CROUPIERS and accounting managers for the coming casinos are in demand, as are the evergreen if more mundane ones like hotel and food-related jobs.
These are among the jobs underlined by the Labour Market Highlights 2009, released on Saturday by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), together with the Workforce Development Agency (WDA).
The annual report aims to help job seekers make more informed career choices by providing information on jobs in demand across 16 industry groups.
It also provides industry and occupational information such as industry and jobs outlook, the wage ranges and relevant academic qualifications.
One highlight this year is the array of jobs that have been created by the two integrated resorts (IRs), which are set to open early next year.
Statistics in the report show that the two IRs - in Marina Bay and Sentosa - will provide 20,000 jobs when they are fully operational.
IR jobs listed include that of the casino accounting manager, who must ensure that financial activities within the casino adhere to the regulatory framework, and croupiers, who will operate table games and can expect a starting salary of $1,800.
Jobs in the hotel industry are also available, thanks to the opening of new hotels and expansion of existing ones.
Reservation sales executives who handle group room reservations by tour agencies, corporate customers and VIPs can expect to earn $2,300 to $2,600 a month, while salaries for rank-and-file positions from room stewards to dishwashers range from $870 to $1,720.
Some industries that have been adversely affected by the current downturn, such as food and beverage (F&B), still have positions available, such as those for chefs and restaurant managers as well as non-executive positions such as cashiers and kitchen assistants.
- The Straits Times
Aug 23, 2009
Aug 21, 2009
Sentosa IR to hire 5,000
RESORTS World at Sentosa's (RWS) recruitment drive began almost three years ago, and despite receiving thousands of applications and taking part in 100 job fairs, it has filled only 10 per cent of its workforce.
With only months to go before its opening, the integrated resort needs to have 7,000 more staff by October and a total of 10,000 by the time it fully opens early next year.
To ramp up these numbers, RWS is holding another job fair this weekend to fill about 5,000 rank and file positions such as chambermaids, tram drivers and bellhops. It is the biggest recruitment exercise held so far for such positions.
The resort began hiring immediately after it won the tender in December 2006, in what it calls a 'planned process', said assistant director of communications Robin Goh.
He explained that corporate and management positions were filled first. 'For operational staff, they will be hired closer to the opening date,' he said. This means that applicants will know only from October if they got the jobs - including those who applied much earlier.
But human resources lecturer Fred Lin, who teaches at education company Kaplan, noted that such a hiring policy may not be the best as it keeps applicants 'hanging by a thread'. 'It is usually best to tell applicants within three months whether they've got a job, with one or two calls along the way to update them on their application progress,' he said.
In contrast, Marina Bay Sands integrated resort, set to open around the same time, has been securing its staff in advance. With 290 people already on its payroll, it has sent out more than 2,000 employment contracts for gaming staff, and will soon make similar offers for other front-line positions.
When RWS was asked if its approach may cause inconvenience - such as having its shortlisted candidates being snapped up by other organisations - Mr Goh said it is prepared for such an eventuality. 'We want to sift through as many applications as possible so we can choose the very best,' he said.
Besides the job fair, other channels remain open, he added. Both integrated resorts are accepting applications through the mail, Internet, online job portals, school talks, job fairs, and the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i). RWS is also tapping community development councils.
Interested applicants can visit the RWS job fair on Saturday and on Sunday at the e2i building at 141 Redhill Road, Block A, #01-01. It will be open from 9am to 5pm. Applicants are advised to bring certificates, resumes and one passport-size photograph. Walk-in interviews will be conducted on the spot.
- The Straits Times
With only months to go before its opening, the integrated resort needs to have 7,000 more staff by October and a total of 10,000 by the time it fully opens early next year.
To ramp up these numbers, RWS is holding another job fair this weekend to fill about 5,000 rank and file positions such as chambermaids, tram drivers and bellhops. It is the biggest recruitment exercise held so far for such positions.
The resort began hiring immediately after it won the tender in December 2006, in what it calls a 'planned process', said assistant director of communications Robin Goh.
He explained that corporate and management positions were filled first. 'For operational staff, they will be hired closer to the opening date,' he said. This means that applicants will know only from October if they got the jobs - including those who applied much earlier.
But human resources lecturer Fred Lin, who teaches at education company Kaplan, noted that such a hiring policy may not be the best as it keeps applicants 'hanging by a thread'. 'It is usually best to tell applicants within three months whether they've got a job, with one or two calls along the way to update them on their application progress,' he said.
In contrast, Marina Bay Sands integrated resort, set to open around the same time, has been securing its staff in advance. With 290 people already on its payroll, it has sent out more than 2,000 employment contracts for gaming staff, and will soon make similar offers for other front-line positions.
When RWS was asked if its approach may cause inconvenience - such as having its shortlisted candidates being snapped up by other organisations - Mr Goh said it is prepared for such an eventuality. 'We want to sift through as many applications as possible so we can choose the very best,' he said.
