme? These questions were raised by MP Edward Chia in Parliament on Tuesday (Feb 27). On the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme, Mr Chia wanted to know what structures are in place to ensure a swift feedback loop for employees on the relevance of the curriculum and procedures to ensure timely adaptation. Noting that some employers have expressed concern regarding the depletion of their workforce as employees take time off to pursue new diplomas, he asked if diploma programmes can be adapted to allow workers to continue working part-time in a firm. As Singapore strives to create a more inclusive environment within firms, he pointed out that it is essential to consider how to leverage investment and purchasing decisions to promote social equity. He also highlighted the concept of impact investments and the importance of ESG accreditation.
