SMEs must change their mindset about staff training

I refer to the letters, “Mid-career PMETs face unfair practices” (May 5), “Govt agencies must look beyond poly diplomas” (May 6, online) and “MNCs, SMEs play important roles in S’pore economy” (May 6).

In the first letter, the writer mentioned that discriminatory practices mid-career professionals face, such as leadership grooming schemes that target mainly younger graduates and over-reliance on foreign workers, would negate their skills upgrading effort.

However, beyond changing employers’ mindsets about hiring as he requested, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) must also change their mindset about training and developing their staff.

It is not enough for SME employers to say they are going to develop workers’ skill sets, but then lack concrete plans or the willingness to spend resources.

The second letter raises the point that the public sector should set a good example so the private sector can follow its mindset about hiring.

However, the public sector focuses not only on qualifications from local educational institutions, but also on the honours classification for degree-level jobs.

The public sector must take the lead in our push to go beyond academic qualifications and results in hiring, and be a role model to the private sector.

With regard to the third letter, I would point out that the multiplier effect of foreign direct investment must ultimately benefit the local workforce.

For all the jobs created, we must look into the proportion that goes to Singaporeans.