预算辩论 · 2020-03-02 · 第 13 届国会
新加坡经济国际化与连接力
Committee of Supply – Head V (Ministry of Trade and Industry)
议员质询政府在支持企业国际化方面的措施是否充足，特别是在新兴和边缘市场的布局与能力建设。强调疫情凸显市场多元化的重要性，关注政府如何通过经济机构和商会帮助企业应对复杂的国际环境。核心争议点在于政府支持力度及市场多元化策略的有效性。
关键要点
- • 提升市场连接力
- • 支持企业国际化
- • 拓展新兴市场
质疑政府支持企业国际化力度
强化国际市场多元化
"We need to continually expand and upgrade our network of trade partnerships and investment agreements."
参与人员（16）
完整译文（中文）
Hansard 英文原文译文 · 翻译日期：2026-05-02
下午5时45分
发展我们的经济
梁荣华议员（荷兰-武吉知马）：主席先生，我请求动议，“将估算表中第五部分的总拨款减少100元。”
作为一个小型且开放的经济体，新加坡在全球市场中实际上只能是价格接受者。保持竞争力是理所当然的，但这仅仅是起跑线。我们需要发展增值能力（稍后我会谈及），同样重要的是我们的市场连接能力，以便我们能够向全球消费者销售我们的产品和服务。拥有这两种能力及其强度，将决定我们能为自己创造多少生计。
在新加坡的背景下，保持开放并与世界连接是关键，也是我们持续经济增长和进步的唯一途径。如今，我们的国际联系和市场连接使我们能够超越有限的国内市场，为自己创造更大的腹地。我们需要不断扩大和升级我们的贸易伙伴关系和投资协议网络，使我们的公司不仅拥有更大的经济空间开展业务，还能搭乘新兴市场的增长和机遇。
几十年来，我们在加强航空、海运和陆路连接方面做得非常好。在新的格局下，我们需要发展其他新的连接方式，如法规、数据、人才、金融和技术。
这些努力主要由政府推动，但重要的是，我们也需要企业积极抓住这些因增强连接而带来的机会。这要求企业在企业层面和劳动力层面建立国际化所需的能力。能力包括对目标市场的深入了解、跨市场和司法管辖区调动和部署资源及人才的能力、获得本地资金和管理货币风险的能力等。
我们的经济机构已经提供了财务和非财务支持，帮助企业国际化，例如市场落地平台、海外中心等。在这里，我想请教部长，这些支持是否足够，是否取得了良好成效。
除了中国、印度和发达经济体等较为熟悉的市场外，我们的经济机构是否需要加强在更新和更前沿市场的专业知识和存在感？因为我们知道这些市场往往市场数据不够完善，监管和运营环境更具挑战性。贸易协会和商会（TACs）如何发挥促进作用，帮助寻求国际化的企业，尤其是在不太熟悉的市场？
关于国际市场多元化，COVID-19疫情提醒我们迫切需要寻找更多和更新的市场，特别是在新兴经济体中，减少对任何单一市场的集中风险。
自2003年以来，中国的GDP增长了四倍，其全球GDP份额从9%增加到19%以上。新加坡与中国的贸易自2003年以来也增长了近四倍。即使在旅游领域，中国游客约占新加坡国际游客总数的20%。因此，我想请教部长，我们如何管理对中国的经济暴露，平衡机遇与风险。
即使没有COVID-19疫情，全球供应链已经显示出中断迹象，可能会被重新组织。我们如何帮助企业多元化市场，适应供应链转变，提高业务韧性？
接下来，仍与经济多元化相关，我想请教部长关于建设新经济集群的进展情况。特别是，我们如何利用技术进步开拓新行业的可能性？除了农业科技和可持续解决方案外，我们是否正在发展更多新的增长行业？
技术的持续快速进步可能带来更多颠覆，甚至导致某些行业的消亡。我们需要开辟新产业和增长行业，持续为经济创造正向增量。培育新的经济增长行业也有助于创造新的、更有吸引力的就业岗位，提升整体生产力和创新能力。
我们知道，投资新增长行业风险较大。它需要行业专业知识和人才，需要符合可服务市场的产品，需要必要的生态系统参与者，更重要的是需要创业智慧和抱负。
政府如何促进新增长行业及其必要生态系统的发展？将提供哪些资源和支持？2020年预算中，财政部长也提到加强对深科技初创企业的支持。部长能否分享政府如何培育和帮助有潜力的初创企业？
接下来，谈谈企业发展。新加坡有超过20万家企业，规模各异，处于不同成长阶段，生产力能力和资源吸收不均，经济增值贡献也不同。鉴于这种多样化的企业格局，一刀切的方法可能无法满足具体需求，也难以实现预期效果。我们的经济机构如何与相关利益相关者合作，为不同类型的企业提供差异化支持？
支持企业发展的良好环境也是充满活力和创业生态系统的必要条件。企业支持小组（PEP）于2000年成立，作为企业对法规提供反馈的平台。是否有空间采用轻触式监管方法，鼓励更多企业创新和冒险？
主席先生，财政部长在预算演讲中还谈到了下一阶段的技能未来计划，包括加强企业在员工发展中的作用。
让雇主承担员工发展的责任是最理想的情况。企业最了解其业务增长和转型所需的技能。雇主最有能力管理资源、时间和空间来提升技能。他们也处于有利位置，规划和执行岗位重新设计，使必要的培训和再技能培训与业务需求相匹配。
在这方面，我想请教政府如何推动和支持更多企业参与建设其劳动力能力？
我赞赏政府推出技能未来中年支持计划。这是迄今为止政府帮助中年新加坡人的最具体举措，也是政府承诺经济增长最终必须转化为所有新加坡人良好就业和成果的又一体现。我希望通过再技能培训计划为雇佣40岁及以上本地求职者的雇主提供的招聘激励，能够吸引雇主并改变他们的观念。
雇主应利用这一再技能培训计划提升劳动力，同时享受工资支持。因此，我呼吁雇主摒弃人力资源政策中的年龄偏见，重新适应延长退休年龄的新环境。
最后，让我谈谈我们对COVID-19疫情的应对。
第一波疫情对旅游、航空和零售等受影响行业的冲击非常剧烈。稳定与支持方案正确聚焦于两个关键问题：一是企业现金流状况恶化，二是重点保住就业岗位。
宣布的措施包括就业支持计划、租金减免、回扣、临时过渡贷款等，都是相关且实用的救助措施，帮助企业尤其是管理紧张现金流状况。然而，我担心如果疫情持续，我们可能会失去旅游业的能力和产能，因为运营商可能缩减规模或关闭业务。我希望政府密切监控此情况，并准备进一步延长和加强援助。
鉴于中国疫情严重，其经济可能遭受重大打击。如果情况持续，其生产能力将受限，供应链可能严重中断，这对全球贸易流动有更广泛和深远的影响。
在需求方面，中国增长放缓也预计将抑制消费和投资。新加坡和许多经济体一样，不太可能免受进一步连锁反应的影响。我们如何从COVID-19的影响中吸取教训，建设经济和国家韧性？
[（程序文本）提案已提出。（程序文本）]
主席：张世乐议员，您有三次发言机会，可以合并发言。
经济
张世乐议员（巴西立-榜鹅）：我们的经济增长越来越具挑战性。我认为每年预测经济增长时，你会发现我们不断下调预测。从去年到今年，我们的预测一直在下调。毫无疑问，这很具挑战性，加上COVID-19，实际上要分得一杯羹更难，因为其他城市和经济体也变得更具竞争力。
我们关注不少垂直行业，我知道我们现在对制造业的依赖减少了，过去制造业约占GDP的25%，现在约占20%。虽然我们非常重视精密工程和其他制造相关行业，但我认为从长远来看，这些行业对经济的刺激增长不足。
