Promote local talent, Lim Swee Say asks MNCs
National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) secretary-general Lim Swee Say on Thursday called on multinational corporations (MNCs) in Singapore to make a greater effort to groom localnprofessionals for higher positions.
Speaking before 300 union leaders at a National Day observance ceremony, Lim said that doing so would encourage more Singaporeans who hold professional, managerial and executive (PME) jobs to be more accepting of the influx of foreigners into the country, reported The Straits Times.
"In short, we strive for Singapore to be first in global competition to sustain healthy growth and create enough good jobs," he said. "We also strive for Singaporeans to be first in local employment to take on a better job, earn better pay and live a better life."
"If not, the situation would lead to a 'win-lose' scenario often seen in other countries between management and workers, locals and foreigners. Win-lose will eventually end in lose-lose. When this happens, social stability will be weakened and economic growth will slow down," he added.
Mr Lim called on MNCs to adopt a "glocalisation" approach -- globalising operations, while localising management -- in running their businesses in Singapore, saying that from feedback he had received, some locals employed by MNCs with offices here feel as if they are working in other countries.
"'We do not expect an overnight change," he said. "But what is important is to recognise that 'glocalisation' has to be the direction that we take to achieve a win-win outcome between local PMEs and foreign PMEs."
At the same time, Mr Lim called on employers to practice fairer procedures when hiring lower-paid contract and casual workers, such as abandoning cheap sourcing -- awarding the contract to the ones prepared to accept the lowest pay -- for fairer practices, such as hiring on merit.
He also encouraged companies to look upon mature workers as sources of expertise and experience, instead of as burdens to operations and payrolls.
