Job matching can’t be left entirely to market forces: PM Wong

Even as Singapore forges on with economic transformation, the creation of good jobs and effective job matching cannot be left entirely to market forces.

- Tay Hong Yi Correspondent

Both national policies and community-level initiatives are needed to support the training and job needs of Singaporeans, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the full launch of the Jobs Nearby @ CDC initiative on Oct 23.

Led by the five Community Development Councils (CDCs), the initiative aims to better connect job seekers with opportunities in their neighbourhoods.

PM Wong said the Government takes a proactive role in matching the local talent pool with employers’ needs.

“(That’s) why when the Economic Development Board brings a new investment into Singapore, it’s not just counting the number of factories or the dollars of investments... put into Singapore.

“We specifically look at the jobs created for Singaporeans, and we ask what kind of skills are required for these new jobs and how can we train Singaporeans better to take on these jobs.”

At the event, held at Taman Jurong Community Club, community job clinics at 42 locations were also launched across the five CDCs as an additional prong to the initiative.

A job fair with 22 employers in attendance, and 34 more holding video interviews for job seekers on the spot, was also held at the venue.

Employers present included shipbuilder Seatrium, Singtel and its data centre arm Nxera, as well as luxury hotels such as Mondrian Singapore and Raffles Hotel Singapore.

The South West CDC had piloted the Jobs Nearby @ CDC initiative from Aug 31, after PM Wong announced it in his National Day Rally earlier that month.

It involves stationing job ambassadors at community clubs (CCs), conducting more direct outreach with job seekers, and closing “last-mile” gaps that hinder promising job matches.