MANPOWER SHORTAGE IN THE HOSPITALITY AND MICE INDUSTRIES

MANPOWER SHORTAGE IN THE HOSPITALITY AND MICE INDUSTRIES: * * *

35.

Mdm Ho Geok Choo asked the Acting Minister for Manpower in light of the predicted 20,000 new jobs created with the upcoming Integrated Resorts, whether he will provide an update on the measures being taken to fill the potential deficit in persons working in the hotel and MICE industries.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: We can expect some 50,000 to 60,000 jobs to be created in the tourism industry over the next three years, with 20,000 coming from the two Integrated Resorts alone. I provided an update on this recently in the House in February this year.

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We can expect some of these jobs to be filled by existing workers in hotels, MICE(1) and F&B sectors. Workers from other industry sectors, such as manufacturing or business services may also decide to join the tourism and hospitality sector. There will be new school leavers as well as other job-seekers, including the economically inactive such as retirees and housewives, who can take up the new jobs. This will be further augmented by foreign workers, especially in jobs which locals might not have the skills for, or which do not have sufficient supply of local workers.

The TOurism TALent (TOTAL) Plan was launched in October 2007 to prepare, train and upgrade 74,000 workers over the next two-and-a-half years to take on tourism jobs. Let me give Members an update on the TOTAL Plan.

As at January 2008, a total of about 4,300 trainees have undergone or are currently undergoing training in various Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) programmes, as part of the TOTAL Plan. These programmes lead to industry-recognised WSQ certifications, such as the Advanced Certificate in MICE and Events as well as the Certificates in Hotel and Accommodation Services, F&B Service and Retail Operations. WDA targets to train 26,000 tourism workers under these WSQ programmes by 2010.

Next month, WDA will launch the new WSQ Certified Service Professional (CSP) programme targeted at new entrants, such as job seekers from non-tourism sectors as well as economically inactive retirees and housewives. Under the CSP, 36,000 non-tourism workers will be given foundational training in generic service skills.

STB has also been actively encouraging tourism establishments to tap on the Training Industry Professionals in Tourism scheme to build up a pool of manpower for tourism jobs. STB aims to help companies train 3,000 employees under the scheme.

In addition, STB embarked on the three-year campaign, "Tourism – A Journey of Discovery", in October 2007 to generate awareness and excitement about tourism careers. STB will carry out a series of outreach activities to attract more people to join the industry.

Finally, employers must also play their part so that they are able to attract and retain locals. This includes professionalising and re-designing jobs as well as improving employment conditions.

(1) Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions and Exhibitions.