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http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110121-0000181/Skilled-based-work-cannot-be-outsourced
'Skilled-based work cannot be outsourced'
by Joanne Chan 05:55 AM Jan 21, 2011
SINGAPORE - Lauding the role of the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong observed that many skilled technical jobs, unlike knowledge-based work, cannot be outsourced to emerging countries.
And such jobs - which include mechanics, plumbers and cooks - will have to be filled whether in good times or in bad.
Mr Goh said: "Knowledge flies across national borders and in the Internet age, knowledge-based jobs can be outsourced. Many countries now outsource even professional work such as legal and accounting services ... On the other hand, many skilled, technical jobs cannot be outsourced. When a car breaks down, you need a local mechanic to fix it."
Mr Goh was speaking at the opening ceremony of Worldskills Singapore yesterday, a biennial competition for students to showcase their technical skills.
The Senior Minister noted that during the 2009 recession in Singapore, eight in 10 ITE graduates who entered the job market found a job within six months.
Other countries also have similar experiences, said Mr Goh.
During the recession in the United States, for example, the demand for skilled labour such as welders and electrical linemen remained high.
In Singapore, ITE has remained relevant to its students and industry by making revisions to its curriculum and offering new training courses, Mr Goh said.
It has produced more than 300,000 graduates to date but its success cannot be taken for granted, he added.
Mr Goh said the Government will continue to invest in the skilled training sector. Yesterday, Mr Goh also toured the WorldSkills Singapore competition arena, which features two new categories this year - creative modelling and visual merchandising.
The Senior Minister said that the competition is an important national platform to showcase the skills and talents of youths.
One such competitor is 18-year-old Lim Kok Wei, a second-year ITE student.
Competing in the web design category, Kok Wei said he first developed his skills in secondary school. Joining ITE has enabled him to hone his technique.
He said: "I could have gone on to Secondary 5 but I chose to come to ITE because I can learn more hands on and technical stuff."
The winners of WorldSkills Singapore will represent the country at the international level in London.
'Skilled-based work cannot be outsourced'
by Joanne Chan 05:55 AM Jan 21, 2011
SINGAPORE - Lauding the role of the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong observed that many skilled technical jobs, unlike knowledge-based work, cannot be outsourced to emerging countries.
And such jobs - which include mechanics, plumbers and cooks - will have to be filled whether in good times or in bad.
Mr Goh said: "Knowledge flies across national borders and in the Internet age, knowledge-based jobs can be outsourced. Many countries now outsource even professional work such as legal and accounting services ... On the other hand, many skilled, technical jobs cannot be outsourced. When a car breaks down, you need a local mechanic to fix it."
Mr Goh was speaking at the opening ceremony of Worldskills Singapore yesterday, a biennial competition for students to showcase their technical skills.
The Senior Minister noted that during the 2009 recession in Singapore, eight in 10 ITE graduates who entered the job market found a job within six months.
Other countries also have similar experiences, said Mr Goh.
During the recession in the United States, for example, the demand for skilled labour such as welders and electrical linemen remained high.
In Singapore, ITE has remained relevant to its students and industry by making revisions to its curriculum and offering new training courses, Mr Goh said.
It has produced more than 300,000 graduates to date but its success cannot be taken for granted, he added.
Mr Goh said the Government will continue to invest in the skilled training sector. Yesterday, Mr Goh also toured the WorldSkills Singapore competition arena, which features two new categories this year - creative modelling and visual merchandising.
The Senior Minister said that the competition is an important national platform to showcase the skills and talents of youths.
One such competitor is 18-year-old Lim Kok Wei, a second-year ITE student.
Competing in the web design category, Kok Wei said he first developed his skills in secondary school. Joining ITE has enabled him to hone his technique.
He said: "I could have gone on to Secondary 5 but I chose to come to ITE because I can learn more hands on and technical stuff."
The winners of WorldSkills Singapore will represent the country at the international level in London.
