Speech at the Official Launch of MENDAKI SENSE as a CET Centre for Employability Skills in Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (ES WPLN)
Mr Hawazi Daipi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Manpower and Health), MENDAKI SENSE
Mr Othman Haron Eusofe, Chairman MENDAKI SENSE
Board of Directors, MENDAKI SENSE
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good afternoon
Introduction
- It gives me great pleasure to be here today for the official launch of MENDAKI Social Enterprise Network Singapore Pte Ltd (SENSE) as a Continuing Education and Training (CET) Centre for the Employability Skills Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (ES WPLN) framework.
- Today's event is a significant milestone in MENDAKI SENSE's continuous drive to promote life-long learning among workers. It is also timely as it comes on the back of the official launch of MENDAKI SENSE's Career Service Centre and head office by Manpower Minister Mr Gan Kim Yong in July this year.
- I've just had a tour of the premises and also had the opportunity to meet some of the trainees. I am very happy see that they are eager to learn. As an ex-teacher I know that older people tend to be a little apprehensive about going back to the classroom. I saw everyone trying their best to interact and to communicate with their classmates. It is heartening to see people who have not been working for some time willing to seek help to improve themselves by equipping themselves with skills that would put them in good stead. MENDAKI SENSE offers three key services, namely Training Facilitation, Employment Facilitation and Social Enterprises. It also serves as a one-stop centre where job seekers can conveniently seek information on employment as well as obtain the relevant skills training and career development opportunities.
Mendaki SENSE as a CET Centre
- WDA first introduced the CET Centre concept in 2006. Besides offering a comprehensive array of WSQ courses, CET Centres are required to offer additional services such as employment advisory and placement to jobs. They also monitor the workers’ training and placement activities based on WDA’s reporting requirements. With MENDAKI SENSE becoming a CET Centre, it would significantly serve the Malay-Muslim community on the employment front.
- Such centres are part of the CET Masterplan to prepare the Singapore workforce for the future and maintain a competitive advantage for Singapore. This landscape would bring employers and employees to work together to enhance quality and productivity in acquiring industry-relevant skills. The introduction of CET Centres empowers and encourages workers to actively improve themselves and take charge of their career. Workers are also given access to career opportunities in new growth areas or in other industries by acquiring new skills at highly subsidised rate.
The Journey to Becoming a CET Centre
- CET Centres undergo a rigorous accreditation and Continuous Improvement Review process to maintain the standards and quality of training delivery. Prior to becoming a CET centre for ES WPLN, MENDAKI SENSE has been providing nationally-recognised WSQ courses. It was a pioneer Approved Training Organisation (ATO) with WDA when it began offering Employability Skills courses in 2005. It also became an Early Adopter of WDA's Community and Social Service framework in 2008. It went on to become a CET Centre for the WSQ course-Certified Service Professional (CSP) in 2009 and has continued to provide an array of WSQ courses, such as the Maintain Professional Image for ladies.
- Since 2004, MENDAKI SENSE has provided more than 25,500 training places in WSQ courses and facilitated another 40,800 training places across a wide range of sectors including tourism, logistics, pre-school and healthcare through collaboration with other training partners. I am also pleased to note that 95% of them are self-registrants rather than sent by their employers, which portrays a high level of appreciation among them on the importance of continuous training. In fact, organisations like MENDAKI SENSE can play a greater role in encouraging workers and those who are looking for jobs in improving their skills and capabilities.
Success Stories
- It is heartening to note that we have dedicated and committed individuals who have taken positive steps in upgrading their knowledge and skills for better careers. Madam Halijah Binte Snane, 47 years old, is an example of a worker who takes responsibility for her own development. Facing the demands of managing two school-going children and limited by financial commitments certainly did not dampen her enthusiasm to pursue lifelong learning. With her good performance at work, she was promoted to a team leader after only seven months of being a cleaner, in charge of managing 13 staff. She earlier declined the offer to be promoted as she was not confident of taking up the bigger role but later agreed to take up the challenge. Knowing that she needed to equip herself for her new job, Mdm Halijah decided to attend the Workplace Numeracy course. After completing the course, she is more confident about assuming her role as Team Leader and felt that she is now equipped to perform her duty of maintaining inventory, where accuracy is important. Mdm Halijah is more confident now and hopes to take on the role as a Cleaning Supervisor in the future.
- Another such individual is Mr Mazlan Bin Ujod, 35 years old. After working as a delivery driver for about five years, he was promoted to Logistics Officer. Despite the promotion, he did not take things for granted. Instead, he felt that he should not be complacent. To further improve his skills, he approached MENDAKI SENSE and took up WSQ Certified Service Professional which has allowed him to gain self confidence and add value to his current work. His efforts paid off when he received an increment upon completion of the course. These are just two examples, and I am very sure there are more success stories in this room. I am very sure that all of us have the potential to be like Mdm. Halijah and Mr. Mazlan.
The Challenges Ahead
- It is important for us to not only demonstrate the same determination and resilience during economic downturns, but also in good times to prepare us to weather any economic uncertainties. Today's opening of MENDAKI SENSE as a CET Centre for ES WPLN is a key example of the community's resolve and confidence in addressing the challenges ahead through life-long learning.
- Finally, I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to MENDAKI SENSE on achieving a new milestone, and I wish you the very best in your continued efforts to help the community in our employability pursuit. Thank you.