New initiatives launched as part of efforts to project a professional image of ES industry and equip workers with relevant skills in the future workplace
Singapore, 14 November 2018 – In conjunction with Clean and Green Singapore, Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Amy Khor, launched the inaugural Environmental Services (ES) Workforce Day to celebrate the commitment and excellence of ES companies and employees. New initiatives were also launched at the event as part of efforts to project a professional image of the ES industry and equip workers with relevant skills in the future workplace. Themed “Celebrating Our Workforce”, the event saw congratulatory certificates given out to 280 employees from 30 companies. Recipients of the certificates included a mix of profiles, such as customer-facing executives and workers in support roles, who had received long-service awards or been promoted in the recent years. For more information on the ES Workforce Day, refer to Annex A.
Memorandum of Understanding – Worker 4.0
2 The National Trades Union Congress signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with key industry stakeholders – the National Environment Agency (NEA), SkillsFuture Singapore, Workforce Singapore, Environmental Management Association of Singapore, Waste Management & Recycling Association of Singapore and NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) – to re-affirm all parties’ commitment to ensure workers are Ready for new jobs, Relevant with new skills and Resilient to new ways of working. The MOU will see a workgroup being formed to identify the necessary skill sets and the training modules required for workers in the environmental services industry, as the industry transforms and leverages technology to increase productivity. This partnership will support the Labour Movement’s vision of Worker 4.0, where workers are equipped with the relevant adaptive, technology and technical skills required in the future workplace. For more information on the MOU, refer to Annex B.
Guide on Uniforms for Environmental Services Industry
3 As part of efforts to project a professional image of the environmental services industry, NEA has produced a Guide on Uniforms, which serves as a reference for companies to tap on when developing their companies’ policies on uniforms. The Guide was developed after extensive consultations with the industry and the union, with three key principles in mind to ensure (i) safety, (ii) comfort and (iii) appearance of the uniform design. The recommendations provided in the Guide sets the baseline on the proper wearing of uniforms and work attire, although companies are encouraged to expand on their uniform policies beyond the Guide. Companies have the flexibility to customise their uniform designs to align with their corporate image and branding.
4 To raise awareness on the Guide, NEA will be incorporating a reference to the Guide under the Enhanced Clean Mark Accreditation Scheme for licensed cleaning businesses, and the Code of Practice for general licensed waste collectors in Q1 2019. The need to provide proper and adequate uniforms for workers will continue to be emphasised in the upcoming tender for Integrated Cleaning of Expressway Infrastructure in Singapore targeted to be published in Q2 2019. For more information on the Guide, refer to Annex C.
5 Mr Tan Meng Dui, Chief Executive Officer of NEA said, “Since the launch of the Environmental Services Industry Transformation Map last year, NEA has been continuously working with the industry to develop initiatives aimed at building stronger businesses and transforming jobs for the workers. The initiatives launched today are the outcome of continuous collaboration with the industry and union to ensure that the businesses and workers are well prepared for the transformation journey, and to ensure a vibrant, sustainable and professional industry.”
6 Mr Zainal Sapari, Assistant Secretary-General of NTUC said, “The MOU signals the Labour Movement’s intent to translate the Environmental Services Industry Transformation Map into real outcomes for our workers. This would involve ensuring that training opportunities are available for workers to equip them with the right skill sets required by the industry, and ensuring workers themselves are aware of the skills and training they need to keep up with industry transformation. Ultimately, this will help our workers benefit from better wages, welfare and work prospects.”
7 NEA launched the Environmental Services Industry Transformation Map in December last year, unveiling the strategies and initiatives to transform the environmental services industry. The implementation of the various initiatives, as well as other ongoing efforts, will ensure a vibrant, sustainable and professional industry that will provide services and solutions to help achieve our Zero Waste vision and a clean and liveable Singapore.
