More support for wider group of local workers, not just the vulnerable

A wider group of workers will get more government help as assistance policies shift from just uplifting vulnerable workers, said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng.

- Tay Hong Yi

The move was one of three shifts in the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) direction that Dr Tan set out at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy on Sept 20.

There will also be initiatives to help businesses build workplaces that are both progressive and productive and for the MOM to be not just a regulator, but also an institution that enables growth for businesses and workers.

Dr Tan's remarks came at the closing session of the five-day Festival of Ideas event organised by the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. The third edition of the biennial event comes as the school celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Dr Tan said the Government is now looking to expand the broad middle of the Singaporean workforce as well as nurture top talent, beyond the vulnerable workers it has been uplifting.