Besides the job fair, other channels remain open, he added. Both integrated resorts are accepting applications through the mail, Internet, online job portals, school talks, job fairs, and the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i). RWS is also tapping community development councils.
Interested applicants can visit the RWS job fair on Saturday and on Sunday at the e2i building at 141 Redhill Road, Block A, #01-01. It will be open from 9am to 5pm. Applicants are advised to bring certificates, resumes and one passport-size photograph. Walk-in interviews will be conducted on the spot.
- The Straits Times
Layoffs likely to be below past peaks and jobless rate is also under control
LABOUR chief Lim Swee Say was unusually upbeat on Thursday, saying the number of people laid off and out of work in Singapore this year will be below the peaks of past downturns.
'After eight months, we are on track to reach the target,' he said on Thursday at Murata Electronics company's National Day observance ceremony.
His new confidence is a departure from his past warnings of more layoffs, although he cautioned again that it was still too early to pop the champagne. He believes there is a good chance that layoffs can be kept below the 30,000 peak Singapore suffered in 1998 during the Asian financial crisis.
His cautious optimism is based on the lower-than-expected layoffs in the first half of this year, at 15,700. The jobless rate too is unlikely to match the peak of 4.3 per cent in 2003 during the Sars crisis, he said, pointing to the latest figures.
It has remained steady at 3.3 per cent in June, despite the economy contracting 6.5 per cent in the first half of this year.
These numbers led Mr Lim, secretary-general of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), to declare: 'We have done unusually well in these unusual times.' It can be credited to several factors, he said.
Foremost among them are the government subsidy schemes to minimise layoffs such as Jobs Credit and the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (Spur). Also, several countries - including Singapore - have pulled out of the economic rut in the past month, owing to better-than-expected growth results.
However, there is a fly in the ointment: Employment figures beyond September are uncertain as companies have yet to see a rush of Christmas orders.
However, workers and unionists are 'very encouraged' by the assurance from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in his National Day Rally speech on Sunday, that the worst is over for the Singapore economy, he said.
Mr Lim said: 'They went through a very challenging first half of the year, and now they feel the situation has improved.' But the road to recovery is long, dark and slippery. 'We will fall again and again,' he warned.
- The Straits Times
'After eight months, we are on track to reach the target,' he said on Thursday at Murata Electronics company's National Day observance ceremony.
His new confidence is a departure from his past warnings of more layoffs, although he cautioned again that it was still too early to pop the champagne. He believes there is a good chance that layoffs can be kept below the 30,000 peak Singapore suffered in 1998 during the Asian financial crisis.
His cautious optimism is based on the lower-than-expected layoffs in the first half of this year, at 15,700. The jobless rate too is unlikely to match the peak of 4.3 per cent in 2003 during the Sars crisis, he said, pointing to the latest figures.
It has remained steady at 3.3 per cent in June, despite the economy contracting 6.5 per cent in the first half of this year.
These numbers led Mr Lim, secretary-general of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), to declare: 'We have done unusually well in these unusual times.' It can be credited to several factors, he said.
Foremost among them are the government subsidy schemes to minimise layoffs such as Jobs Credit and the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (Spur). Also, several countries - including Singapore - have pulled out of the economic rut in the past month, owing to better-than-expected growth results.
However, there is a fly in the ointment: Employment figures beyond September are uncertain as companies have yet to see a rush of Christmas orders.
However, workers and unionists are 'very encouraged' by the assurance from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in his National Day Rally speech on Sunday, that the worst is over for the Singapore economy, he said.
Mr Lim said: 'They went through a very challenging first half of the year, and now they feel the situation has improved.' But the road to recovery is long, dark and slippery. 'We will fall again and again,' he warned.
- The Straits Times
Aug 20, 2009
Who says IR jobs aren't hot?
MORE people than expected turned up for a conference session on floor positions in the integrated resorts (IRs), contrary to the perception that Singaporeans are not keen on taking up such jobs.
The session on career expectations and talent management in the gaming sector, which was part of the inaugural Gaming Asia Conference, drew 160 participants.
This exceeded the expected figure of 100 to 120, and more chairs had to be added, organiser Comexpo told my paper.
The two-day conference at the Singapore Expo, which started yesterday, brought together humanresource and business leaders in the gaming industry from the United States, Macau and Singapore.
Earlier, upcoming integrated resort Marina Bay Sands lamented that it had managed to fill only 2,000 out of 4,500 dealer positions available.
But later on Aug 1, it received more than 3,500 applications for 1,000 dealer positions at its job fair.
When asked about the possible reasons for Singaporeans shunning dealer jobs in the IRs, 61-year-old speaker Alan Soh, president of casino college Agmi International, said that a big reason is their aversion to shift work, which includes working on weekends and the graveyard shift.
He said: "They also feel the pay is a bit too low."
The starting pay is $1,800 before tips. Three months' training is provided.