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ANNEX A
Environmental Services (ES) Workforce Day
About Environmental Services (ES) Workforce Day
1 The inaugural ES Workforce Day is organised to celebrate the commitment and excellence of ES companies and employees, and is supported by the Environmental Management Association of Singapore (EMAS), Waste Management & Recycling Association of Singapore (WMRAS) and National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). Congratulatory certificates were given out to 280 employees of 30 companies in recognition of their outstanding contribution and commitment. Some of these companies include Chye Thiam Maintenance Pte Ltd, Horsburgh Integrated Services Pte Ltd, Colex Environmental Pte Ltd, Veolia ES Singapore Pte Ltd, Spic & Span Pte Ltd, and more. A complimentary lunch buffet was also organised for the company representatives and employees at the event.
Recipients of Congratulatory Certificates
2 Recipients of the certificates included a mix of profiles such as customer-facing executives and support roles. They were nominated by their employers based on the following guiding criteria:
i. Promoted in 2017 or 2018 – e.g. cleaner to supervisor, engineer to senior engineer; OR
ii. Received Long Service Award (LSA) in 2017 or 2018 – i.e. in service for at least five years with a positive mind-set and willingness to upskill and receive training.
| List of Shortlisted Profiles |
| Mr Abdul Hamid bin Abdul Razat, 49 years old Crew Team Leader, RVAC Pte Ltd | - Mr Abdul previously worked as a cleaner in a commercial building for 25 years, before switching to the waste management sector. He had observed the operations of a Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System (PWCS) by chance, which opened his eyes to how waste collection in Singapore was changing. He upskilled himself and successfully switched careers to join RVAC as a member of its PWCS crew.
- He continued to upgrade his skills and knowledge, picking up soft skills and process planning skills along the way, which have helped him greatly in managing his team, as well as improving workflow processes and service delivery to meet clients’ expectations. One year since joining RVAC, he is now a Crew Team Leader.
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| Mr Kunasegar S/O Velayudhan, 52 years old Supervisor, Horsburgh Integrated Services Pte Ltd | - Mr Kunasegar first joined the cleaning sector in 1986 as a General Cleaner. Over the years, he has completed 10 Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) courses and honed his technical and supervisory skills.
- At Horsburgh, Mr Kunasegar has been able to explore greater potential in his career, and the sense of accomplishment and achievement in both his work and personal growth has motivated him to stay in the industry.
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| Ms Teh Geok Lian, 63 years old Senior Executive, Chye Thiam Maintenance Pte Ltd | - Ms Teh Geok Lian has been a Senior Executive at Chye Thiam Maintenance Pte Ltd for the past 11 years, where she assists to manage, plan and execute building and facilities maintenance for clients on areas such as sanitary disposal, compactor bin disposals and pest control.
- She values people engagement, and has established good rapport with her clients and cleaning teams to ensure quality service delivery. She has an excellent track record of having near zero Liquidated Damages (or “LD”) for all the contracts under her for over 11 years.
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| Mr Jonathan Xiao Yiyuan, 29 years old Assistant Manager, Infocus Integrated Engineering Pte Ltd | - Mr Xiao joined the company as a supervisor when he was 23 years old. When he first started, he had little experience in this cleaning industry but he showed enthusiasm in the job. He went for training and attended several courses such as the basic WSQ courses and vector control technician course. He was then promoted to a coordinator.
- After two years in service, he was again promoted to Assistant Manager for his proven record, being capable and competent in supervising. To date, he has completed about 30 courses, including WSQ cleaning courses and a full Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA) course. He has also completed his Diploma in Commerce.
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| Ms Begum Nor Faiqah D/O Muhd Afiq Abdullah, 29 years old Sales & Admin Executive, Impetus Conceptus Pte Ltd | - She was recently promoted, having demonstrated her competence in planning, organising and managing daily deployment processes. She has been able to handle challenging situations with good decision-making skills, and is interested in upgrading her skills.
- She is currently enrolled in Republic Polytechnic’s Part Time Diploma in Applied Science (Environmental Services and Management), a new course launched in 2018 that supports the upskilling of the ES workforce.
