Mayor Zai's Blog

Speech - Good Employment Practices Conference

Speech by Zainudin Nordin, Executive Secretary of Education Services Union at the Good Employment Practices Conference on 25 January 2010, Monday, 9.30am at NTUC Auditorium, One Marina Boulevard

Guest of Honour, Mr Hawazi Daipi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Manpower

and Ministry of Health,

NTUC Central Committee Members,

Partners from Pre-school Sector,

Distinguished Guests,

Brothers and Sisters,

1.                  Good morning and welcome to “Bright Beginnings” – a conference by the Education Services Union to showcase good employment practices in the pre-school sector.

2.                  In March 2009, the WDA gathered key partners to form a Marketing and Promotion Workgroup for the pre-school sector. The partners included ESU, MCYS, MOE, e2i (NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute), Association of Private Childcare Organisations (APCO), Association for Early Childhood Educators (Singapore) (AECES) and other industry stakeholders. The formation of the workgroup was timely as MCYS has just announced plans for another 200 new childcare centres over the next five years. With such rapid expansion, it will be a challenge for the industry to cope with the number of qualified educators required.

3.                  A three-pronged strategy was agreed upon by the workgroup members to tackle manpower challenge. It involved advocating the importance of the early childhood care and education sector to Singapore, promoting career opportunities, and showcasing the clear progression pathways and strong training support in this sector. A sub-committee dedicated to profiling the sector as a fair employer and industry of choice was birthed from the workgroup. This conference, aptly titled “Bright Beginnings”, and a handbook for pre-school operators that will be launched later, are products of the workgroup and sub-committee’s hard work and commitment to uplift the sector to become an industry of choice.

4.                  This is the beginning of many exciting initiatives to come. There still exist misconceptions of the jobs of early childhood educators. There are those who continue to view pre-school educators as no different from a nanny or baby-sitter. They fail to recognise pre-school sector as one requiring high standards, professionalism and dedication - where educators must be properly qualified before they can be entrusted with the responsibilities of a teacher to children in their foundation years.

5.                  The pre-school sector also has to contend with issues of low salary, poor image and lack of recognition echoed by existing educators and potential entrants. However, the union, through its survey and feedback from the teachers, is seeing signs of improvement.

6.                  In 2007, the Education Services Union commissioned Ernst and Young to conduct a wage survey amongst our members. The average salary surveyed for full-time teachers was $1,232. And 34% of those surveyed indicated that they intend to leave the industry within the next 12 months, of which more than half stated salary as their reason for leaving. In July 2009, ESU surveyed members again to update on the findings. In this survey, we saw that the average salary of full-time teachers has risen to $1,668, an increase of 35%. This is in line with the findings of the MOM Wage Survey, where the basic salary was increased from $1,302 in 2007 to $1,622 in 2008. The results are also heartening as the average entry pay of the Ngee Ann Polytechnic cohort has risen from $1,529 to $1,649 within the same time period.

7.                  What is more encouraging is that the percentage of respondents who were considering leaving the industry within the next 12 months has dropped to 27%, even though we recognise that the main reason cited for wanting to leave is still the salary (29.6% of respondents.)

8.                  In an industry where manpower is of essence to survival, the findings of this survey showed that companies in this sector are beginning to recognise the professionalism of teaching professionals. In months to come, we hope that the tripartite partners and industry stakeholders can continue to do more to increase the attractiveness and viability of the industry as a career choice.

9.                  As a union representing the interests of working people in the private education industry, including pre-school sector, past projects that ESU has undertaken to promote the pre-school sector include a tribute luncheon in 2007 and industry national day observance ceremony in 2008. The union also recently set up a Professional Chapter for Early Childhood Educators with members of the Labour Movement family in December last year. This is a profession-based community within ESU that provides a platform for early childhood educators to engage and interact in discussions on professional topics and relevant activities. Through this chapter, ESU hopes to provide a support network for early childhood educators and encourage more to join this industry.

