Will this SME Talent Programme help?

[pillowtalk]

Amid the ongoing restructuring in the labour market, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore have found it increasingly important to rely on local hires.

But many of these SMEs say it is a challenge attracting Singaporeans, who often aspire to work in larger multinationals.

The government hopes its SME Talent Programme can help.

Six trade associations and chambers and the Institute of Technical Education, Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic have inked an agreement to launch the SME Talent Programme.

Previously announced in this year's Budget, the scheme aims to attract local students to SMEs through the offer of a study award, which includes tuition fee sponsorship, a study allowance, and a sign-on bonus.

Upon graduation, the student will begin employment with a SME, as part of a two-year bond.

SMEs will be matched with suitable local polytechnic and ITE students through the participating trade associations and chambers, which are: Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, Print and Media Association, Singapore, Restaurant Association of Singapore, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Singapore Manufacturing Federation and the Textile and Fashion Federation (Singapore).

Up to 70 per cent of the cost of the study awards can be covered by funding from SPRING, the government agency tasked to help develop Singapore enterprises.

S$70 million worth of funds will be made available over the next five years.

The programme is expected to match 3,000 graduates to some 800 participating SMEs over the next five years.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/sme-talent-programme-aims/700404.html

 

[fanta]

Up to 70 per cent of the cost of the study awards can be covered by funding - worth taking if nothing better to do

 

[The_Hypocrite]

Sounds like a support programme for tow kays who love pap

 

[Scrooball (clone)]

Looks like SMEs still playing the "locals are more expensive" card. The problem with SMEs are that they lack innovation and good market understanding. Thus have to resort to lowering of costs to survive. Admittedly, high operating expenses in Singapore does not help.

 

[kingrant]

For once I agree with you.

Looks like SMEs still playing the "locals are more expensive" card. The problem with SMEs are that they lack innovation and good market understanding. Thus have to resort to lowering of costs to survive. Admittedly, high operating expenses in Singapore does not help.

 

[Blazars]

Looks like SMEs still playing the "locals are more expensive" card. The problem with SMEs are that they lack innovation and good market understanding. Thus have to resort to lowering of costs to survive. Admittedly, high operating expenses in Singapore does not help.

Agreed. The SMEs must be creative in attracting the locals. Be it paying more competitive salary or reinvent/overhual the job scopes. Sometimes I see the local hawker cleaners doing their 8 hours work, i heart pain. I wonder if the cleaning companies can reinvent the job scopes or have a 4/5 hours shifts. Be flexible.

Side track abit... I was having dinner at a Swenson restaurant at one of the shopping malls in the northeast, when i notice the whole restaurant employ locals. Ok... I dont know if they are PRs or malaysian. I counted, 2 malays 1 indian and rest local chinese. And opposite them is a Pizza Hut restaurant. In the pizza hut restaurant, all waitresses are pinoys. I wonder, what did Swenson did that Pizza Hut cannot??

 

[Scrooball (clone)]

Swenson's do hire more locals than most f&bs. The management also mostly Singaporeans. The top guy there Andrew is quite a forward looking and innovative guy. They emphasize on service standards alot. But I would say they also facing manpower shortage especially in kitchen. Most of the time, custs are seated but food mostly not served yet.

 

[Leongsam]

Most of the time, custs are seated but food mostly not served yet.

The food should be served before the customers are seated???? :*:

 

[Scrooball (clone)]

The food should be served before the customers are seated???? :*:

Don't be a twit. What I meant was there are many custs sitting around waiting for food, much more than people who have already been served with food.

 

[jw5]

Don't be a twit. What I meant was there are many custs sitting around waiting for food, much more than people who have already been served with food.

You mean custs as in short for customers or cunts?
There are also many princess cunts sitting around waiting for food.

 

[Scrooball (clone)]

You mean custs as in short for customers or cunts?
There are also many princess cunts sitting around waiting for food.

Why don't you clarify with Scroobal? I'm sure he will revel in the act of turning you into a cunt throwing a hissy fit.