YOUNGER GENERATION (Preparation for global career)

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YOUNGER GENERATION:

(Preparation for global career): The following Question stood in the name of Mdm Ho Geok Choo -

7. Toask the Minister for Trade and Industry, in view of our fast expanding business network into the global economy, (a) how is his Ministry working out with the Ministry of Education in preparing our younger generation for a global career; and (b) how can his Ministry assist more local businessmen and entrepreneurs to get ahead in the global competition, especially in the areas of soft skills.

Mr Charles Chong: Question No. 7, Sir.

The Minister for Trade and Industry (Mr Lim Hng Kiang): Mr Speaker, Sir, I agree with Mdm Ho that our enterprises and people need to have an international mindset and the skills to compete globally.

IE Singapore has several programmes to assist businesses in upgrading their capabilities and venturing overseas. Last year, it organised various workshops and seminars on soft skills and capabilities for internationalisation, such as branding, design, manpower, financing and distribution. Staff from over 2,100 local companies attended these conferences.

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Apart from skills, international experience is also important. The Asian Business Fellowship programme supports local executives to train overseas and develop in-depth knowledge of key markets in Asia. Undergraduates and recent graduates could also participate in student exchange, internship and market immersion opportunities in China and India under this programme.

Besides giving the younger generation good academic training, we need to fostera keen spirit of enterprise and innovation. The Ministry of Educationencourages schools to expose young students to a broad range of enterprise-related activities. To give students greater exposure to global realities, more schools are sending their students abroad on community service projects.

The universities and polytechnics are also expanding the opportunities for students to do internships overseas or go on exchange programmes with foreign institutions as part of their studies.