28 New Exemplary Employers Join The Human Capital Partnership Programme

14 Feb 2020Press Releases

On 14 February 2020, Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Home Affairs, presented certificates to 28 new Human Capital Partners (HCPartners) , bringing the total number to more than 600. They hire over 200,000 locals, which represent 8% of the total local workforce. Some of the new HCPartners include Mencast Marine and Qian Hu Corporation.

 

ABOUT THE HUMAN CAPITAL PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME

 

Launched in February 2017, the Human Capital Partnership (HCP) Programme is a tripartite initiative that brings together a community of employers who are committed to grow their businesses and stay competitive by having progressive employment practices, and developing their human capital. The focus on human capital development is essential for Singapore’s economy to remain competitive, for businesses to attract and retain talent, as well as for Singaporeans to continue to have better jobs, better salaries and better careers.

 

The HCP Programme seeks to grow an inclusive community of progressive employers, known as HCPartners. HCPartners are committed to nurture a stronger local workforce; maximise complementarity between locals and foreigners, and enhance skills transfer from foreign to local employees to increase the capabilities of the local workforce. They are employers of choice who value their employees and are committed to investing and developing them across all levels. They also provide opportunities for growth, continual learning and training programmes, and career development for their people.

 

Firms may contact the HCP Programme Office at 6302 2782 or email hcpartner@tafep.sg for more information about the HCP Programme, as well as advice on schemes and grants to develop human capital and adopt progressive workplace practices.

 

 

Best Practices of Some HCPartners

 

Valuing and upskilling their older workers: Mencast Marine Pte Ltd

 

With the ageing workforce and the rise of Industry 4.0, propeller specialist Mencast Marine Pte Ltd decided to transform its operations and leverage on new technology to keep up with changes.

 

  • Propellers used to be made by hand with simple tools, which was a long and intensive process which required manual labour.
  • In 2019, Mencast implemented 3D printing to create the propeller pattern (or prototype), effectively shortening stage one of their propeller-making process.
  • The company valued the experience of its long-time workers and tapped on the WorkPro Job Redesign Grant to redesign their labour-intensive jobs. They also trained their employees to use the 3D printing technology.
  • A total of nine older workers aged 60 and above benefited from this effort.
  • They were reskilled to operate the new technology and equipment, giving them new skills to stay relevant in the digital age

Profile story:

One of them is 62-year-old Foundry Specialist, Mr Abdul Jamal bin Surin.

  • He has been with Mencast for three years and was with another company for more than 40 years when the latter got acquired by Mencast.
  • Today, Jamal is happy to have gained new skills and can continue to make meaningful contributions as his job is made easier, smarter and safer.

“I’m happy to be acquiring new skills and contribute meaningfully to Mencast. Learning new skills is not easy but with encouragement and support from the company and colleagues, I was able to overcome obstacles and transition into 3D printing. By staying abreast with the latest technologies, I can stay relevant in the changing marine industry environment and hope to work for many more years to come.”

Mr Abdul Jamal Bin Surin, Foundry Specialist, Mencast Marine Pte Ltd


Transferring niche skillset to improve their workers’ knowledge and productivity: Qian Hu Fish Farm Trading

Qian Hu Fish Farm Trading, part of Qian Hu Corporation, is an integrated “one-stop” service provider ranging from farming, importing, exporting and distributing of ornamental fish. They import ornamental fish from countries in South-East Asia, South America and Africa, and exports over 1000 species and varieties of fish to more than 80 countries around the world.

As one of the leading exporters in Singapore and the region, they contribute more than 15% of total Singapore ornamental fish export and ensures that their fishes are of optimal condition before they are exported to their customers. Their service commitment to their customers is that the ‘Death on arrival’ of fishes would be less than 3%. 

This was made possible through the transfer of niche skills and knowledge from a foreign employee who had trained the local team. 


In the ornamental fish business, there are many areas to take note of, including fish diseases, packing, quarantine processes, what can be done, medications to administer to cure fishes that have fallen ill, how to look out for certain symptoms. In Qian Hu, unlike other fish farms, they have a Research & Development (R&D) Department that focuses on these dedicated areas. 

40-year-old Senior R&D Executive, Tan Siang Na came from Malaysia and joined the organisation in 2006 as a Technical Executive. Equipped with a Degree in Aquatic Science, she had niche skills and knowledge which were rare in the local industry. 

With Siang Na joining Qian Hu, the company was able to launch the Quarantine and Fishes Diseases Training Programme for the packing and quarantine department, with Siang Na as the trainer. The programme covered:
  • Ornamental fish disease control (1.5hrs)
  • On-Job-Training for quarantine and processes (12 hours)
  • Fish medication (1.5hrs)

To date, about 50 employees have been trained by her. They are able to competently assess the ornamental fishes to see if they are of optimal quality before they are made available for sale.


Profile story:

 26-year-old, Operations Executive, Vanessa Leong, was an employee who trained under Siang Na. 
  • She joined in 2017 and was promoted to an Operations Executive in 2018.
  • Although Vanessa had some working experience in the Aquatics field prior to joining the organisation, her skills to identify fish diseases were enhanced after the training.
  • With her enhanced skills, she was better able to assist the Operations Manager in identifying potential issues in ornamental fishes. This ensured a consistent and high quality supply that were made available for sale.
  • Her contributions value-add to the organisation’s promise of quality assurance to its customers.

“Though I had some prior working experience, the training has helped to enhance my skills and knowledge in the aquatics field. I was able to identify symptoms of diseases in fishes earlier, and inform relevant departments to administer the required treatment. By doing so, it ensures a higher overall survival rate and delivery of quality fishes to our customers.” 

Ms Vanessa Leong, Operations Executive, Qian Hu Fish Farm Trading

Annex