因此，我们投资于科技初创企业或金融服务等领域。然而，对于某些增长，我们也在与其他经济体激烈竞争，这将对整体经济增长构成挑战。我认为按年增长1.5%至2.5%，我们基本处于平台期，尽管我们比其他经济体状况更好。
我想请教部委，是否有短期到中期的策略，或对现有策略的调整？我们有23个产业转型地图（ITMs），但不可能全部重点关注。我们应重点关注哪些领域，以推动未来三到五年经济增长超过3%？因为我们已经看不到5%至8%的增长了。还有哪些措施可以采取？
自由贸易协定影响
关于COVID-19，我想知道自由贸易协定（FTA）能否发挥作用？在经济良好时，FTA确实帮助了了解FTA并能将产品推向海外的中小企业，享受税收优惠和其他监管豁免。但在不利时期，比如现在，FTA如何发挥作用？我们已签署超过25个双边和多边FTA。它们在哪些方面发挥作用？我们如何更有效利用它们？中小企业能做什么？
市场准备援助
我认为新加坡企业克服挑战的最实用方法之一，是利用我们已有的一些计划。其中一个受益计划是市场准备援助（MRA）。我很高兴知道MRA将得到加强。
企业开拓海外市场，首先要面对的是法规；其次是法律框架知识；第三是寻找当地合作伙伴。有时资金不是问题，因为MRA提供资金，但知识才是最重要的。我们从哪里获得这些知识？MRA能否提供不仅仅是资金支持，还能带来知识？因为我们在国际上有企业新加坡（ESG）官员，他们非常优秀，能提供良好的协助和网络支持。我认为这对想要开拓海外市场的中小企业和企业非常宝贵。
所以，我想知道部委，MRA将有哪些增强措施？我们能否从资金支持转向知识传授，促进中小企业海外发展？
下午6时
主席：傅德信议员，您有两次发言机会，请合并发言。
东盟机遇
傅德信议员（提名议员）：主席先生，东盟被广泛认为将在2030年成为世界第四大经济体。这得益于我们邻国持续的经济增长和发展努力。麦肯锡全球研究院的一项研究显示，特别是在制造业领域，颠覆性技术预计将产生巨大经济影响，可能在2030年为东盟创造250亿至450亿美元的年产值。
东盟是一个极具活力的经济体，拥有10个处于不同发展阶段的经济体。随着世界进入一个充满不确定性的新时代，这是东盟实现成为“世界工厂”下一阶段的转折点。
在当前全球贸易不确定的环境下，东盟无疑有机会吸引外国投资。此外，我们成员国需要鼓励本国企业在区域内再投资，进一步推动增长。
在我们最近与制造业成员的对话中，鉴于COVID-19疫情带来的供应链挑战，越来越多企业寻求在东盟国家探索长期解决方案。这为新加坡企业深入了解东盟机遇提供了动力。
随着我们继续开展领导考察团和商务会议等地面工作，部委是否会采取额外的推广或宣传措施，持续向企业强调东盟邻国的重要性和潜力？因为到2030年，当我们回顾时，希望我们的企业能真正搭上东盟崛起为世界第四大经济体的列车。
贸易与国际化
主席先生，应政府号召，贸易协会和商会（TACs）已加大力度，在企业社区中开展推广和能力建设。在TACs内部，也有更高层次的合作，共同解决关键商业问题。
2019年7月，新加坡企业联合会（SBF）组织了首届TACs战略规划会议，超过40个TACs的70多位领导出席。TAC领导们有机会与副总理兼财政部长王瑞杰先生对话。会议深入探讨了国际化、创新和数字化等相关议题，以及TACs如何转型以保持未来相关性。
在制造业方面，新加坡制造联合会（SMF）、新加坡工业自动化协会（SIAA）和SGTECH于2019年10月联合成立制造业联盟，专注于商业模式和流程再造、软件和数字化，以及机器人和自动化领域。
制造业联盟与政府机构、高等院校（IHLs）、创新中心（COIs）等生态系统合作伙伴合作，界定问题陈述，策划标准化、模块化的实施方案，便于中小企业采用，推动其迈向工业4.0。
正如新加坡企业联合会首席执行官何明杰先生所指出，随着会员面临更复杂的挑战，TACs需要变革、适应和创新，更好地服务社区。随着承担更大角色，TACs也开始面临多项运营挑战。
在这种情况下，部委如何鼓励TACs在本地及海外市场汇聚知识和资源，帮助寻求国际化的企业？部委是否有计划协助TACs提升能力和人才，使其成为劳动力的职业选择？
企业计划
张志成议员（榜鹅东）：主席先生，政府通过各机构提供了许多资助和计划，旨在鼓励新加坡充满活力的商业社区。然而，许多企业，尤其是中小企业，往往不了解可用的资助。即使知道，也可能因繁琐的手续和表格而望而却步。或者存在多个重叠和类似的计划，企业主难以决定申请哪一个。我相信不多的中小企业知道专门为他们设立的中小企业中心。
虽然中小企业中心能帮助中小企业导航各种资助和计划，但它们可能不够显眼，导致中小企业未主动寻求其专业帮助。
我想问部长，我们可以做些什么来提高中小企业中心的知名度，让中小企业明确知道我们有人随时准备并能够帮助他们的商业发展？更广泛地说，部长是否满意贸工部在确保中小企业了解可用的资助、计划和项目方面所做的工作？是否还能做更多工作，确保中小企业不会错失这些机会？
自由贸易协定
莱昂·佩雷拉先生（非选区议员）：主席先生，新加坡已经实施了23个自由贸易协定（FTA），未来可能会签订更多。每一次自由贸易协定谈判都涉及确定给予外国公司多少改善的市场准入，以换取新加坡公司在该外国市场的准入。若实施得当，自由贸易协定可以为新加坡引入更多种类的商品和服务，以更低的价格惠及最终消费者，同时也为本地企业提供更大的市场准入和更公平的海外竞争环境。
我想问，在签订自由贸易协定之前，政府如何从相关本地企业收集反馈，了解它们在该国市场准入方面面临的问题，以及该国企业增强竞争力对它们自身、同行业者和国内经济意味着什么？
政府是否也会审查已实施的自由贸易协定，以评估在市场准入、企业间调派权利及其他让步方面给予外国企业的让步的净经济影响，以及新加坡企业的市场准入是否如自由贸易协定预期那样实现？
最后，是否有机制让本地企业方便地就自由贸易协定相关事宜提供反馈？贸工部网站的自由贸易协定部分是否可以标明反馈渠道？自由贸易协定实施后，政府采用了哪些流程来评估其净经济影响？是否有从本地企业收集反馈，分析商品和服务价格实施前后的变化？是否进行了类似的分析？
主席：萨克蒂安迪先生，您有两个发言请求，可以一并发言吗？
加强国际化与贸易
萨克蒂安迪·苏帕特先生（碧山-大巴窑）：谢谢主席。新冠疫情是一个不愉快但及时的提醒，提醒我们多元化的重要性。依赖单一市场是危险的。中国是一个极佳的贸易伙伴，拥有庞大市场，为新加坡人在多个行业提供了丰厚的商业机会。但随着中国遭受重大冲击，许多本地企业也受到影响。因此，企业必须将目光放得更广，努力开拓更广阔的市场，否则将面临沉没的风险。
幸运的是，市场准备援助（Market Readiness Assistance）资助自2013年首次推出，旨在帮助企业进入新市场，最近还推出了企业成长方案（Enterprise Grow Package）。我很高兴看到这些方案将获得更多资金支持和覆盖范围的提升。
然而，对于进入新市场的企业，尤其是国际化经验较少的企业来说，他们可能会感到迷茫，不知道如何利用这些资金。我想问，如何加强支持，使他们能够有一个良好且强劲的起步？
贸易协会和商会（TACs）在推动转型和增长方面发挥着越来越关键的作用。它们贴近基层，深刻了解会员需求和行业状况。近年来，它们帮助会员采用创新解决方案和技术，转型业务，并与政府紧密合作协助会员。显然，它们将继续并必须在下一轮国际化中发挥核心作用。
贸易协会和商会还能发挥哪些作用，整合本地及市场内的知识和资源，帮助企业实现国际化？
帮助新加坡工人保持竞争力
