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https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/workplace-discrimination-age-jobs-recruitment-3900191 14 jobs and 5 industry changes later - marketing and editorial professional Imran Johri found himself facing ageism in the job market. SINGAPORE: “The team is quite young and we intend to nurture a hustle culture with them.” This, I would soon realise - in hiring terms - was code for, "I don’t think you’ll fit in, old man". That in itself didn’t bother me much, but what did bother me though, was that I was beginning to see a trend. In the most recent batch of about six job interviews I’d attended, there began to emerge an archetype of hiring managers that, within minutes of talking to me, would in high probability reject my candidacy. At first, my thought was “Am I the problem here?”. After much self-reflection I can wholeheartedly say, maybe. Before you judge my annoying prata-flips, let me give some context. GOING AGAINST THE GRAIN Ageism in the workplace has been under the spotlight recently, with a survey released by the Ministry of Manpower in July showing that age was the most common form of discrimination experienced by jobseekers. Across age groups, those aged 40 and over had a much higher incidence of being discriminated against. Considering that Singapore’s retirement age is 63 - and is set to be raised to 65 in 2030 - being told that you’re too old for a job while in your 40s is unnervingly early. Singapore’s population is not only ageing, but ageing rapidly - with 25 per cent of Singaporeans expected to be 65 and older by 2030. This will be a massive change not only for society, but the workplace too. Luckily for older workhorses like me, the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices will soon be enshrined into law. Now, anyone who’s ever seen my resume will either brand me an incorrigible job-hopper or commend me for my extensive and varied work experience. To be fair, both of these cursory judgments are valid. Right out of university, I was fuelled by abject idealism, and despite growing older and wiser, this intrinsic motivation or rebellious passion to go against the grain has fuelled most of my career choices. This of course came at a cost - for I knew this was not the path to wealth, fame or meteoric success, but rather, a self-gratifying journey of personal wins. Despite this - never would I imagine that after 24 years of chasing that next new exciting project - I would come to a head-on collision with ageism. FROM YOUNG UPSTART TO OLD BIRD The first five years of work were often peppered with, “let’s do this, you’re clearly hungry” from my first bosses. And I absolutely was, my risk appetite was bottomless and I wanted to do more, all the time. I went from being scriptwriter for an award-winning TV show to being the editor of two men’s magazines. I was on a career warpath, and I worked myself very close to burn-out. Luckily for me, I eventually recalibrated, mostly from stints overseas and really started to pace myself, but by then the publishing industry was starting to decline. I then had to make the hard decision to switch industries and at that point, it was plausible and easier, in fact, to change, mostly because my next batch of bosses in marketing saw my editorial experience as a huge plus. By 2018, I had become the head of marketing for a venture capital (VC) but alas, I had also come to a point where I had to make another tough choice. I had to either become an entrepreneur, as per the philosophy of the VC, or choose an alternate pathway, which the organisation would fully endorse and support either way. So after five years with the VC, I chose to leave and to explore what the market held for a 49-year old man with a chequered CV. YOUNG GUN MARKETEERS ARE A DIME A DOZEN The rejections were varied and in volume, some of them coming in fast and furious. “You don’t have the necessary experience,” was a common reply. So was “We’re looking for someone less senior”. In retrospect, it’s hilarious to me now how I simultaneously didn’t have the necessary experience and yet be too senior for the job. Some rejections, however, were slow and painful, with multiple interviews across recruiters, managers and directors. To which I was either ghosted or simply sent a very tardy rejection email. One thing stood out for me though, during those tough job-search months - I became adept at identifying the specific type of hiring manager that would reject me after the first meeting. They were always early- to mid-30s marketeers, who’d attained an accelerated upward trajectory in the marketing world and were now the marketing heads. Now, I can absolutely empathise with their decision to reject me outright. Those hiring managers were under pressure to lead young, high-performance teams, all of whom were hungry and ready to hustle. The last thing they needed was an older man to second-guess their decisions in the midst of the fire-fighting and chaos. They needed to move ahead, unabated. But here’s the thing about being an older guy with experience, I will second-guess and challenge the decision-making process if I think there might be a better way of doing things. UNCLE CAN’T HOLD HIS TONGUE So am I the problem here? Maybe. Is ageism being practised? I think so. But not in an absolutist way. In fact, I would argue that it’s nuanced and contextual. In the end, just as I eventually knew what would not work in my favour - I started seeing what would. Some of the interviews I’ve attended were an absolute joy, with clear, transparent communication and hiring managers who saw the value I brought to the table. I have since made the transition to a technology company, one that has one of the most diverse team compositions I have ever worked with, with everyone driven to ensure we make a mark in the market. One of the annoying key drivers of ageism, it seems, is the belief that older employees can't keep up with technological advancements. Preposterous. I’m literally a tech-bro at 49 - and the assumption that older employees lack the vigour, adaptability or skills required for a “young person” role is unfounded. We older guys have too much at stake, with too many dependents and no time, to even consider ourselves being at a "disadvantage". So if you’re on the job hunt, keep at it. No matter who you are, or what you do, there will be an -ism working against you. But take heed, take notes and take charge of your own career - it’s the only way to go. Imran Johri is a marketing and editorial professional with extensive experience in the Asia Pacific region.

