Energy and chemicals sector to get productivity boost: Tharman

SINGAPORE – The Government is working with Process Construction and Maintenance (PCM) players to improve productivity in this industry that supports the growth of the key energy and chemicals sector, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam said today (Nov 4).

Speaking at the opening of a new plant by German specialty chemicals company Evonik, the minister said six work groups have been set up to develop “practical and doable steps to take productivity forward”.

“The PCM sector has grown in random with our chemicals industry, and has developed a strong track record in building and delivering world-class plants, suck as Evonik’s methionine facility - on cost and safely,” Mr Tharman said.

“But this is a continuing journey for PCM players. We will continue to have tight limits on the supply of both land and labour. The PCM sector, like the rest of the economy, will have to upgrade management practices, mechanism and redesign processes, and invest in workers’ skills.”

Among the initiatives that will be undertaken is the launch of an aggregated data sharing portal to reduce overlaps in project scheduling among companies, which will help to smooth demand for manpower and allow companies to better plan their projects.

There are also plans to cater land for a PCM dormitory near Jurong Island to reduce traveling time for workers to get to their work sites.