主席，在当前不确定的经济环境下，我们的成熟及中年职业工人，许多处于40至50岁之间，是最脆弱的群体。面对近期的经济挑战和快速的技术进步，他们中的一些人在职业转型上遇到困难。我想肯定他们利用技能未来（SkillsFuture）及其他优秀政府计划进行再培训的努力。
然而，这条路依然艰难。每有一个成功案例，就有另一个人分享他尽管数月网络拓展、参加课程、寻求职业指导等，仍未能找到理想工作的失败经历。
我希望部长能分享更多促进经济增长的努力，以及这些努力如何转化为新加坡人的优质就业和成果。
近年来，航空、餐饮、零售和旅游业蓬勃发展，是提供职业转换计划（PCP）及其他中年职业转型措施的主要行业。如今，政府支持这些行业渡过难关是必要的。我相信这只是暂时的，它们会及时复苏。
但对于那些已完成转型或正在获取相关资格和培训以进入这些行业的人来说，我想知道他们的就业前景是否会受到影响。全球危机难以预测。政府还将采取哪些措施，帮助工人在快速变化的环境中保持就业能力和行业相关性？
我很高兴副总理在预算案中重申了减少对外劳依赖的决心。我想借此机会重提我去年在对劳资关系促进局（TAFEP）和人力部（MOM）提出的能力转移计划（CTP）建议。
其次，必须加大力度推动本地化，支持新加坡的竞争力和工人可持续发展。我建议鼓励企业为其员工设定本地化目标，即本地员工比例或整体本地员工比例的目标。这些目标可针对不同技能，可能需要根据公司具体情况设定。例如，可包含培训元素，目标是在三至五年内实现特定的本地化比例。
现有的能力转移计划支持企业引进外国专家，将能力转移给本地员工，并派遣本地员工出国培训。贸工部应考虑扩大CTP，提供更多资源支持将已在新加坡工作的外籍员工的能力转移给本地员工，目标是实现岗位本地化。引进的外国专家应指导新加坡人接替或共同承担职责。
CTP的资金支持应扩大至包括本地专家的薪资和培训支持，以及新加坡学员的海外实习培训费用。我们是否也可以考虑CTP支持将已在新加坡工作的外籍员工的能力转移给本地员工，最终实现岗位本地化，并与我之前提到的本地化目标协同推进？
提升技能、再培训、岗位重塑
郭显泉先生（义顺）：主席，面对重大经济和技术变革，提升技能和再培训对新加坡人的良好就业结果至关重要。可以说，这两个领域的成功是极难实现的公共政策，少有政府能做到。这是一个复杂的问题，原因多样。
成功的技能提升通常由成功企业完成，因为成功企业对未来有清晰愿景，知道实现未来所需的技能。
这些企业通常处于特定的国家文化中，如德国和日本，公司对员工长期就业负有明确责任感。这种文化通常得到国家层面的人力政策支持。
技能提升还需要配套的教育机构和能力，支持全职和兼职的技能提升。
如果技能提升困难，再培训可能更具挑战性。事实上，很难想到有多少国家系统性地为结构性失业者进行再培训。
大型企业再培训员工做不同工作相对容易，因为员工在学习新技能时通常仍在同一公司、同一文化环境中。例如，随着星展银行数字化，许多一线员工得以在银行其他部门接受再培训。
然而，在更广泛的经济中跨行业再培训并不容易，因为不像星展银行那样规模庞大的公司不多。在互联世界中，国际公司可能选择将岗位迁出新加坡，而非再培训本地员工。技术变革时代，并非所有行业都对未来有清晰认识，因此行业内或试图进入该行业的工人可能不知道应再培训哪些技能。
尽管面临重大挑战，令人欣慰的是，我们政府多年来一直正视这一问题，不仅在贸工部内部，更是全政府层面，并以三方合作方式推进。因此，贸工部能否分享政府如何帮助工人在快速变化的环境中保持就业能力和行业相关性，尤其是40至50岁的成熟及中年职业工人？例如，如何提升更多工人在设计等行业相关能力上的技能？
工人的心态也至关重要。他们必须明白，在当今时代，职业发展是非线性的，必须在职业生涯中多次提升和再培训自己。
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然而，企业扮演关键角色。贸工部能否分享政府如何鼓励更多企业转变观念，将劳动力转型视为企业转型的重要补充？政府如何支持和激励更多企业，尤其是中小企业，投资培训和岗位重塑？政府如何系统地宣传这些信息？
技能与就业
朱德明先生（淡滨尼）：新冠疫情爆发导致经济疲软，企业可能推迟转型工作。贸工部预计哪些行业恢复时间较长？贸工部如何帮助这些行业继续转型？
据一些中小企业老板称，经济低迷期也是转型的最佳时机。新冠疫情终将过去，但经济快速变化的现实不变。转型对长期生存至关重要。贸工部如何帮助企业加速劳动力转型？
转型的衡量标准是什么？转型不可避免地会使部分工人被淘汰，尤其是40至50岁群体。贸工部如何帮助他们保持就业能力和行业相关性？
许多企业不愿培训员工，担心员工被挖角。这种心态或许是人力转型的最大障碍。我想推荐亚马逊的培训创新。亚马逊的职业选择计划帮助员工获得亚马逊需求之外领域的技能，提供资源和工作灵活性。亚马逊支付95%的教育费用，并提供工作灵活性，让员工学习需求大且薪酬高的行业技能，无论这些技能是否与亚马逊相关。亚马逊可能因此被视为进步企业，只留住有潜力的员工。行业和经济因更高技能的员工受益，员工则获得更好技能、更好工作和薪酬。
新加坡有许多大型企业积累了丰富资源。如果足够多企业效仿亚马逊，这不必是零和游戏，即一家公司培养更高技能员工被他人挖走。我们实际上可以扩大蛋糕，实现共同增长和利益共享。
培养本地人才
莱昂·佩雷拉先生：先生，我注意到政府宣布，来自外国直接投资（FDI）在新加坡创造的本地就业岗位中，有60%至70%是专业、经理、执行和技术人员（PMET）岗位。未来，支持和培养私营部门的新加坡领导人才非常重要。若存在阻碍，应予以理解和解决。
政府已推出多项计划培养本地PMET和领导人才，如经济发展局（EDB）和全国职工总会（NTUC）的青年未来领袖计划、技能未来领导力发展计划以及新加坡企业发展局-东盟领导力计划。
我想了解支持新加坡企业（包括跨国公司）培养本地PMET和领导人才储备的计划最新进展。这些计划迄今取得了哪些成效？
初创企业
张世乐先生：主席先生，每年我们都非常重视鼓励初创企业，无论是在技术或技术转型的不同领域催生更多初创企业，还是创建硬件设施，如启动平台（Launchpad）及其他多个清洁技术初创企业场所。这令人鼓舞，也很高兴知道今年我们将额外投入3亿新元支持深科技，重点关注包括农业科技在内的几个关键领域。
我想问的是，我看到许多其他相关部委也在对初创企业和技术进行投资。问题是，这些投资之间是否存在协同效应？当我们投入额外资金时，衡量这些资金成功的关键绩效指标是什么？我认为我们不能将公共投资基金与私募基金的投资回报率（ROI）直接比较，后者关注的是即时或短期回报。那么，我们的资金成功指标具体是什么？
其次，深科技初创企业的孕育期很长，难以预测其发展进度。成功取决于这些初创企业的商业化能力，因为我们不希望投资于仅是科学项目的初创企业。若只是科学项目，实验室出来后没有商业价值，也没有市场需求。
我们投入的资金，例如额外的3亿新元用于农业科技，未来农业科技是否能提供更具竞争力和更实惠的产品价格？这些技术初创企业是否能在海外市场规模化，具备商业价值？我希望贸工部能进一步阐述评估这些指标的标准。
产业发展
傅美霞女士（西海岸）：主席先生，新加坡在经济转型上的投资似乎正朝着正确方向发展。过去三年整体生产力年均增长2.6%，高于前一个三年期的2.2%。
产业转型地图（ITMs）旨在促进创新、提升生产力和深化各行业工人技能，是我们经济结构调整的核心。然而，当我与企业领导交流时，他们仍抱怨ITMs潜在的协同效应和能力发展未被充分利用。各行业的转型表现不均衡。