But some Singaporeans do aspire to gain a foothold in the gaming sector as dealers with Marina Bay Sands or Resorts World at Sentosa.
Shatec graduate Daryl Gan, 21, who has a diploma in culinary skills and has already submitted an application to be a dealer, told my paper: "The prospects, good pay and tips attract me. I intend to carve out my career in the IRs.
"I used to be a cook and so have experience in working the graveyard shift. I was also used to working up to 17 hours (at a stretch)."
Mr Gregory Huang, 29, was in bank sales and, like Mr Gan, is also a student of the pro-dealer programme at Agmi International.
"This is something new, it's exciting and I like the energy of the gaming industry. It also allows me to meet different people," he said.
- The Straits Times
The session on career expectations and talent management in the gaming sector, which was part of the inaugural Gaming Asia Conference, drew 160 participants.
This exceeded the expected figure of 100 to 120, and more chairs had to be added, organiser Comexpo told my paper.
The two-day conference at the Singapore Expo, which started yesterday, brought together humanresource and business leaders in the gaming industry from the United States, Macau and Singapore.
Earlier, upcoming integrated resort Marina Bay Sands lamented that it had managed to fill only 2,000 out of 4,500 dealer positions available.
But later on Aug 1, it received more than 3,500 applications for 1,000 dealer positions at its job fair.
When asked about the possible reasons for Singaporeans shunning dealer jobs in the IRs, 61-year-old speaker Alan Soh, president of casino college Agmi International, said that a big reason is their aversion to shift work, which includes working on weekends and the graveyard shift.
He said: "They also feel the pay is a bit too low."
The starting pay is $1,800 before tips. Three months' training is provided.
But some Singaporeans do aspire to gain a foothold in the gaming sector as dealers with Marina Bay Sands or Resorts World at Sentosa.
Shatec graduate Daryl Gan, 21, who has a diploma in culinary skills and has already submitted an application to be a dealer, told my paper: "The prospects, good pay and tips attract me. I intend to carve out my career in the IRs.
"I used to be a cook and so have experience in working the graveyard shift. I was also used to working up to 17 hours (at a stretch)."
Mr Gregory Huang, 29, was in bank sales and, like Mr Gan, is also a student of the pro-dealer programme at Agmi International.
"This is something new, it's exciting and I like the energy of the gaming industry. It also allows me to meet different people," he said.
- The Straits Times
Aug 10, 2009
1,500 at church job fair
INSTEAD of their usual call to be more spiritual, a cluster of churches in the east on Monday preached a very secular message of hope.
There were more than 800 jobs on offer at the Hope - or Helping our People - job carnival held at the Pentecost Methodist Church in Pasir Ris.
It attracted about 1,500 people of various races and religions.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who was guest of honour at the event, applauded the organisers for their support of the community in the current economic downturn.
'Religion can sometimes lead to a certain exclusiveness, but the approach taken by the church members today, and other religious organisations, to reach out to the wider community and to extend help to all is a very positive one,' he said.
Mr Teo's comments mirrored those made by several ministers over the last few weeks during Racial Harmony Day and National Day events.
All called for the various religions here to come together and to prevent any tension from arising between groups.
Said MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, Dr Ahmad Magad, who was also at the job fair: 'We should not draw barriers or walls amongst us...We should all look upon each other as Singaporeans, as one large family.'
Mr Teo said the job fair could not have been a more apt example, as it offers another helping hand in the community.
- The Straits Times
There were more than 800 jobs on offer at the Hope - or Helping our People - job carnival held at the Pentecost Methodist Church in Pasir Ris.
It attracted about 1,500 people of various races and religions.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who was guest of honour at the event, applauded the organisers for their support of the community in the current economic downturn.
'Religion can sometimes lead to a certain exclusiveness, but the approach taken by the church members today, and other religious organisations, to reach out to the wider community and to extend help to all is a very positive one,' he said.
Mr Teo's comments mirrored those made by several ministers over the last few weeks during Racial Harmony Day and National Day events.
All called for the various religions here to come together and to prevent any tension from arising between groups.
Said MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, Dr Ahmad Magad, who was also at the job fair: 'We should not draw barriers or walls amongst us...We should all look upon each other as Singaporeans, as one large family.'
Mr Teo said the job fair could not have been a more apt example, as it offers another helping hand in the community.
- The Straits Times
Aug 8, 2009
Grateful for job, even if it doesn't pay
TANKING economy, check; struggling newspaper industry, check; few opportunities for fresh young talent, check.
So why would any fresh graduate choose to quadruple his student debt by going straight into graduate journalism school, only to enter an industry that is seemingly devoid of opportunities?
Well, I did.
My friends thought I was insane, but I could not imagine doing anything else. I guess I also wanted to attend Columbia Journalism School because the idea of hazarding a calculated risk appealed to me.
Journalism is not dying. The industry is in flux right now because newspaper companies are paying for their past complacency and failure to adapt to technological innovations.