Great! We're finally going to have cars, albeit electric cars, manufactured in Singapore! The manufacturing facility is slated for completion in 2020, with its first electric vehicle rolling out by Dyson in the following year. You're reading correctly ...... Dyson, the maker of household appliances including bagless vacuum cleaners which it invented :) Good to diversify our economy and create more jobs! Hopefully, it will be able to rival Telsa and serve as a catalyst for more automotive makers to set up assembly plants here! https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/british-technology-company-dyson-to-build-electric-car-in-singapore-10855708

SINGAPORE — Drivers in Malaysia-registered cars are flouting Singapore's laws by providing point-to-point transport services for tourists here. Under the law, all cars without a Public Service Vehicle Licence — including Malaysia-registered private cars — cannot be used to provide taxi or chauffeured private-hire car services in Singapore. Singapore drivers offering chauffeured services told TODAY that the problem has been around a long time, but some of them have noticed that more Malaysia-registered cars are muscling in on the Singapore market in the past few months. They are typically seen picking up tourists from Changi Airport Terminals 2 and 4, and ferrying them to hotels in the city-centre. They have also been observed shuttling tourists to and from major tourist attractions here, such as Sentosa resort island, Gardens by the Bay and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, the drivers said. When TODAY contacted Malaysia-based transport companies to enquire about rates for a trip from Changi Airport to a hotel in downtown Singapore, at least five companies — Big World Transport, Ben Travel, 168 Go Heng, Ace Transport and HBC Transport Agency — offered the service. The cost of a one-way trip for four riders on a seven-seat Malaysia-registered vehicle ranged between S$50 and S$80, they said. One company, 168 Go Heng, said that it would cost S$90 if riders took a Singapore-registered vehicle, which will be S$40 more than a Malaysia-registered one. By and large, payment is collected after services are rendered, although one firm asked for payment via "banking". These firms tout their services on social-networking platforms such as Facebook, and mobile applications such as Carousell or their own websites. Many list mobile-phone numbers, so customers may book their services through messaging apps WhatsApp or WeChat, or via SMS (short message service). They advertise round-the-clock trips to and from Changi Airport and major tourist attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore and Resorts World Sentosa, as well as journeys between Singapore and Malaysia. When told of the concern that such a service was illegal, a representative of Ben Travel said: "If you are scared, you can book a Singapore car. Never mind." Responding to the same concern, a representative from HBC Transport Agency showed TODAY proof of the company's Malaysian business registration, adding: "We are a registered company." When this reporter identified himself and sought official comments, the Ben Travel representative said that his company was registered as a travel firm and has not encountered any problems at Singapore Customs after the necessary company documentation is presented. "(We do) not go to the Singapore taxi stands (to) take the customer. I just take the customers (through) all the bookings (received by) my travel company… (for) transport," he added. The HBC Transport Agency representative said that its drivers pick up customers daily and have not faced "any problem". It would be a problem if Malaysian drivers competed with Singapore taxi drivers for riders, he added. Addressing this issue, a Land Transport Authority (LTA) spokesperson told Chinese daily Lianhe Wanbao last week that all vehicles without a Public Service Vehicle Licence, including Malaysia-registered private cars, are not allowed to provide taxi or chauffeured private-hire car services in Singapore. Between January 2016 and June 2018, the authority took action against 20 Malaysia-registered vehicles which flouted the rules. TODAY has also reached out to the LTA for comment. SINGAPORE DRIVERS UP IN ARMS AS BUSINESS SUFFERS Drivers providing chauffeured services here are vexed with the growing presence of Malaysia-registered cars which they see as a threat to their rice bowl, saying their business has been hit by up to half since as early as a year ago. Some among them also felt that they were undercut by their counterparts from across the Causeway, with the Malaysian drivers offering services at as much as half the rates they offer. A driver, who wanted to be known only as Mr Lim, 50, said that these Malaysian drivers are unfamiliar with the roads here, as he has been stopped by them on several occasions, requesting directions to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, for instance. They also do not hold a vehicle Certificate of Entitlement, nor do they fork out road tax or provide passenger insurance in the event of an accident. "A major concern is they will spoil the image of Singapore, because should any accident happen, the tourists will not be able to claim the personal insurance (since the services) are not legal," he added. Mr Lim reported this matter to the LTA last month. A fellow driver, who identified himself only as Mr Kelvin, 32, said: "We (Singapore drivers) have the Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licence and the Taxi Driver's Vocational Licence. We're allowed to do such jobs from all the apps… (and provide) all the details they need — car licence, licence-plate number, insurance — but these Malaysian drivers really (don't have to do anything)," he said. The Singapore authorities should compel Malaysian drivers wishing to provide chauffeured services in Singapore to register a business here, Mr Kelvin added. Source: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/malaysian-transport-firms-providing-illegal-services-here-make-singapore-drivers-see-red So this is the reason why I’ve been seeing more and more msian car on our road.