[副议长（钟志坚先生）主持]
因此，我想问部长，迄今为止实施ITMs有哪些经验教训？如何更好地激励企业联合组建联盟，发展行业能力，扩大规模，走向国际，并测试行业范围的解决方案？政府在推动关键企业入驻共享设施和基础设施以支持转型和技术采用方面取得了哪些进展？最后，政府如何支持具有良好增长潜力的新兴行业发展？
先生，鉴于政府在四年前启动的经济转型旅程中投入了大量资金，必然从取得良好进展的行业中获得了宝贵经验。
例如，我们能从半导体和制药制造商那里学到什么？它们被广泛认为是工业4.0倡议的先行者。金融管理局（MAS）在发展金融科技行业和推行“监管沙盒”概念以促进新技术创新方面的成功，也值得其他行业借鉴，以支持有前景创新的试验和测试，同时确保必要的保障措施。
先生，强大的本地能力和创新生态系统是确保新加坡经济成功和韧性的关键。中小企业在参与研发方面需要大量扶持。我想问部长，如何支持中小企业缩短学习曲线，拥抱技术，充分参与研发？
10个创新中心（COIs）对产业发展产生了什么影响？迄今为止，COIs在协助中小企业方面取得了哪些成果？大学研究和其他研究机构如何以更实质性的方式支持产业发展？
副总理王瑞杰在他的预算演讲中谈到了充满活力的初创生态系统。新加坡目前有3,800家科技初创企业。作为全球公认的知识产权保护和科学研究中心的领导者，新加坡应充分发挥我们的优势，重点支持以研究为核心知识产权的深科技初创企业。
在农业食品科技等新兴技术领域的深科技初创企业可以成长为具有全球竞争力的企业。然而，这些初创企业也需要更大的投资、更长的孕育期，并非所有投资者都能承受随之而来的更高风险。因此，我想请问政府，我们将如何支持这些初创企业？
李毅贤议员（东海岸）：主席先生，塑造新加坡未来的关键趋势之一是技术的快速进步。人工智能、区块链、5G、机器人技术等将塑造未来产业。工业4.0和服务4.0的出现，正迅速成为新的全球格局。
事实上，持续的技术热潮没有放缓的迹象。根据麦肯锡全球研究院的数据，到2030年，全球多达8亿工人将因新技术而失业。此前，德勤和牛津大学预测，2014年英国35%的工作将在30年内被机器人取代。在新加坡，许多公司正试图自动化运营，而不增加员工人数。
虽然新加坡正全力转型，但我们可能仍然在竞争中显得过慢。在此背景下，我想请问部长，贸工部如何准备我们的企业和劳动力适应新的经济格局？在人工智能和区块链等领先领域，我们缺乏足够的人才和企业参与全球竞争，贸工部的机构是否已努力引进领先企业和顶尖人才，以催化本地生态系统的发展？
鉴于中国经济现为全球第二大经济体，其多个信息技术和数字领域处于世界领先地位，贸工部是否成功吸引中国独角兽企业落户新加坡？贸工部将如何识别并吸引来自中国、印度和东盟的潜在独角兽企业，以确保新加坡在未来亚洲独角兽企业中占有一席之地？
主席：Leon Perera先生，您可以一次发言两段。
工业4.0网络平台
Leon Perera先生：主席先生，应对工业4.0的挑战在于吸引未来准备类别的投资，如人工智能、无人机、物联网等。但这又可以细分为几个需要解决的不同挑战，以吸引投资。
首先，创建一个有融资和政府支持的可行生态系统。
其次，获得具备必要技能和风险承受能力的关键规模劳动力，在这方面我们必须平衡外国人与新加坡核心人才。
第三，刺激本地对这些产品的需求。虽然在新加坡的投资将服务于区域和全球市场，但一定的本地需求有助于吸引投资者关注。
第四，创造网络效应，使行业、学术界、研究中心、政府和顶尖领导者之间的互动得以发生，从而催生新想法。
为应对第四个挑战，为什么不催化为人工智能和物联网等特定工业4.0领域创建网络平台？一个有用的模式是波士顿的产品执行论坛，这是一个专为该领域高级产品领导者设立的独家团体。它汇聚了有前景的行业高管、学者和顶尖领导者，通过早餐研讨会、圆桌会议及其他活动运作。催化这样的平台可能会很有帮助。毕竟，在工业4.0竞赛中，不仅要有合适的人才，还要让这些人互动、交叉授粉思想和工作流程。
能源安全
接下来谈能源安全。主席先生，天然气是新加坡目前发电的主要方式。印尼占新加坡气态天然气进口的85%，其余来自马来西亚。
管道天然气已被液化天然气（LNG）进口补充多年，来源国多样。然而，印尼已宣布将于2023年停止从苏门答腊向新加坡出口天然气。尚不清楚纳土纳群岛的管道气是否也会受影响，但印尼能源和矿产资源部于2月8日发布的声明似乎暗示如此。如果发生，将对我们的发电来源带来压力。可再生能源，主要是太阳能，以及区域电网建设需要时间。
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政府能否分享应对此情况的缓解措施？例如，液化天然气进口能否填补2023年后出现的缺口？我们也应借此机会提升发电组合中可再生能源的比例。我很高兴听到政府上周在议会中谈及的脱碳措施。我的同事Dennis Tan先生在上周的预算演讲中，阐述了工人党对环境政策的多角度观点和建议。
最后，我想问政府是否正在研究另外两种能源可能性。
首先，有媒体报道私营部门计划在澳大利亚建设太阳能发电厂，并通过海底电缆向新加坡输电。其次，我注意到资深部长张志贤在总理办公室公务员大会上关于核能的声明，称核能潜力仍在研究中。俄罗斯和中国正在探索基于海上平台的浮动核电站，俄罗斯正部署其中一座。未来可否通过此类方式为新加坡供电尚未可知。但政府是否在研究其他国家此类项目可能对新加坡构成的风险？
经济向脱碳转型
翁安迪女士（提名议员）：主席，气候挑战是新加坡的经济结构性挑战，陈振声部长指出，引用他的原话，“如果我们无法管理这一点，我们甚至无法吸引产业为下一代创造就业机会。”
国际货币基金组织最近表示，大排放国的碳价应在2030年前升至每吨75美元，这对基于化石燃料的产业构成约束和压力。然而，新的能源技术已可用。
请问贸工部是否考虑：（a）针对石化产业进行并公布压力测试，了解在不同全球碳政策情景下的增长风险；（b）评估碳捕获与储存、太阳能光伏、核能、进口可再生能源、提升工业能效等方面的就业创造潜力、生活成本和环境影响；（c）制定明确的经济转型计划，减少对高碳风险行业的依赖，并在2030年前积极吸纳油气行业参与。
产业可持续性
陈薇玲小姐（凤山）：主席，首先声明，我是工业气体与工程公司的高级管理人员。
气候变化的物理影响日益显现于环境、社会和全球经济。气候变化不是遥远的威胁，而是正在发生。越来越多的人想知道你是问题的一部分还是解决方案的一部分。
要实现2015年巴黎协定中减少温室气体（GHG）的承诺，需要社会行为、政府法规、产业参与和技术发展的改变。
关于减排的讨论多聚焦于高碳足迹产业，特别是石化和制造业。但在关注个别产业前，必须认识到整个价值链中有许多环节在温室气体排放之前。
以氢气为例，生产氢气需要能源。但氢气是生产低硫燃料的关键成分，以满足更严格的环保标准，从而减少环境中的硫排放。氢技术也可作为变革性能源载体或清洁交通燃料。
重要的是理解所生产的产品、制造工艺及整个产业价值链是否在碳生产率、支持可持续性及净避免更多温室气体排放方面对社会有更大益处。此外，我们还需问产业是否投资新技术以提升运营效率、减少温室气体排放，采用可再生能源，循环利用废弃物或捕获碳排放用于替代用途。产业是否致力于脱碳以应对气候变化至关重要。