Journalism will not die because it is public service at its core. People will always need to be informed, we just need to get used to delivering the news in multiple mediums.
Besides, it was this social function that attracted me to journalism in the first place.
Rather than abandoning a sinking ship, I thought it would be a better idea to improve my craft and possibly play a part in revitalising the business.
Even so, the reality of this huge financial risk hit me only when I arrived in New York last August.
There wasn't a day that I didn't hear of a layoff at some American newspaper, or how even esteemed brands such as Miami Herald and The Boston Globe were facing possible closures.
Then came the meltdown on Wall Street last September, which made for a great reporting experience.
But as I found myself among the hoards of photographers outside the iconic Lehman Brothers building in midtown Manhattan, chasing the story, I also worried about my own job prospects.
Still, being at the centre of the past year's events, particularly the historical election of Mr Barack Obama as the 44th American president, eventually put paid to any niggling self-doubt.
I will always remember waking up at 4am to make the opening of a voting centre in Flushing, Queens, last November, along with the numerous lessons ingrained over long hours and cold days spent in Sunset Park, my beat neighbourhood in Brooklyn.
When the recession ends and the news business eventually reinvents itself, these experiences will stay with me and make me a better journalist, more equipped to operate in a constantly evolving industry.
On the Monday in the week I graduated in May, I found out I would be working at The Atlantic Monthly for six months - as an unpaid intern.
Still, after having about 30 other applications rejected in the months before that, I was just grateful for something - anything.
I dare say, though, that every single rejection has helped me better understand what I do not want to do.
Some might say I am still chasing my dreams, but me, I think I am already living them, although that's a lot harder than I'd imagined.
I'm glad I did not take the easy way out. True, I won't be earning my keep any time soon, but that will happen. I'll have the rest of my life to make sure it does.
- The Straits Times
So why would any fresh graduate choose to quadruple his student debt by going straight into graduate journalism school, only to enter an industry that is seemingly devoid of opportunities?
Well, I did.
My friends thought I was insane, but I could not imagine doing anything else. I guess I also wanted to attend Columbia Journalism School because the idea of hazarding a calculated risk appealed to me.
Journalism is not dying. The industry is in flux right now because newspaper companies are paying for their past complacency and failure to adapt to technological innovations.
Journalism will not die because it is public service at its core. People will always need to be informed, we just need to get used to delivering the news in multiple mediums.
Besides, it was this social function that attracted me to journalism in the first place.
Rather than abandoning a sinking ship, I thought it would be a better idea to improve my craft and possibly play a part in revitalising the business.
Even so, the reality of this huge financial risk hit me only when I arrived in New York last August.
There wasn't a day that I didn't hear of a layoff at some American newspaper, or how even esteemed brands such as Miami Herald and The Boston Globe were facing possible closures.
Then came the meltdown on Wall Street last September, which made for a great reporting experience.
But as I found myself among the hoards of photographers outside the iconic Lehman Brothers building in midtown Manhattan, chasing the story, I also worried about my own job prospects.
Still, being at the centre of the past year's events, particularly the historical election of Mr Barack Obama as the 44th American president, eventually put paid to any niggling self-doubt.
I will always remember waking up at 4am to make the opening of a voting centre in Flushing, Queens, last November, along with the numerous lessons ingrained over long hours and cold days spent in Sunset Park, my beat neighbourhood in Brooklyn.
When the recession ends and the news business eventually reinvents itself, these experiences will stay with me and make me a better journalist, more equipped to operate in a constantly evolving industry.
On the Monday in the week I graduated in May, I found out I would be working at The Atlantic Monthly for six months - as an unpaid intern.
Still, after having about 30 other applications rejected in the months before that, I was just grateful for something - anything.
I dare say, though, that every single rejection has helped me better understand what I do not want to do.
Some might say I am still chasing my dreams, but me, I think I am already living them, although that's a lot harder than I'd imagined.
I'm glad I did not take the easy way out. True, I won't be earning my keep any time soon, but that will happen. I'll have the rest of my life to make sure it does.
- The Straits Times
Aug 6, 2009
The art of job hunting in cyberspace
IT HAS been three weeks since you last saw that perfect job advertised online, and after carefully crafting your e-mail letter, attaching your resume and sending it off, you have been waiting.
And waiting.
Clicking on your inbox about 30 times a day has done nothing to ease your anxiety. All that come through are a few spam e-mail messages. And deafening silence.
Welcome to the online world of job hunting, where openings are aplenty - but where CVs more often than not get lost in a big, black, mysterious hole.
Online or 'digital' recruiting has been around for a decade, and has become increasingly popular with both employers and employees, notes recruitment firm Kelly Services.
'Online job applications in Singapore have certainly matured over the last few years with advancements in technology which make the process more efficient,' said the firm's senior vice-president for the Asia-Pacific, Mr Dhirendra Shantilal.