10.             To date, under the professional chapter, we have held a Career Coaching Session on the 9th of this month to provide personal advices to members who are at crossroads of their careers. We also held a Learning Fiesta on 16 January, just two weeks ago, to provide learning platform for members to gain knowledge in new areas through various interesting workshops. Moving forward, the chapter will continue to build up its suite of continual professional development courses for members to upgrade and up-skill themselves to strengthen their employability.

11.             This conference and the Professional Chapter are examples where joint efforts will help to uplift the sector. More will be done. An upcoming event is the International Conference on Early Childhood Education on 19 to 20 March 2010 that is jointly organised by the PAP Community Foundation and NTUC First Campus, in partnership with Singapore Polytechnic, and supported by MCYS, MOE and WDA. This is conference may form as part of the continual professional development opportunities for early childhood educators. Employers can take this opportunity to allow your staff to learn more about the latest research and findings in the profession for their up-skilling.

12.             On this note, I would also like to take the opportunity to thank our partners for their support towards the Bright Beginnings Conference – Association of Private Childcare Organisations; NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i); Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports; Singapore Workforce Development Agency; and Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices. I must also thank the strong support from the employers who have come to join us for today.

13.             Together, we pledge a joint commitment in promoting pre-school sector as an industry of choice. We hope to bring about Bright Beginnings not only to early childhood educators, but also to our children and their families.

Thank you.

Project Khwaish IX

Speech at the Send-off Ceremony for Project Khwaish IX

Mr Hernaikh Singh, President, Young Sikh Association (Singapore), leaders of the Sikh community, distinguished guests, participants of Project Khwaish 9, ladies and gentlemen.

I am pleased to be here this afternoon for the send-off ceremony for the participants of Porject Khwaish 9, the latest in the Khwaish series of annual community service expeditions that have been organized by the Young Sikh Association (Singapore) since 2003.

I understand that 20 Singaporeans will spend the better part of their December holidays in a village in Punjab. Despite the less than favourable economic climate, YSA and the participants have managed to raise the funds to undertake this project. This is indeed remarkable and I congratulate them on this effort.

As Hernaikh mentioned, they will spend more time developing a library, and sprucing and painting the school. Ladies and gentlemen, whilst the physical contributions of the participants are important as we see the outcome, equally, if not more important is what the participants will gain personally and professionally from the expedition. The project provides an important opportunity for them to learn about the socio-economic developments in India and Punjab. I am sure that this will, in turn, bring them closer to understanding Singapore’s development issues. Second, they will acquire or hone personal and group skills such as confidence, teamwork and leadership. Through it all, I hope they will discover, in themselves, the ability to contribute to the society, making them active citizens, whether in Singapore or abroad. I hope they also learn about their own strengths and weaknesses and how they can continue to grow as individuals, having the right spirit of wanting to be of service to fellow mankind.

I am very pleased to note the unique feature of this expedition – its Singaporean ethnic flavour. The project comprises participants from all the racial and religious groups in Singapore. This is in line with YSA’s efforts to be inclusive and to reach out to young Singaporeans from all walks of lives and backgrounds. My congratulations to YSA for being proactive in its approach of providing platforms for youths of different ethnic groups to come together for one common cause.

Much has been said about how our young are seen as apathetic and myopic in their world view. Such community-based efforts, particularly initiated by our youths, reflect that our youths are far from that. My experience in engaging our youths has convinced me that our youths are passionate and committed to what they do. They want to contribute. They want to be seen. They want to be heard.

Expedition projects such as this provide excellent opportunities for our youths to showcase their leadership and organizational skills. With a multi-ethnic profile, the project provides excellent opportunities for youths from different ethnic groups to work, live and play together, share one common vision, one common value, one common destination.

