THREE out of four jobs at its casino have been pledged to Singaporeans but this is a quota the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort may not be able to fulfil, said the founder of Singapore's latest casino training school.
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The reason: Not enough locals are being trained for the job.
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This is why, said Dr Alan Soh, the Republic should look to other Asian countries on how to train locals to work at casinos.
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Speaking at the first Asian Poker Forum held here yesterday, Dr Soh, of AGMI International, said: "If you look at the rate at which my school is recruiting students now, the shortfall is going to be quite serious. I'm talking about at least 50 to 60 per cent."
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He suggested that the Singapore authorities look at the Macau Tourism Board's efforts to train the local workforce for the casinos.
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For example, the board pays for training, unlike in Singapore.
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The Marina Bay Sands has promised to create 10,000 jobs, with 7,500 reserved for Singaporeans.
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It is slated to open next year and the Resorts World at Sentosa in 2010.
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Meanwhile, an Asian Poker Series tournament is being organised and if all goes well with the authorities, the organisers hope to have the series in Singapore in the third quarter of this year.
