e2i and WDA launch $10 million initiative to attract locals into the MedTech industry
Tripartite partnership to transform industry through process and job redesign
e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), supported by Economic and Development Board (EDB), today jointly launched a pilot initiative to attract and retain local talents in the Medical Technology (MedTech) industry through job and process redesign.
Known as the MedTech Industry Transformation Initiative(MITI), this aims to help companies transform their processes and increase the value of jobs, thus improving productivity as well as growing a pool of skilled workforce to serve the current and future needs of the MedTech industry.
e2i and WDA have set aside a total of $10 million over 2 years under MITI to support MedTech companies to enhance their operations through productivity- related consultancy, implementation of productivity projects, attract, up-skill and train local workforce. MITI is expected to benefit about 1,500 local workers in the MedTech industry. To attract and upgrade locals, companies can tap on funding for Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) training and non-WSQ courses; allowances and subsidies for on-the-job traineeships; consultancy and implementation of automation, process improvement and job redesign. (Please refer to Annex B for more details.)
For the pilot phase,three companies–Baxter HealthcareSA(SingaporeBranch),Becton Dickinson Medical (S) Pte Ltd and Edwards Lifesciences (Singapore) Pte Ltd, collectively employing 40% of the total MedTech industry workforce in Singapore has taken the lead to participate in MITI. (Please refer to Annex A for company quotes.)
Mr Gilbert Tan, CEO of e2i, said, “e2i is committed to work with employers to create solutions for better employment and employability; to make every workers a better worker, make every job a better job, to achieve better jobs for all. MITI is a new initiative, signifying commitment from government, industry players and employees. It will support companies in the MedTech industry to sustain a competitive presence in Singapore and create good jobs for locals.”
Mr Goh Eng Ghee, Acting Chief Executive of WDA, said, “MITI represents a holistic approach by WDA and our key partners to strengthen the competitiveness of the MedTech industry. Going forward, WDA will continue to work closely with the industry to develop skills upgrading programmes for local talents to acquire the skills and knowledge required by MedTech companies. An upskilled MedTech workforce will also raise workplace productivity, support future economic growth and ensure that the industry remains well-positioned to continue attracting foreign investments in this fast-growing area.”
Witnessed by Mr S. Iswaran, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Home Affairs and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed today by the participating companies, e2i, WDA as well as the key partners in the industry to signify their commitment to MITI.
MedTech manufacturing industry has grown significantly and its outlook remains positive. To ensure competitiveness amidst the changing environment, it is important for the government, industry and employees to work together towards sustainable and inclusive growth.