The use of social media networking sites for online job searches and recruitment has been on the rise, especially because of their growing popularity among the Generation Y group, he added.
Blogging and search engine marketing are now increasingly used by organisations and employers to search for talent.
But as the Internet opens up possibilities to anyone who has a computer, it has also made competition more intense.
Not to mention that amid Singapore's worst recession, more people are trawling the Internet to look for work on top of going to job fairs.
Some 12,400 jobs were lost in the second quarter in Singapore, double the number in the first quarter, government data showed recently.
But while the Internet has made it easier to look for jobs, it is not without pitfalls.
Recruiters or employers must be aware of how their online content - especially those generated on social media sites - can affect the perception of their employer brand, said Mr Shantilal.
Hence, employers should put emphasis on building and protecting their reputation and the credibility of their content - both online and offline.
Job seekers also need to do their homework and verify the legitimacy of a company or recruiter before completing an online application.
At the same time, they should also manage their personal information on social sites with care, especially if it has the potential to jeopardise their employability, said Mr Shantilal.
And hunting for a position online might not be the best way to get a job, said recruitment consultancy Robert Walters.
Employers who post a job vacancy online are not likely to get candidates who fit the opportunity, said the firm's Singapore's sales and marketing division consultant, Mr Mark Melo.
There are no tools to filter out irrelevant profiles, and in a market overflowing with candidates and talent, people will continue to send their CVs on these portals. This creates a lot more work for human resources teams as sifting through all the applications can be very time-consuming, he said.
So how do employers best use the Internet to their advantage?
Mr Melo feels they should post only online job vacancies at the junior level. 'You are still going to get the volume but at middle to senior levels, candidates are much more sensitive to having their CVs floating around in cyberspace,' he said.
Posting senior jobs on a mass platform means you are likely to receive good response, but more irrelevant CVs.
For job seekers: Be selective, said Mr Melo. 'It's not a volume game, so avoid sending your CVs to multiple companies and hope that one of them will pick it up.'
He suggested that job hunters focus on the roles that are relevant to their experience and skills set and tailor their CVs to highlight the areas which the company has emphasised as a critical part of the role.
The format of the CV is very important. It is essential to highlight one's biggest strengths and ensure that this section stands out.
'If an employer has to sift through your CV to find this information, chances are they will move on to the next candidate,' said Mr Melo.
One tip: Facts and figures are sharp and powerful - and can help paint a very tangible picture of your abilities.
This usually relates more to sales roles, but even outside such roles, you can try to be factual and give statistical examples of achievements.
Telling someone that you are an enthusiastic individual can be very subjective and is something you display during an interview, not on a CV, Mr Melo advised.
- The Straits Times
And waiting.
Clicking on your inbox about 30 times a day has done nothing to ease your anxiety. All that come through are a few spam e-mail messages. And deafening silence.
Welcome to the online world of job hunting, where openings are aplenty - but where CVs more often than not get lost in a big, black, mysterious hole.
Online or 'digital' recruiting has been around for a decade, and has become increasingly popular with both employers and employees, notes recruitment firm Kelly Services.
'Online job applications in Singapore have certainly matured over the last few years with advancements in technology which make the process more efficient,' said the firm's senior vice-president for the Asia-Pacific, Mr Dhirendra Shantilal.
The use of social media networking sites for online job searches and recruitment has been on the rise, especially because of their growing popularity among the Generation Y group, he added.
Blogging and search engine marketing are now increasingly used by organisations and employers to search for talent.
But as the Internet opens up possibilities to anyone who has a computer, it has also made competition more intense.
Not to mention that amid Singapore's worst recession, more people are trawling the Internet to look for work on top of going to job fairs.
Some 12,400 jobs were lost in the second quarter in Singapore, double the number in the first quarter, government data showed recently.
But while the Internet has made it easier to look for jobs, it is not without pitfalls.
Recruiters or employers must be aware of how their online content - especially those generated on social media sites - can affect the perception of their employer brand, said Mr Shantilal.
Hence, employers should put emphasis on building and protecting their reputation and the credibility of their content - both online and offline.
Job seekers also need to do their homework and verify the legitimacy of a company or recruiter before completing an online application.
At the same time, they should also manage their personal information on social sites with care, especially if it has the potential to jeopardise their employability, said Mr Shantilal.
And hunting for a position online might not be the best way to get a job, said recruitment consultancy Robert Walters.
Employers who post a job vacancy online are not likely to get candidates who fit the opportunity, said the firm's Singapore's sales and marketing division consultant, Mr Mark Melo.
There are no tools to filter out irrelevant profiles, and in a market overflowing with candidates and talent, people will continue to send their CVs on these portals. This creates a lot more work for human resources teams as sifting through all the applications can be very time-consuming, he said.
So how do employers best use the Internet to their advantage?
Mr Melo feels they should post only online job vacancies at the junior level. 'You are still going to get the volume but at middle to senior levels, candidates are much more sensitive to having their CVs floating around in cyberspace,' he said.