kaoz... wu ya boh? next time will see a PRC/pinoy mata arresting a local?? i strongly object

http://www.tremeritus.com/2014/03/08/mp-png-discrimination-against-hiring-of-sg-crane-operators/ MP Png: Discrimination against hiring of SG crane operators March 8th, 2014 | Author: Editorial Hougang MP Png Eng Huat Last year, the National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan made a call to recruit more local crane operators in the construction sector. It was reported that only half of the 3,600 crane operators here are Singaporeans. Mr Khaw then said that as a crane operator, one can earn good salary of between $4,000 to $7,000 a month with overtime pay and allowance. Yesterday (7 Mar) in Parliament, WP MP for Hougang, Mr Png Eng Huat, told the House a very different story with regard to the employment situation for Singaporean crane operators. Mr Png revealed that a Singaporean tower crane operator came to see him recently at his MPS. The crane operator said that many companies in the construction sector are still hiring “more foreign crane operators not less”. “These foreign workers are cheaper and can work longer hours. As a result, salaries came down and many of his operator friends are unable to secure full time work. Some of his friends work only 2 times a week. He handed me a letter with the names of 46 tower crane operators pleading for help,” Mr Png said. “Last night, I met a fellow diner at the hawker centre near my house and I found out he is also a crane operator. He added that foreign construction companies tend to hire their own people to operate cranes. He also felt that the number of foreign crane operators has not come down despite the move to train more local crane operators.” Singaporeans being discriminated by foreign companies or foreign hiring managers is not new. According to a survey conducted by recruitment firm eFinancialCareers in October last year, large number of companies in the finance industry are actually discriminating against Singaporean hires. According to the survey, a majority or 52% of the respondents said their companies had favoured foreigners for some job openings (‘Survey confirms rampant job discrimination against SGs‘). In fact, the situation was so bad that 2 Cabinet Ministers had to have a “friendly talk” with senior members of the financial industry on this matter. Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin told Parliament in March last year that he and Finance Minister Tharman had met senior members of the financial industry to urge them to develop a local talent pipeline. Mr Tan said, without going into specifics, that there had been complaints of foreign managers preferring to hire their own countrymen and his ministry was investigating the matter. And from Mr Png’s accounts, it looks like such discriminatory practices have spread to crane operators as well. Mr Png also revealed that the reason for the increase in hiring of foreign crane operators is due to the government’s relaxation of foreign quota. He said, “The reliance on foreign crane operators will never come down despite the call to train and hire more Singaporeans. This is because BCA has launched a temporary initiative to relax the recruitment of foreign crane operators at the same time when it launched an initiative to attract more Singaporeans to join the trade.” Under the relaxed ruling, Mr Png revealed that for every 1 new local crane operator hired and trained, a company can now recruit up to 4 new foreign crane operators. “This will probably explain why people are seeing more foreign crane operators and not less,” he said. Mr Png added, “Putting the 2 initiatives side by side, the percentage of Singaporean crane operators in the construction sector will come down significantly over time. So the call to reduce reliance on foreign crane operators will not happen any time soon.” “I would like to ask the Minister when we can see an improvement in this sector,” he asked Minister Khaw. Mr Png also mentioned that LTA and HDB often require tower crane operators to have at least 5 years of experience to improve safety. “So, the idea of hiring and training new local crane operators is not going to make sense for companies bidding for major public projects,” he said. “Some have called for the 5-year experience requirement to be reviewed and replaced with the number of hours an operator clocked at work as a better gauge of safety regulation. This idea is worth exploring because an experience pilot is known for the number of flying hours he clocked and not by how long he had his licence,” Mr Png proposed. Mr Png urged the government to look into the matter so that more local tower crane operators can qualify to work on major projects sooner rather than later. He also urged Minister Khaw to look into helping local crane operators find their footing in the industry and if necessary, set in place rules to protect them so that they can have job security. “It does not make sense for the Government to encourage more locals to become crane operators but there are few jobs for them at the end of the day,” Mr Png concluded in his Parliamentary speech.