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| Mr Md Norizam Bin Arib, 51 years old Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) Supervisor, Colex Environmental Pte Ltd | - Md Norizam is professional and patient with his colleagues and subordinates. His belief in the company’s mission, purpose and goals, as well as appreciation from his direct supervisor and management, inspire him to do well in his work. He is also able to adapt instantly to situations at work.
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ANNEX B
Memorandum of Understanding
Committing to Worker 4.0
1 The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) re-affirms all stakeholders’ commitment to support the Labour Movement’s Worker 4.0 vision. It signifies all parties’ intention to identify the necessary skill sets required for workers and translating them into actionable plans.
2 The MOU is signed by:
a) National Trades Union Congress
b) National Environment Agency
c) SkillsFuture Singapore
d) Workforce Singapore
e) Environmental Management Association of Singapore
f) Waste Management & Recycling Association of Singapore
g) NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute)
Worker 4.0
3 As the Labour Movement persists in efforts to turn the Industry Transformation Maps (ITMs) into real outcomes for workers, the Labour Movement envisions that workers must be trained in tandem, as Worker 4.0, to keep up with transformation.
4 In the future workplace, Worker 4.0 will be one who is adept at navigating change, asking the right questions and finding new solutions to complex problems. Worker 4.0 is also proficient in working with machines, using technology and tapping digital resources to be more productive at work. Worker 4.0 requires a combination of skill sets that are adaptive (ability to navigate and influence change and solve complex problems) and technology-based (knowledge and mastery of digital systems and programmes) and technical (job-specific knowledge and skills). These may vary from individual to individual, but they will be central to enabling a worker to be Ready for new jobs, Relevant with new skills and Resilient to new ways of working. Combined, these traits will help Worker 4.0 achieve better skills, and ultimately better Wages, better Welfare and better Work Prospects.
5 For more information on Worker 4.0, visit this link: http://bit.ly/Worker4point0Vid
ANNEX C
Guide on Uniforms for Environmental Services Industry
About the Guide
1 As part of efforts to project a professional image of the environmental services industry, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has produced a Guide on Uniforms, which serves as a reference for companies to tap on when developing their companies’ policies on uniforms. The Guide has been developed with three key principles in mind to ensure (i) safety, (ii) comfort and (iii) appearance of the uniform design.
2 Supporting the three key principles for uniform design would be the recommendations for ensuring proper wearing of uniform. Companies have the flexibility to customise their uniform designs to align with their corporate image and branding. Companies are also encouraged to expand on their uniform policies beyond the Guide. For companies where uniform is not applicable or unavailable for the employees, discretion should be exercised by employers when adapting selected aspects of the Guide for use.
Purpose of a Uniform
3 A uniform is a distinctive set of attire worn by employees of the same organisation. Wearing a uniform serves to introduce the following purpose and benefits:
For companies
- Establish a strong corporate identity within an industry;
- Enhance positive brand recall by the general public and customers; and
- Promote a sense of inclusiveness, non-discrimination and equal opportunities within a company
For employees
- Enhance safety and comfort at work with the appropriate dressing;
- Develop a sense of belonging with the company and camaraderie among colleagues; and
- Project a professional image and develop a sense of belonging for the industry.
4 Supervisors of the uniformed workforce should ensure that the uniform is properly donned by the employees while on duty. To underscore the importance of the proper wearing of uniforms and attire in the course of work, the company’s policy on uniforms and attire should consider stating the appropriate action to be taken when employees refuse to comply to the requirements established by the company.
5 NEA will work with the industry associations, Environmental Management Association of Singapore (EMAS) and Waste Management & Recycling Association of Singapore (WMRAS), to promote the Guide through the associations’ networks of service buyers and providers, and to encourage adoption by members of their respective associations. For more information on the Guide, visit NEA’s website at:
https://www.nea.gov.sg/industry-transformation-map/create-quality-jobs-improve-job-prospects/guide-on-uniforms-for-environmental-services-industry