The participants will spend more than three weeks away from home and from their loved ones. For some, it will be a first experience of Punjab. It is not always easy for parents to let their children to go on a road less traveled, so to speak. I would like to commend the parents of the participants for encouraging and supporting your child’s participation in this community service project. It is only through your support and blessings that your child has the interest and courage to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate in society. You are very much a part of this project as your child.

Before I end, I would like to say something about the Sikh community in Singapore. It is small by size but it is a community that is extremely lively, vibrant and rich in culture, heritage and tradition. It has made tremendous progress over the decades and is an integral part of the multi-ethnic Singapore society. The Sikh community has been able to develop relevant platforms to address its concerns, challenges and needs over the year. YSA is a reflection of that effort, in that it aims to promote the aspirations of the young Sikhs and integrate them into the Sikh community and the larger Singapore society.

YSA has been playing an important role to educate young Singaporeans and to integrate them into the Singapore society. Your selfless efforts to enhance understanding between different ethnic groups through a variety of platforms, including community services, are highly commendable. Consistent with your other undertakings, this project aims to, and will, build better lives. You are guided not by what is hip, sexy or cool, but by what is necessary to improve the lives of others. This is a powerful symbolism of the young endorsing the importance of making time and being of service to the less fortunate and needy in society.

I would like to conclude by wishing YSA and the participants of Project Khwaish 9 the best of luck for the expedition. You are the ambassadors of Singapore. I am confident that you will do Singapore proud through your hard work, commitment and professionalism while in Punjab.

Have a pleasant journey. Thank you.

Play On!

Speech at Play On, Bishan Junction 8

Senior Grassroots Leaders, Members of the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Youth Executive Committees, Participants of Play On, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very happy to join you this evening at Play On 2009 and be part of this exciting programme. The performances by all the bands have been brilliant! I am also delighted to see many of you here showing your support for the participating bands.

Organised by the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Youth Executive Committee, Play On is a platform for budding talents like you to showcase your musical talents. This is a band competition for the youths by the youths, and it is your passion and support which drives this band competition each year.

I am heartened to know that, since we started this competition in 2007, more bands have come forward to participate. This is indeed an encouraging sign and I hope that this passion for music amongst you will always remain. Please continue to spread the word about Play On in your circles and encourage your friends to take part in this band competition next year.

I am also glad to see the support extended towards Play On 2009 from corporate sponsors - Junction 8, Converse, Yamaha, Express in Music and The Shooting Gallery. Your support has indeed contributed significantly to the success of the event this evening.

Apart from music, I am sure another passion of youths is sports. And I would like to take this opportunity to share briefly on the Singapore Youth Olympic Games. Just as Play On creates an opportunity for budding local musical talents, the Singapore YOG also creates opportunities for Singaporeans, especially youths, to be more active in sports and be part of an international, historic event that will leave a legacy for Singapore and youth around the world. As the Chairman of the Singapore YOG Community Outreach Advisory Committee, I would like to invite all of you, young and old, to participate in related activities and, most importantly, to celebrate the Games.

One such community-related activity is "SING! Singapore 2010", a song project which aims to celebrate Singapore YOG through music and creative expression. The songs can be written in English, Chinese, Malay, Indian or any other languages and should celebrate Olympism and promote the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect. Selected songs may be played at Singapore YOG-related events or competition venues and community events held in celebration of the YOG. To all finalist bands present this evening, this is an excellent opportunity to put your music skills to good use. I hope you will take up the challenge and present your songs for this meaningful event, which I am sure will inspire the young people to embrace, embody and express the Olympic values.

I am pleased to announce that the three bands will receive top honours this evening. My heartiest congratulations to all Award recipients! To those who did not receive any awards tonight, do not be discouraged. As music lovers who have passionately invested your time to participate in this competition, all of you present here are winners in your own right!

Last but nto least, I would like to congratulate the Organising Committee for an excellent job in organising Play On, not just once but three consecutive years and making it bigger each year. I look forward to more meaningful youth-initiated projects and, of course, more participation and support from youths in such programmes.