Posting senior jobs on a mass platform means you are likely to receive good response, but more irrelevant CVs.
For job seekers: Be selective, said Mr Melo. 'It's not a volume game, so avoid sending your CVs to multiple companies and hope that one of them will pick it up.'
He suggested that job hunters focus on the roles that are relevant to their experience and skills set and tailor their CVs to highlight the areas which the company has emphasised as a critical part of the role.
The format of the CV is very important. It is essential to highlight one's biggest strengths and ensure that this section stands out.
'If an employer has to sift through your CV to find this information, chances are they will move on to the next candidate,' said Mr Melo.
One tip: Facts and figures are sharp and powerful - and can help paint a very tangible picture of your abilities.
This usually relates more to sales roles, but even outside such roles, you can try to be factual and give statistical examples of achievements.
Telling someone that you are an enthusiastic individual can be very subjective and is something you display during an interview, not on a CV, Mr Melo advised.
- The Straits Times
Aug 5, 2009
Help for laid-off Seagate workers
THE 2,000 workers who will be laid off by hard-disk maker Seagate, which is shutting down its Ang Mo Kio plant next year, will get help from the Manpower Ministry, the union and their employer.
Some workers will get to explore redeployment within the company, others will be provided opportunities to retrain for new skills so they can be re-employed in other sectors.
Giving this assurance yesterday, Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong told reporters: "This Seagate announcement is also a stark reminder to all of us that the economic challenges are still there. We must not be prematurely optimistic."
The affected workers, however, need not be disheartened as there are still 25,000 jobs available in the market.
Declining to say whether there would be a possible second wave of retrenchments in Singapore, Mr Gan nonetheless stressed the growing importance of helping workers tap the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (Spur).
Seven months since the scheme began, more have taken advantage of it. As at end-July, 159,000 workers and 2,200 companies have committed to Spur, revealed Mr Gan.
He was speaking at the National Day Observance ceremony organised by the Singapore Industrial and Services Employees Union and ST Aerospace - which, Mr Gan noted, as of last month had sent some 1,012 professionals, managers, executives and technicians and 74 non-PMETs for Spur training.
"We will not be able to avoid retrenchment altogether," said Mr Gan. "We will not be able to avoid companies restructuring altogether. But we want to minimise the number of people affected, keep as many jobs as possible in Singapore by keeping the companies competitive and helping them cut costs."
- Channel News Asia
Some workers will get to explore redeployment within the company, others will be provided opportunities to retrain for new skills so they can be re-employed in other sectors.
Giving this assurance yesterday, Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong told reporters: "This Seagate announcement is also a stark reminder to all of us that the economic challenges are still there. We must not be prematurely optimistic."
The affected workers, however, need not be disheartened as there are still 25,000 jobs available in the market.
Declining to say whether there would be a possible second wave of retrenchments in Singapore, Mr Gan nonetheless stressed the growing importance of helping workers tap the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (Spur).
Seven months since the scheme began, more have taken advantage of it. As at end-July, 159,000 workers and 2,200 companies have committed to Spur, revealed Mr Gan.
He was speaking at the National Day Observance ceremony organised by the Singapore Industrial and Services Employees Union and ST Aerospace - which, Mr Gan noted, as of last month had sent some 1,012 professionals, managers, executives and technicians and 74 non-PMETs for Spur training.
"We will not be able to avoid retrenchment altogether," said Mr Gan. "We will not be able to avoid companies restructuring altogether. But we want to minimise the number of people affected, keep as many jobs as possible in Singapore by keeping the companies competitive and helping them cut costs."
- Channel News Asia
'A reality check'
SEAGATE'S decision to lay off 2,000 workers at its hard-disk plant is a stark reminder to Singaporeans that 'we must not be prematurely optimistic' about an economic recovery, said Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong on Wednesday.
But at the same time, Singaporeans need not be disheartened by the news, he added, pointing to 25,000 job openings yet to be filled and the hiring blitz by the two integrated resorts in the coming months.
Mr Gan's comments come 24 hours after the American multinational announced that 2,000 workers will be retrenched by the end of next year when its Ang Mo Kio plant is closed.
Its decision shows there are still economic challenges to be tackled despite some signs of recovery, the minister told reporters after a ceremony at Singapore Technologies Aerospace to mark National Day, which falls on Sunday.
Latest official figures show that the economy expanded for the first time in a year when it grew by 20.4 per cent in the second quarter over the previous quarter.
The improvement led the Government to raise its growth forecast this year from a contraction of 6 per cent to 9 per cent, to a contraction of 4 per cent to 6 per cent.
But Mr Gan warned against being blinded by the new ray of hope.
'It's important for us to continue to work together, for the Government, employers, unions and workers to press on with the various measures that have been put in place.'
Among them are the Jobs Credit wage subsidy scheme and the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (Spur), which subsidises training.