规划和促进向“更清洁”运营模式和产业的转型，将对就业、成本和整体运营产生重大经济影响。没有产业能免受气候变化影响，所有部门都必须参与减缓气候变化。因此，我们的产业转型地图（ITMs）作为产业增长和竞争力的路线图，应将可持续性纳入其工作计划和转型的核心组成部分。
我想问，我们如何为气候变化的影响做好经济准备，并以可持续方式减少碳排放？贸工部是否考虑将可持续性作为ITMs的第五支柱？
相关地，贸工部是否考虑创建一个平台，促进新加坡各主要经济部门间减排最佳实践的交流，鉴于新加坡包装协议等三方合作的成功？通过此平台，公司可利用最佳知识，平衡对所有利益相关者的责任，持续推动财务表现，同时成为环境的良好管理者。
生产力支出边际回报
谢世拉副教授（提名议员）：主席，政府已实施多项政策以促进生产力增长。近期计划包括生产力解决方案补助金、企业发展补助金和自动化支持计划。2020年预算中的转型与增长策略延续了这些努力。
各项近期生产力增长补助计划在公共支出边际回报及对产业和就业的影响方面效果如何？我们能在多大程度上将近期全要素生产率的提升归因于这些政策？
贸工部经济学家服务发布了关于各产业政策效果的优秀研究。部方能否制定所有主要生产力提升计划的强制性评估框架？每项计划应有逻辑模型，明确实施前的目标成果。评估结果应在中期及计划结束后不久公布。最重要的计划应接受学术同行评审以增强可信度。
技术驱动的创新可提升生产力、工人福利，并使工作对新加坡人更具吸引力。新加坡国立大学Ivan Png教授在一篇工作论文中研究了一家超市连锁店，将收银员工作重新设计为仅扫描商品，支付由自动化处理。转为仅扫描的工作模式提升了工人福利，促进本地招聘，扫描速度生产率提升9%。Png教授的研究强调了仔细审视技术改进效果的重要性。
我们不应在生产力转型上投入如此巨额资金，而不同时承诺深入了解这些努力是否具成本效益和意义。
企业转型计划
傅建业先生：主席，新加坡中小企业约占就业的三分之二，对经济贡献近2,000亿新元。中小企业是经济的重要组成部分，被视为新加坡未来增长的驱动力。中小企业数量持续维持在20万家以上，显然涵盖了处于不同成长阶段的广泛企业。
虽然对初创企业和较小中小企业有大量支持，因为它们更脆弱，但现在正是投资和支持那些已展现良好业绩、准备迈向下一成长阶段的中小企业的时机。
随着企业转型计划中企业领导力转型计划的宣布，我认为这是对现有中小企业支持框架的良好延伸。
新加坡制造联合总会（SMF）准备协助接触这一群体。我坚信贸易协会和商会（TACs）是接触这些商业领袖并与他们开展新举措的有用平台。
企业领导力转型计划旨在为商业领袖提供培训，是一项长期计划，旨在赋能和发展能力。预算声明提到未来三年将培养900名商业领袖。请问部长：这些领袖将如何被选拔？培训和指导框架的计划是否有更多细节？贸易协会和商会如何继续协助这一进程？
主席：张世乐先生，您可以一次发言两段。
企业发展
张世乐先生：主席，贸工部明确致力于加强本地企业，我了解到他们有一个金字塔结构，底层大多是收入较低的微型企业，然后是小型、中型和大型企业。这是一个很好的结构图。虽然新加坡有超过20万家中小企业，但它们处于不同阶段，大多数是微型企业。我理解贸工部的策略很明确，重点关注那些能推动发展的大企业。贸工部或企业创新集团（EIG）有规模提升计划，帮助这些企业壮大。例如，傅建业先生提到的培训领导者，以及培训后领导者推动公司转型和加强企业。
但你可能注意到，许多中型企业，甚至较小的企业（尚未达到微型企业标准），拥有创新、技术、理念和计划，或由充满热情和激情的创业者或创始人经营，可能有潜力走向全球。规模提升计划目前主要涵盖收入超过1亿新元的大型企业。中小企业是否也会被纳入规模提升计划，扩大覆盖范围？
社区企业
我还想谈谈微型企业。如果有潜力，我们可以培育它们。但你知道，社区中的一些微型企业可能根本没有机会，它们只是为了生存。我们称这些社区微型企业为“社区企业”，它们对我们的生活既有商业影响，也有社会影响。我在组屋区生活超过25年，仍常去一些店铺，这种个性化服务让它们得以持续。我们中许多人继续光顾这些店铺，它们依然存在。
我知道国土部和贸工部正努力振兴这些社区企业。过去几年他们主要做的是升级硬件设施和环境，希望吸引人流。但你知道，升级不仅仅是硬件，也许软件也很重要。帮助这些社区企业进行集中库存规划、财务规划、产品创新等，这些都很重要——让它们上线，更加注重电子商务。这可能帮助它们吸引更多客户，而不仅仅依赖人流，因为如果只靠人流，它们将直接与社区商场竞争价格，可能没有机会定位自己。
贸工部是否考虑关注社区企业的软件方面，投入资金帮助它们？
数字化
陈玉莲议员（丹戎巴葛）：主席，在这次新冠疫情期间，人们都在采取预防措施，尽量避免接触，避免人群聚集。这场危机为我们较小的，尤其是那些更简单、更传统的企业和商家提供了一个采用数字化运营的机会和动力。
然而，许多这些商家老板需要帮助，我希望部委能为我们的社区企业提供额外支持，帮助他们实现数字化并上线。部委能否提供专业知识，并引导他们申请相关支持补助，以便他们通过这一相对新的销售渠道服务更多顾客？例如，现在有更多人倾向于让餐食和杂货送货上门。我希望部委能抓住这个机会，帮助更多社区企业迈向数字化。
消费者事务
林标泉议员（蒙巴顿）：先生，我以新加坡消费者协会（CASE）会长的身份声明我在此议题上的利益。
我有三点建议供贸工部考虑，关于消费者事务。
最近，有多起投诉称零售商以远高于正常价格出售口罩。零售商在新冠疫情期间利用消费者牟取暴利的行为是完全不可接受的。请问部长，有多少零售商被价格监管员询问？对这些顽固的零售商将采取什么行动？贸工部还能做些什么来警告商家不要趁机牟利，不要利用消费者在不确定时期的弱势？消费者协会愿意继续与贸工部合作，教育和赋权消费者，让他们更了解自己的权利，保护自己免受不良商家的侵害。
其次，媒体最近报道一些消费者在Carousell网上购买口罩时被骗。去年，我曾要求新加坡金融管理局（MAS）与新加坡银行公会（ABS）及信用卡发卡银行合作，提高对信用卡退款机制的认识。这样消费者如果遇到不诚信的网店，可以向信用卡银行申请退款。毕竟，银行为其商户提供银行服务，对其商业伙伴有更好的了解和控制。请问这项请求向MAS和ABS的进展如何？
下午6时45分
最后，根据《消费者保护公平交易法》，如果供应商从事不公平行为且拒绝签署自愿遵守协议以停止不公平行为，新加坡竞争与消费者委员会（CCCS）可申请对该顽固供应商发出禁令。申请禁令前，CCCS需进行调查并收集消费者陈述。此过程相当繁琐，且并非所有消费者愿意花时间向CCCS作证并出庭作证。有时，若消费者需公开身份，成为被利用者，可能会感到尴尬。
我认为，如果消费者不必总担心必须上法庭，他们会更愿意配合。政府是否考虑修订《消费者保护公平交易法》，允许CCCS有更广泛的选择，施加行政罚款，而非仅能对严重违规商家申请禁令？《竞争法》已有财务罚款框架，也许可以为《消费者保护公平交易法》引入类似框架。贸工部会考虑吗？
主席：议会领袖。
英文原文
SPRS Hansard 原始记录 · 抓取日期：2026-05-02
5.45 pm
Growing Our Economy
Mr Liang Eng Hwa (Holland-Bukit Timah) : Mr Chairman, Sir, I beg to move, "That the total sum to be allocated for Head V of the Estimates be reduced by $100."
