“ACCELERATED” DISRUPTION
In his opening speech before the panel discussion, Dr Tan spoke about how technology-driven disruptions are occurring at an “accelerated” pace.
Against this background, it is important for workers to take ownership of their career health. Much like physical health, taking a preventative and proactive approach is always better, he added.
“Instead of acting only when things go wrong, we should be constantly actively, engagingly be developing our own career plans to pursue jobs and training opportunities in a focused and intentional manner,” said Dr Tan.
At the same time, it is in the interest of employers to support the career health of their workers.
“In tight labour markets especially, employers who support the career health of their workers will be better able to retain and attract workers.”
Dr Tan also gave updates on some government initiatives to help support workers in maintaining their career health.
One example is Polaris, a pilot programme which provides career guidance for employed individuals.
Within two months of its launch in November, the programme has been fully subscribed, and a quarter of the 200 participants have completed the programme hus far.
“With our early successes, WSG will scale up this pilot to cater to another 580 individuals — about two times more — this year. The new Polaris career guidance programmes are now open for registration, and I encourage everyone present to sign up with WSG quickly,” he said.
He added that the Government will support workers with jobs and skills insights, such as through the CareersFinder feature on the MyCareersFuture portal, so that they can better plan their own careers and explore different opportunities.
Some 20 industry partners — including prospective employers, training providers and career consultants — are taking part in the Career Forward event.
It will also feature 50 speakers who will provide insights into various topics such as women’s careers and the glass ceiling, the prospects of careers in financial technology, as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
A few visitors on Saturday told TODAY they came to the event to learn more about the latest developments in the labour market and to explore potential opportunities.
Mr Rohit Panda, 22, who just finished his full time National Service, was interested in finding a job in technology and cyber security.
“I saw one of the talks will be touching about technology and AI (artificial intelligence), (and) thought it would be useful for me to listen in and get insights about the industry,” said the polytechnic graduate.
Another visitor who only wanted to be known as Mr Teo, 37, said he was at the event to accompany a friend who was actively looking for a job.
At the same time, Mr Teo, who works in the built environment industry, said he was also “keeping an open mind” to possible opportunities.
“The hiring climate is not very rosy. So I’m here to see what exhibitors are there and what kind of opportunities are still available today.”