The Seagate announcement came amid repeated warnings from the labour movement about a possible second wave of retrenchments later this year.
- The Straits Times
But at the same time, Singaporeans need not be disheartened by the news, he added, pointing to 25,000 job openings yet to be filled and the hiring blitz by the two integrated resorts in the coming months.
Mr Gan's comments come 24 hours after the American multinational announced that 2,000 workers will be retrenched by the end of next year when its Ang Mo Kio plant is closed.
Its decision shows there are still economic challenges to be tackled despite some signs of recovery, the minister told reporters after a ceremony at Singapore Technologies Aerospace to mark National Day, which falls on Sunday.
Latest official figures show that the economy expanded for the first time in a year when it grew by 20.4 per cent in the second quarter over the previous quarter.
The improvement led the Government to raise its growth forecast this year from a contraction of 6 per cent to 9 per cent, to a contraction of 4 per cent to 6 per cent.
But Mr Gan warned against being blinded by the new ray of hope.
'It's important for us to continue to work together, for the Government, employers, unions and workers to press on with the various measures that have been put in place.'
Among them are the Jobs Credit wage subsidy scheme and the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (Spur), which subsidises training.
The Seagate announcement came amid repeated warnings from the labour movement about a possible second wave of retrenchments later this year.
- The Straits Times
Aug 4, 2009
Factories to hire again
RISES in unemployment could slow over the coming months with new data showing that Singapore factory owners have begun to hire again.
The monthly purchasing managers' index (PMI) published on Tuesday indicated that employment expanded for the first time in 19 months during July. Last month's employment index was 50.2, compared to 48.1 in June and 48.5 in May.
A reading above 50 indicates that employers are hiring, while one below suggests they are firing.
But economists warned that there could still be more job losses as Singapore approaches the end of the year, with Seagate's closure of its Ang Mo Kio hard disk plant with the shedding of 2,000 jobs a case in point.
The index highlighted that factory output continued to recover with the overall PMI expanding for the third straight month to 51.5.
The 0.4 point improvement over June was due to a rise in new orders from home and abroad.
PMI's latest forward-looking reading, which is based on a survey of purchasing executives at 150 companies conducted by the Singapore Institute of Purchasing & Materials Management (SIPMM), is in line with similar findings in the US and China.
In the US, the index approached 50 after rising to 48.9 last month, while China's July reading of 53.3 continued to show growth in factory activity for the fifth straight month.
'It appears that the manufacturing economy has bottomed out... and is now heading towards a possible recovery,' said Ms Janice Ong, executive director at SIPMM.
Electronics employment was boosted for the first time since June 2008 as the sector saw its July rate of expansion hit 55. This key sector employed 91,645 here last year, or about 22 per cent of all manufacturing jobs.
- The Straits Times
The monthly purchasing managers' index (PMI) published on Tuesday indicated that employment expanded for the first time in 19 months during July. Last month's employment index was 50.2, compared to 48.1 in June and 48.5 in May.
A reading above 50 indicates that employers are hiring, while one below suggests they are firing.
But economists warned that there could still be more job losses as Singapore approaches the end of the year, with Seagate's closure of its Ang Mo Kio hard disk plant with the shedding of 2,000 jobs a case in point.
The index highlighted that factory output continued to recover with the overall PMI expanding for the third straight month to 51.5.
The 0.4 point improvement over June was due to a rise in new orders from home and abroad.
PMI's latest forward-looking reading, which is based on a survey of purchasing executives at 150 companies conducted by the Singapore Institute of Purchasing & Materials Management (SIPMM), is in line with similar findings in the US and China.
In the US, the index approached 50 after rising to 48.9 last month, while China's July reading of 53.3 continued to show growth in factory activity for the fifth straight month.
'It appears that the manufacturing economy has bottomed out... and is now heading towards a possible recovery,' said Ms Janice Ong, executive director at SIPMM.
Electronics employment was boosted for the first time since June 2008 as the sector saw its July rate of expansion hit 55. This key sector employed 91,645 here last year, or about 22 per cent of all manufacturing jobs.
- The Straits Times
Seagate to shut Singapore plant
US-based Seagate Technology said Tuesday it will close its hard-disk drive manufacturing plant in Singapore by the end of next year and lay off about half of its 4,000 workers.
The firm said in a statement it plans to move production to existing sites in other countries to cut costs.
"This consolidation is necessary in order for Seagate to further increase efficiency and reduce costs by leveraging investments across fewer manufacturing sites," the statement said.
The company said it is looking at moving some employees from the hard disk plant to other Singapore operations, while those who are laid off "will be offered severance benefits, in keeping with company policy."
Despite the closure of the hard disk plant, Seagate said its product development and design centre and recording media plant will remain in Singapore.
The two facilities employ more than 5,300 workers, according to the company website.
"Singapore will remain a key strategic partner for Seagate, with focus on high-value activities, and Seagate will continue to make strategic investments here," the statement said.