As a small and open economy, Singapore can only be a price-taker in the global marketplace realistically. Staying competitive is a given but that just puts you in the starting line. We need to develop both value-adding capabilities, which I will touch on later, and, equally important, our market connectivity capabilities, so that we can sell our products and services to the consumers of the world. Having both sets of capabilities and the intensity of them will determine how much of a livelihood we can make for ourselves.
In Singapore's context, staying open and connected to the world is key and our only pathway to continued economic growth and progress. Today, our international linkages and market connectivity enable us to transcend our limited domestic market and create for ourselves a bigger hinterland to operate in. We need to continually expand and upgrade our network of trade partnerships and investment agreements so that our companies can not only have a bigger economic space to do business in but are also able to ride on the growth and opportunities in the emerging markets.
Over the decades, we have done very well to strengthen our air, sea and land connectivity. In the new landscape, we need develop other new sets of connectivities, such as regulations, data, talent, finance and technology.
These efforts are primarily Government-driven but, importantly, we also need businesses to step up to seize these opportunities from the enhanced connectivity. It requires the companies to build up the required capabilities to internationalise both at the enterprise and the workforce levels. Capabilities, such as deep understanding of the target markets, ability to mobilise and deploy resources and talents across markets and jurisdictions, ability to obtain local funding and manage currency risks, among others.
Our economic agencies already provide both financial and non-financial support to help companies internationalise, such as in in-market landing pads, overseas centres and so on. Here, I would like to ask the Minister if the support has been adequate and has there been good traction.
Beyond the more familiar markets like China, India and the developed economies, do our economic agencies need to step up expertise and presence in newer and more frontier markets as we know that these markets tend to have less developed market data and more challenging regulatory and operating environment? How can the Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs) play an enabling role to help businesses seeking to internationalise, especially in less familiar markets?
On diversification of international markets, the COVID-19 outbreak reminded us on the urgency to seek more and newer markets, especially in emerging economies and to minimise concentration risk on any single market.
China's GDP has increased fourfold since 2003 and its share of the global GDP has more than doubled from 9% to 19%. Singapore's trade with China has also increased almost four times since 2003. Even in the area of tourism, the Chinese tourists account for about 20% of Singapore's total international visitor arrivals. So, I would like to ask the Minister as to how we can manage our economic exposure to China, balancing the opportunities versus the risks.
Even without the COVID-19 outbreak, global supply chains are already showing signs of disruptions and are likely to be re-organised. How can we help our companies diversify their markets and adjust to the shift in supply chains to increase business resilience?
Next, and still related to diversifying our economy, I would like to seek an update from the Minister on the progress of building new economic clusters. In particular, how have we leveraged on the technological advancements to open up possibilities in new sectors? Beyond agri-tech and sustainability solutions, are there more new growth sectors that we are developing?
Continued rapid advancements in technology are likely to add to further disruptions and even lead to the demise of some sectors. We need to open up new industries and growth sectors to keep generating the positive deltas to our economy. Fostering new economic growth sectors can also help create new and more exciting jobs and it can help boost the overall productivity and innovations.
We know that investing into new growth sectors carry significant investment risks. It requires sectoral expertise and talents, it requires products that meet the addressable markets, the necessary eco-system players and, importantly, the entrepreneurial acumen and aspirations.
How can the Government facilitate the development of new growth sectors and its necessary eco-systems? What are the resources and support to be provided? In Budget 2020, the Finance Minister also mentioned about improving support for deep-tech startups. Can the Minister also share on how the Government plans to nurture and help promising startups?
Next, on enterprise development. There are more than 200,000 enterprises in Singapore and they come in every size, different stages of growth, uneven productivity capabilities and resource adsorptions and varying value-add to the economy. Given this diverse enterprise landscape, a one-size-fits-all approach may not meet the specific needs and achieve the desired outcomes. How could our economic agencies work with the relevant stakeholders to provide differentiated support for different types of companies?
A pro-enterprise environment is also a necessary condition for a vibrant and entrepreneurial eco-system. The Pro-Enterprise Panel (PEP) was formed in 2000 as a platform for companies to provide feedback on regulations. Is there scope to adopt a light-touch approach in regulations so as to encourage more enterprises to innovate and venture?
Sir, In his Budget speech, the Finance Minister also spoke about the Next Bound of SkillsFuture, which includes enhancing the role of enterprises in developing their employees.
Having employers take ownership in developing their staff is the most ideal situation. The companies know best the skills needed for their businesses to grow and transform. The employers are in the best position to manage the resources, time and space to upgrade skills. They are also in the vantage position to plan out and execute job re-design, which can align the necessary training and re-skilling to the business need.
In that regard, can I ask how would the Government promote and support more of such involvement by companies to build their workforce capabilities?
I applaud the Government for introducing the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Support Package. It is the most tangible move to-date by the Government to help mid-career Singaporeans. It is another manifestation of the Government's commitment that economic growth must, ultimately, translate to good jobs and good outcomes for all Singaporeans. I hope that the hiring incentive to employers who hire local jobseekers aged 40 and above, through re-skilling programmes, would appeal to employers and also change their mindsets.
Employers should leverage on this re-skilling programme to help enhance their workforce and yet also enjoy the wage support. So, I call on employers to discard any age biases that they may have in their HR policy and re-pivot to the new environment of higher retirement age.
Finally, let me speak about our response to the COVID-19 situation.
The first wave impact to our affected businesses, such as tourism, aviation and retail, has been very sharp and severe. The Stabilisation and Support Package has rightly focused on tackling two critical situations: firstly, the weaker cash flow position of businesses and, secondly, to focus on saving jobs.
The announced measures of Jobs Support Scheme, rental waivers, rebates, temporary bridging loans, among others, are relevant and practical relief measures to help businesses, especially in managing the tighter cash flow situations. However, I am concerned that if this COVID-19 situation is prolonged, we may lose capabilities and capacities in the tourism sectors as operators may downsize or shut their operations. I hope that the Government would monitor this closely and be ready to extend and step up the assistance further.
Given the severity of the outbreak in China, its economy is likely to take a major hit. If the situation persists, its production capacity would be curtailed and we could see serious disruption to the supply chain and this has wider and deeper implication and impact to the world's trade flows.
On the demand side, slower growth in China is also expected to dampen consumption and investments. Singapore, like many economies, is unlikely to be spared from the further knock-on effects. How can we draw lessons from the impact of COVID-19 to build economic and national resilience?
[(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]
The Chairman : Mr Teo Ser Luck, you have three cuts. You can take them together.
Economy
Mr Teo Ser Luck (Pasir Ris-Punggol) : Our economic growth is getting more and more challenging. I think each year, as we forecast our economic growth, you will realise that we keep revising our forecast. From last year to this year, we are revising downwards on the forecast. It is challenging, no doubt, and, with COVID-19, it is getting more and more challenging to actually get a part of the pie because other cities and economies are also getting more competitive.
We are focusing on quite a few verticals and I know that we rely less on manufacturing now, which, in the past, was about 25% contribution to GDP. But right now, we are looking at it at 20% GDP. Although there is a lot of focus on precision engineering and some of the rest of the other sectors related to manufacturing, I think, for the long haul, it does not give as much stimulating growth to the economy as we need.
So, that is where we are investing in technology startups or we are investing in financial services and all. However, for some of this growth, we are competing very intensively with other economies as well and that will pose a challenge to our economic growth as a whole. I think on a year-to-year basis, growing at 1.5% to 2.5%, we are sort of plateauing, although we are in better shape to do better than other economies.
