Singapore, 5 August 2024 – In a significant move to bolster the Wholesale Trade sector, Singapore has launched the Jobs-Skills Integrator for Wholesale Trade (JSIT-WST). The initiative, spearheaded by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and supported by Workforce Singapore (WSG) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), aims to reskill 1,600 workers and support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in navigating rapid digital advancements and sustainability requirements.
A Centralized Resource for Workforce Transformation
The JSIT-WST was inaugurated by Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Culture, Community and Youth, Mr. Alvin Tan, at the “Workforce Transformation for Wholesale Trade Sector” event. This programme serves as a centralized hub for companies and workers, offering access to training and talent resources necessary for staying competitive. Building on the Jobs Transformation Map for Wholesale Trade, the initiative will aid SMEs and mid-career workers in upskilling, job redesign, and leveraging AI-assisted job matching tools.
Support from Industry Leaders and Advisory Committee
SMEs interested in workforce transformation can leverage SBF’s network of industry partners, including training providers and employment agencies. SBF will deploy Jobs Skills Advisors (JSAs) to provide tailored advisory and training recommendations to address specific upskilling and reskilling needs. Key services under JSIT-WST include job redesign and reskilling, job matching and hiring support, and jobs and skills analysis using human resources analytics tools.
An Advisory Committee co-chaired by SBF and EnterpriseSG, comprising both public and private sector representatives, will oversee the initiative. This committee will ensure alignment with broader government efforts while providing insights into the talent needs of the Wholesale Trade sector.
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Recognition of Excellence in Workforce Transformation
In conjunction with the launch, WSG introduced the inaugural Workplace Transformation Awards for the Wholesale Trade sector, recognizing companies that have excelled in job transformation and capability enhancement. This year’s awardees include Franco-Asian Enterprises and Lim Siang Huat, lauded for their outstanding efforts in transforming jobs and uplifting employee skills.
Commitment to Human Capital Development
Mr. Kok Ping Soon, CEO of SBF, emphasized the initiative’s potential impact, stating, “We aim to engage more than 1,700 companies, support more than 1,200 job placements, and reskill and upskill around 1,600 workers. The JSIT-WST programme is designed to address this through public-private partnerships to support both strategy and implementation for real output and positive impact.”
Mr. Lee Pak Sing, Assistant Managing Director for Trade and Connectivity, Enterprise Singapore, highlighted the sector’s economic significance: “The Wholesale Trade sector is the largest contributor to Singapore’s economy, accounting for more than 20% of our GDP in 2023. It is crucial that the sector keeps pace with new technologies and opportunities to remain competitive.”
Ms. Dilys Boey, CEO of Workforce Singapore, added, “Through the JSIT-WST initiative, companies in the Wholesale Trade sector can access industry expertise to redesign jobs, attract new talent, and equip the existing workforce with new capabilities in digitalization, trade regulations, or sustainability.”
Wholesale Trade sector companies can register for the JSIT-WST programme to receive support for workforce transformation. For more information, visit JSIT-WST and SBF.