Last month, Seagate reported a loss of US$81 million ($117 million) for the fourth quarter and a full-year loss of US$3.1 billion ($4.45 billion).
"While there are signs of improved visibility, the ongoing uncertainty in global economic conditions makes it difficult to predict product demand and other related matters," the firm said in its business outlook.
- AFP
The firm said in a statement it plans to move production to existing sites in other countries to cut costs.
"This consolidation is necessary in order for Seagate to further increase efficiency and reduce costs by leveraging investments across fewer manufacturing sites," the statement said.
The company said it is looking at moving some employees from the hard disk plant to other Singapore operations, while those who are laid off "will be offered severance benefits, in keeping with company policy."
Despite the closure of the hard disk plant, Seagate said its product development and design centre and recording media plant will remain in Singapore.
The two facilities employ more than 5,300 workers, according to the company website.
"Singapore will remain a key strategic partner for Seagate, with focus on high-value activities, and Seagate will continue to make strategic investments here," the statement said.
Last month, Seagate reported a loss of US$81 million ($117 million) for the fourth quarter and a full-year loss of US$3.1 billion ($4.45 billion).
"While there are signs of improved visibility, the ongoing uncertainty in global economic conditions makes it difficult to predict product demand and other related matters," the firm said in its business outlook.
- AFP
Aug 3, 2009
7,800 mostly-local applications for casino jobs
ALMOST 8,000 people applied for the 1,000 vacancies in Marina Bay Sands' casino after a two-day job fair at Suntec City over the weekend.
The response surpassed expectations, just days after the company cited difficulties filling positions to man its gaming tables.
"Over 14,000 people visited our dealer recruitment fair over the weekend. We are very happy and encouraged by the response. Out of this group, we received 7,800 applicants, of which the majority are locals," said the company in a statement.
It added: "We will focus on these local applicants to fill the remaining dealer positions."
To help explain the games in the casinos to those unfamiliar with the industry, the resort flew in pit managers from its Macau operations for the job fair.
And so far, the effort seems to have been successful.
It said it plans to roll out other recruitment activities in the coming months to attract Singaporeans to work in the integrated resort.
- TODAY newspaper
The response surpassed expectations, just days after the company cited difficulties filling positions to man its gaming tables.
"Over 14,000 people visited our dealer recruitment fair over the weekend. We are very happy and encouraged by the response. Out of this group, we received 7,800 applicants, of which the majority are locals," said the company in a statement.
It added: "We will focus on these local applicants to fill the remaining dealer positions."
To help explain the games in the casinos to those unfamiliar with the industry, the resort flew in pit managers from its Macau operations for the job fair.
And so far, the effort seems to have been successful.
It said it plans to roll out other recruitment activities in the coming months to attract Singaporeans to work in the integrated resort.
- TODAY newspaper
Portal on hiring older workers
SMALL businesses have been slow to introduce policies to re-employ their older workers.
To hasten the pace, a web portal has been set up by the National Trades Union Congress and the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises.
The portal (www.preparecommunity.com) was launched on Monday.
It shows the steps small businesses can take to get ready in time for the re-employment laws Singapore will introduce by January 2012.
The laws will require employers to rehire their workers when they reach 62. The acceptable terms of re-employment, such as wages and other benefits, are still being worked out.
Unionised companies, however, appear better prepared.
There are around 1,000 of these companies, big and small, and about 70 per cent have made a commitment to implement a system to re-employ older workers.
This was disclosed by NTUC deputy secretary-general Heng Chee How at a National Day observance ceremony today.
But when all businesses here are included, the proportion is dismal.
There are more than 100,000 businesses in Singapore but only 1 per cent have made a commitment to introducing re-employment policies in their companies.
ASME president Lawrence Leow said many SMEs, which make up the majority of businesses in Singapore, may be more focused on tackling the fall-out from the global economic downturn than with getting ready for re-employment.
- The Straits Times
To hasten the pace, a web portal has been set up by the National Trades Union Congress and the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises.
The portal (www.preparecommunity.com) was launched on Monday.
It shows the steps small businesses can take to get ready in time for the re-employment laws Singapore will introduce by January 2012.
The laws will require employers to rehire their workers when they reach 62. The acceptable terms of re-employment, such as wages and other benefits, are still being worked out.
Unionised companies, however, appear better prepared.
There are around 1,000 of these companies, big and small, and about 70 per cent have made a commitment to implement a system to re-employ older workers.
This was disclosed by NTUC deputy secretary-general Heng Chee How at a National Day observance ceremony today.
But when all businesses here are included, the proportion is dismal.
There are more than 100,000 businesses in Singapore but only 1 per cent have made a commitment to introducing re-employment policies in their companies.
ASME president Lawrence Leow said many SMEs, which make up the majority of businesses in Singapore, may be more focused on tackling the fall-out from the global economic downturn than with getting ready for re-employment.
- The Straits Times
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