I would like to ask the Ministry whether there are immediate short-term to medium term strategies or any change to the current strategies that we have. With the 23 Industry Transformation Maps (ITMs) that we have focused on, I do not think we can focus on all 23. But what are the key focuses that we can have in order to boost the economy forward, maybe the next three to five years of economic growth that can be greater than 3%? Because we have not seen anything before with 5% to 8% anymore. What are the other measures that we can put in?
FTA Impact
With COVID-19, I was wondering whether the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can play a part? FTAs, in good times, actually help the SMEs, who understood FTAs and can launch their products overseas and get the full benefits out of them – tax incentives and other measures in regulations, in actually getting exceptions. But in not so good times, let us say, for example, right now, how do FTAs play a part? We have more than 25 FTAs signed so far – bilateral and multilateral. Where do they play a part? How can we use them more effectively? What can the SMEs do?
Market Readiness Assistance
I think one of the most practical methods for businesses in Singapore to actually overcome some of these challenges, for example, some of the crises that we faced today and some of the growth challenges, will actually be using some of the schemes that we have. One of the schemes that is also a beneficiary out of it is the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA). I am glad to know that the MRA will be enhanced.
The important thing about launching businesses overseas is, firstly, the regulations; secondly, the knowledge on the legal aspect, the framework; thirdly, it is finding a local partnership. Sometimes, it is not about funds, because MRA provides the funds. But it is the knowledge that is the most important. Where can we get this knowledge? Can MRA offer more than just funds, dollars and cents, but actually coming in with certain knowledge? Because we have Enterprise Singapore (ESG) officers all over internationally and they are very good officers. They can provide their facilitation of good help and networking. I think this is most valuable to the SMEs and businesses who want to venture overseas.
So, can I know from the Ministry what are the enhancements of the MRA, and are we able to move from funds to knowledge that can be imparted to facilitate the growth of SMEs overseas?
6.00 pm
The Chairman : Mr Douglas Foo, you have two cuts, take both together, please.
Opportunities in ASEAN
Mr Douglas Foo (Nominated Member) : Mr Chairman, ASEAN is widely seen to be on track to be the 4th largest economy in the world by 2030. This is driven by the continued economic growth and development efforts of our neighbours. In a study by the McKinsey Global Institute, especially for the manufacturing sector, disruptive technologies are projected to have huge economic impact, potentially creating US$25 billion to $45 billion of annual output value in ASEAN by 2030.
ASEAN is an incredibly dynamic economic block with 10 economies at different stages of development. As the world embarks on a new decade with uncertainty as the opening number, this is a turning point for ASEAN to realise our ambition to be the next "factory of the world".
There is definitely opportunity to attract foreign interest in ASEAN in the current uncertain global trade climate. Additionally, our member states need to encourage our companies to reinvest in the region to further spur on growth.
In our recent dialogues with members in the Manufacturing community, in view of the current supply chain challenges arising from the COVID-19 outbreak, more businesses are seeking to explore longer term solutions for their businesses in ASEAN countries. This provides the impetus for Singapore businesses to take a closer look at the opportunities in ASEAN.
As we continue ground efforts like leading mission trips and business meetings, are there any additional outreach or publicity efforts that will be undertaken by the Ministry to continue to highlight to businesses the importance and promise of our ASEAN neighbours? Because at the end of the day, by 2030, when we look back, we want our enterprises to have actually rode the journey of ASEAN having rose to being the 4th largest economy in the world.
Trade and Internationalisation
Mr Chairman, answering the call by the Government, Trade Association and Chambers (TACs) have stepped up to play a much larger role in outreach and capability building in the business community. Within TACs, there is also a higher level of collaboration to collectively address key business issues.
In July 2019, the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) organised the inaugural Strategic Planning Session for TACs which was attended by over 70 leaders from more than 40 TACs. The TAC leaders had the opportunity to engage in a dialogue with Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. During this session, the TACs deep-dived into pertinent issues such as internationalisation, innovation and digitalisation, as well as how TACs need to transform to stay relevant for the future.
On the manufacturing front, the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), the Singapore Industrial Automation Association (SIAA), and SGTECH have come together to form a Manufacturing Alliance in October 2019 to specialise in business model and process re-engineering, software and digitalisation as well as robotics and automation matters.
The Manufacturing Alliance works with an ecosystem of partners, such as government agencies, Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), Centres of Innovation (COIs), and so on, to scope problem statements and curate standardised, modular implementation packages that are easy for SMEs to adopt to make progress on their journey towards Industry 4.0.
As noted by Mr Ho Meng Kit, the CEO of SBF, with more complex challenges faced by our members, TACs need to change, adapt and innovate to better serve the community. As we continue to take on bigger roles, TACs are also beginning to face a number of operational challenges.
In the circumstances, how does the Ministry intend to encourage TACs to pool knowledge and resources together both locally and in overseas markets to help businesses seeking to internationalise? Does the Ministry have any plans to assist TACs to upgrade their capabilities and human talent and make this a possible career choice for the workforce?
Enterprise Schemes
Mr Charles Chong (Punggol East) : Mr Chairman, there are many grants and schemes which are available to help companies. Now, these have been made available by the Government through various agencies to encourage a vibrant business community in Singapore. However, many companies, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises or SMEs, are often not aware of the grants available to them. Or if they know of these grants, the amount of red tape and the number of forms they need to fill in could also prove to be an impediment to applying for these schemes. Or there may be multiple overlapping and similar schemes, and it is hard for a business owner to decide which one to apply for. I am sure not many SMEs know of the existence of SME Centres, which have been specifically set up to help them.
While SME Centres will be able to help SMEs navigate the various grants and schemes which are available, they may not be visible enough for the SMEs, such that SMEs actually reach out to them to tap on their expertise.
My question to the Minister then is what we can do to make SME Centres more visible, such that we make it clear to SMEs that we have people ready and able to help them in their business journeys? More broadly, is the Minister satisfied that MTI is doing enough to ensure that SMEs are made aware of the grants, schemes and programmes available to them, and could more be done to ensure that SMEs do not lose out on these?
Free Trade Agreements
Mr Leon Perera (Non-Constituency Member) : Mr Chairman, Sir, Singapore has 23 implemented Free Trade Agreements or FTAs and may conclude other FTAs in future. Every FTA negotiation involves making a determination on how much improved market access to give foreign companies in exchange for market access for Singapore companies in that foreign country. Implemented well, FTAs can introduce a wider range of goods and services in Singapore at lower prices for the end consumer while also giving our local firms greater market access and a more level playing field abroad.
I would like to ask before an FTA is concluded, how does the Government obtain feedback from relevant local firms about what problems they face with market access within that country, as well as what enhanced competition from that country's firms might mean for themselves, their industry peers and the domestic economy?
Does the Government also review implemented FTAs to assess the net economic impact of the concessions given in respect of market access to foreign firms inter-corporate transferee rights and other concessions as well as whether market access for a Singapore firms has in fact materialised as envisaged under the FTA?
Lastly, is there a mechanism for local firms to easily give feedback on FTA related matters and can some feedback channel be indicated on the FDA section of MTI's website? What processes are used to assess the net economic impact of FTAs after they are enacted? Is feedback gathered from local firms as to the analysis of prices of goods and services before and after? Is that kind of analysis done, for example?
The Chairman : Mr Saktiandi, you have two cuts. Can you take both together?
Enhance Internationalisation and Trade
Mr Saktiandi Supaat (Bishan-Toa Payoh) : Thank you, Chairman. The COVID-19 situation is an unpleasant but timely reminder of the importance of diversification. It is dangerous to develop a reliance on one market. China has been an excellent trading partner with a vast market, offering generous business opportunities for Singaporeans across a wide variety of sectors. But with China taking a significant hit, many local businesses are also reeling from the impact. So, it is crucial set their sights on broader horizons and work towards them, or risk sinking.