I wish everyone a wonderful evening ahead. Thank you!

My First Skool K2 Graduation Ceremony

Speech at My First Skool Guillemard Centre

It is my pleasure to be with all of you tonight at this important occasion. Graduations are happy and proud moments for parents as it marks an important milestone in the development and education of your children.

My First Skool has played a crucial role in the community for a long time, supporting the needs of the residents with its services. My First Skool Guillemard Centre has been an oasis for many pre-school aged children living in the area, as they benefit from the programmes and closeness to nature. I hope that this will continue for many more years to come, and I would like to encourage you to tell your relatives and friends to discover the My First Skool difference for themselves by enrolling their children at this centre.

With the best interest of every child at heart, My First Skool aims to make its services available to all, regardless of financial circumstances. The Bright Horizons Trust Fund supports this aim by offering assistance to low-income families. Assistance comes in the form of payment of fees as well as supplementary programmes specially designed for less fortunate children in order to level them up with their peers.

Also, the Labour Movement continues to help members lighten their burden of living expenses by increasing the U Stretch vouchers from $50 to $80 this year, and also created targeted programmes such as the U Care Immediate Assitance (UCIA) for affected workers and the Bursary/Scholarship TOP-UP scheme, which empowered NTUC-affiliated unions and associations to reach out to more children of lower-income members despite a difficult year. To conclude 2009's efforts, the Labour Movement distributed $5.4million worth of Back to School vouchers to help children of lower-income union members prepare for the new school term in 2010, especially when the average lower-income member might face a tighter budget for purchasing school-related items this year.

12 children are graduating from Guillemard Centre this year. These 12 children will enter school next year ready to face the challenges of formal schooling. I have every confidence that they will fare wel, and I wish them all the best.

Thank you

Bishan Toa Payoh Staff Retreat

Town Council Chairman's Opening Address to Bishan Toa Payoh Town Council (BTPTC) staff at Rasa Sentosa Resort

Good Afternoon everyone.

I am pleased to be here with you.  Seeing your excited faces tell me your CEO made the correct call to have the staff retreat on Sentosa, and in this hotel.

For this staff retreat, you can lok forward to two days of fun and learning.  Now that you are away from office, relax and be casual.  Get to know your colleagues better.

I appreciate all the hard work you have done and your invaluable contributions to the organisation.  This retreat is for you to take a breather and hopefully enjoy yourselves, and to prepare for the challenging year ahead.

One unusual aspect of your work is you have to fix customer base and they are repeat customers, until the move to another town.

So, it is important that you build a good rapport with your customers, and win them over.  How then to deliver the kind of service that would bring smile to their faces?

By doing your job with pride and a big smile.  That is the start to connecting positively with your resident.  Most of the time, whey call you is to seek help and solve their problems.  Very few will call and say "you are doing a fine job with the estate..thank you." From the Town Council's point of view, giving good customer service is mostly to calm the resident and minimise the flaring up.  If we can be proactive and anticipate their problems, that would be the best scenario, but that's not usually the case.  We do what we can with the resources avaiable to us.

So what can we do? Management has engaged an external training consultant to help us grow a customer service culture in our organisation.  I understand that forging a strong and united team spirit is on the agenda and this team building will bond us together to push in unison for greater customer service.  We want to give our residents a pleasant experience whenever they receive the BTPTC service.

That is why we are here for the next two days.  Besides the fun and games available outdoors, within this room, the training session will also be conducted in a fun and enriching manner.  You will learn why customer service is such a big deal and why we have to work together to give good service.

This is the platform for you to share your interesting residents' stories with your colleagues, and share your ideas on how to improve our services to residents.  When everyone starts thinking and changing your work processes for better customer service, that is when the service culture has taken root in the organisation, and the growth will begin.

On this note, I wish you all an enjoyable and enriching retreat.