this is applying to professionals, good or bad?

From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/...ory_765952.html RACE TO STAY AHEAD Parents hiring help to do tuition homework Published on Feb 13, 2012 I THANK Ms Irene Tham for last Thursday's article ('Worried parents taking kids to psychologists'). As a parent of two primary school children, I can identify with the stress parents, and children, feel because of today's education demands. In fact, I have discovered this absurdity: parents who engage tuition teachers as a second line of help, to help their children with tuition homework. They enrol their child at an elite centre which insists that pupils maintain high standards. When the child cannot cope with the work assigned by the centre, the parents hire a tutor, or enrol their child in another centre, to help the pupil with the exacting demands of the elite tuition centre. A friend of mine was asked by a parent to serve as a second-line tutor while another friend who used to teach at an elite tuition centre confirmed she had pupils who engaged extra tutors to help them with their tuition homework. Is such stress necessary and is such an education culture healthy? How far will parents go just to ensure that their children stay ahead? I thank The Straits Times for continuing to highlight education issues. Hopefully, it will enlighten the authorities and help them make better decisions about the education system. Crystal Teo (Mrs)

a new setup by a multi mine owner specializing in marble is looking for outdoor and retail sales ppl. We have offices in China, Dubai, India etc. No experience in Marble needed but outdoor sales but must have experience in dealing with main and sub contractor in project sales. min. basic 2.5k plus 1000 transport allowance plus claims for carpark and tolls. higher basic with relevant experience indoor sales, preferably deals with construction stuff before, need not be marbles. min. basic 1.6k interested pls email to [email protected] working area ubi. all position must be able to speak good english and any of the local dialect, eg. tamil/malay/mandarin/etc. just for the record, i am direct from the company not recruitment agency. i seldom log in so no pm pls. our groups webby http://www.florianagroup.com/ our marble business webby http://www.florianaconceptmarble.com...asp?CurrPage=2 xie xie.

Singapore Courts put up job ad in JB on 18 Jan 2010 seeking Malaysiansto fill vacancies based in Singapore Article here: http://www.temasekreview.com/2010/01/15/si...d-in-singapore/ My apologies if it's a repeat post. Tried searching oredi. Seems to not be in here yet.