INTEGRATION OF FOREIGN WORKERS

INTEGRATION OF FOREIGN WORKERS

39.

Mrs Mildred Tan asked the Minister for Manpower (a) to what extent does his Ministry take responsibility for the integration of foreign workers of all levels into the workplaces in Singapore; and (b) whether the workplace provides a good platform for integration to begin and, if so, what is his Ministry doing to promote integration in the workplace.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: Workplaces play an important role in the Government's efforts to reach out to and build trust between the diverse groups of workers in Singapore. Integrated and

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harmonious workplaces are also good for business. Companies can benefit from higher productivity if their workers work well with each other, regardless of differences in age, race, national origin, religion, and so on. Inclusive employment practices also help employers attract the best talent.

MOM oversees the Government's efforts to promote integration at the workplace through a broad-based approach, promoting workplace harmony and inclusiveness for all workers, not just for foreign workers. To help employers better manage and harness workplace diversity, a National Integration Working Group for Workplaces was set up in April 2009 under the auspices of the National Integration Council. The working group, chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Manpower, is pursuing various measures to help employers understand the benefits of an integrated workplace and to build capabilities to manage diversity. For example, in April this year, the tripartite partners will be organising a conference on fair and inclusive employment practices, which contribute to workplace harmony. This will provide an opportunity for employers, unions and workers to exchange ideas on how to better manage diversity in the workplace, to build inclusiveness, harmony and strong teamwork. MOM will also be developing a database of best practices for managing diversity in the workplace, and educational material addressing common challenges and misconceptions on workplace integration. We are also exploring with industry how to enhance human resource practitioners' capabilities in managing a diverse workforce.

MOM and our tripartite partners also lead the Businesses and Unions Cluster of the Community Engagement Programme (CEP), a programme set up to build trust and unity among various groups in Singapore and to ensure business continuity in times of crisis. The cluster has introduced initiatives and organised outreach activities that equip employers, unions and workers to promote harmony in their workplaces, and address tensions and conflicts that may arise in emergencies. The tripartite partners have also developed publicity materials and a Tripartite CEP Guide, which contains information about the role that businesses and unions play in the CEP, as well as workplace-specific guidelines. The guide has been distributed to more than 23,000 employers, HR practitioners and union leaders.

While MOM together with our tripartite partners will continue to promote workplace harmony and integration, achieving workplace integration will require a collective national effort involving all stakeholders.