S'pore must build on post-pandemic momentum to transform economy, says PM

He cites three companies that have pivoted and adapted to seize new opportunities

- Goh Yan Han

Political Correspondent During the Covid-19 pandemic, recycling and waste management company Wah & Hua struggled to hire foreign workers.

Its chief executive Melissa Tan decided to invest in smart garbage trucks from Germany with solar mats on the roof and dust filters to clean the air. These efforts were part of the company's operation and technology road map developed with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).

The company was commended yesterday by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his May Day Rally speech for making the sector more attractive to local workers.

"The trucks and the devices are operated by truck captains - it's a small change of title, but a meaningful gesture to recognise their skills and instil pride in themselves," he said.

"With the new technologies, productivity will go up, the company can raise wages." PM Lee said the Republic must build on the momentum from the pandemic. Singapore has to keep its eyes open for new opportunities, press on with transformation efforts and strengthen its resilience for the future, he told about 900 unionists at Downtown East and another 1,000 virtually.

Besides contributing ideas, the labour movement has been involved in transforming and upgrading the economy, and improving the productivity of businesses and workers, he added.