Fortunately, there is already the Market Readiness Assistance grant that was first introduced in 2013 to help businesses enter new markets, and also the newly announced Enterprise Grow Package. I am glad to note that those will be now enhanced with greater funding support and coverage.
However, for companies entering a new market, and especially for those who are new to internationalisation efforts, they would feel quite lost and may not even know what they can do with the funding. I would like to ask how can support be enhanced, so that they can have a good and strong head start?
Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs) have been playing increasingly critical roles in driving transformation and growth. Being close to the ground, they have a firm grasp of their members’ needs and a greater understanding of the industry. They have in recent years helped their members to adopt new innovative solutions and technologies to transform their businesses. They have also worked closely with the Government to help members. It is evident that they will, and must continue, to take on integral positions in this next round of internationalisation.
What other roles can TACs play in pooling knowledge and resources, both locally and in-market, to help businesses seeking to internationalise?
Help Singaporean Workers Remain Relevant
Chairman, in the midst of this uncertain economy, our mature and mid-career workers, many in their 40s and 50s, are most vulnerable. With the recent economic challenges and rapid technological advancement, some of them are struggling to make their career transitions. I wish to acknowledge their efforts to make use of SkillsFuture and other excellent government initiatives to reskill themselves.
Nevertheless, the climb is an uphill one. For every successful story, another shares his failed attempts to secure a good job despite months of networking, attending courses, seeking career guidance and so on.
I hope the Minister will share with us further efforts to grow the economy and how this will translate to good jobs and outcomes for Singaporeans.
In recent years, aviation, F&B, retail and tourism were booming. They were among the major sectors offering PCP and other mid-career transition measures. Today, government support is needed to help these industries tide over difficult times. I have confidence that this is only temporary and they will bounce back in good time.
But for those who have made the transition or are in the midst of getting the relevant qualifications and training to enter these industries, I wonder if their employment prospects will be affected. Yet such global crises are impossible to predict. What else will be done to help workers remain employable and industry-relevant in the rapidly changing environment?
I am glad that the Deputy Prime Minister reinforced his resolution in the Budget to move away from reliance on foreign workforce. I would like to take this opportunity to revisit my proposal on the Capability Transfer Programme (CTP) which I brought up last year during my Adjournment Motion to TAFEP and MOM.
Second, there must also be greater effort and localisation efforts to support Singapore's competitiveness and workers' sustainability. May I suggest that the companies be encouraged to set localisation targets for their workforce? Localisation targets meaning proportion of workforce that is local or setting a target for overall local proportion. This can be targeted for a range of skills and may need to be company-specific or dependent. It could be, for example, incorporate elements of training for eventual local employment and with a specific localisation target, for example, in three to five years.
The existing CTP supports firms to bring in foreign specialists to transfer capabilities to the local workforce, and to send locals abroad for training. The Ministry should consider expanding CTP and providing more resources to support the transfer of capabilities from foreign employees, who are already employed in Singapore, to local workers, with the aim of localising jobs. The foreign specialists that they bring in should mentor Singaporeans to take over or share the role.
Funding support for CTP should be expanded to include salary and training support for local specialists, as well as Singaporean trainees on overseas attachments to acquire new capabilities. Can we also consider CTP to support transfer of capabilities from foreign employees already employed in Singapore to local workers, with the eventual aim of localising jobs, working in tandem with the localisation targets I had mentioned earlier?
Upskilling, Re-skilling, Job Redesign
Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry (Nee Soon) : Chairman, in the face of significant economic and technology shifts, upskilling and re-skilling is paramount to good employment outcomes for Singaporeans. One can argue that success in both of these areas are some of the hardest public policy that few governments have succeeded in. There are several reasons and it is a complex issue.
Successful upskilling is usually done by successful companies. Because successful companies are the ones who have a clear vision for the future, and therefore the skills needed to reach that future.
They are also usually operating within a certain national culture, such as those found in Germany and Japan, where companies have a firm sense of responsibility to the long-term employment of the staff. This culture is usually supported by manpower policy at the national level.
Upskilling also requires complementary educational institutes and capability for both full-time and part-time upskilling.
If upskilling is difficult, re-skilling could be even more challenging. In fact, one would be stretched to think about more than a handful of countries that had systematically re-skilled people who are structurally unemployed.
Re-skilling workers to do different jobs is somewhat easier for larger companies, because while they are learning these new skills, they are usually working within the same company, within the culture. For example, as DBS banks digitise, many of its front-line workers got a place to be re-trained within other parts of the bank.
However, it is not always so easy to re-skill these people across the broader economy, because not many companies have the scale like DBS. Because in the interconnected world, international companies have the option of re-locating jobs outside Singapore, rather than re-skilling our workers. Because in this age of technology disruption, not all industries have a strong awareness of what is coming ahead and, therefore, workers, who are currently within or are trying to enter that industry, may not know what skills to re-skill on.
Despite these major challenges, it is very heartening that our Government is taking this issue by the horns for many years now, not just within MTI but whole-of-Government, and also to do it in a tripartite manner. Therefore, can MTI share how the Government can help workers remain employable and industry-relevant in this rapidly changing environment, especially mature and mid-career workers, many in their 40s and 50s? For example, how can we upskill more workers in industry-relevant competencies, such as in the area of Design.
The mindset of our workers is also pivotal. They must understand that in this day and age, careers are non-linear, and they must up-skill and re-skill themselves multiple times through their career.
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Nevertheless, companies play the crucial role. Can MTI share how our Government encourage more firms to embrace a mindset shift, to see workforce transformation as a critical complement to enterprise transformation. Accordingly, how can the Government support and incentivise more firms, especially SMEs, to invest in training and redesigning jobs for worker? And how is the Government publicising such information in a systematic manner?
Skills and Jobs
Mr Desmond Choo (Tampines) : COVID-19 outbreak has caused economic weaknesses and companies might be putting off the transformation work. Which are the industries that the Ministry expect to experience a longer recovery time? How is the Ministry helping these industries to continue the transformation?
According to some SME bosses, during a downturn it is also the best time to transform. COVID-19 will eventually come to pass. But the realities of a rapidly changing economy are unchanging. Transformation is critical for a longer term survival. How is the Ministry helping these companies to accelerate workforce transformation?
What are the benchmarks of transformation? Transformation would inevitably cause some of our workers to be left behind. This is especially acute amongst those in the 40s and 50s. How is the Ministry helping to keep them employable and industry-relevant?
Many companies are reluctant to train because the workers might be poached. This mindset is perhaps the great obstacle to manpower transformation. I would like to suggest the training innovation from Amazon. Amazon's career choice programme helps workers to gain skills in areas outside of Amazon's needs by providing resources and work flexibility. Amazon pays 95% of education fees and work flexibility for workers to pick up skills in industries that are in demand and well-paid, regardless of whether those skills are relevant to Amazon or not. Amazon possibly gains because it is seen as a progressive company. It can possibly only retain the promising ones. The industry and broader economy gain from the more skilled workers and workers gain by better skills, better jobs and wages.
We have many large companies in Singapore that have accumulated vast resources over time. If enough of them follows Amazon's example, it need not be a zero sum game of one company producing better skilled workers for others to poach. We can, in fact, grow the pie so that we can grow and benefit our workers collectively.
Grooming Local Talent
Mr Leon Perera : Sir, I note the Government's announcement that 60% to 70% of the jobs created domestically in Singapore from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) are PMET jobs. Going forward, it is important to support and develop Singaporean leaders in the private sector. To the extent that there are impediments to this, these should be understood and addressed.
A number of programmes have been launched to nurture local PMET and leadership talent, such as the Youth Future Leaders' Programme by EDB and NTUC, the SkillsFuture Leadership Development Initiative as well as the Enterprise Singapore-ASEAN Leadership programme.
I would like to ask for an update on the programmes used to support companies in Singapore, including MNCs to develop a pipeline of local talent in PMET and leadership roles. What has been the success associated with such programmes to-date?
Start-up
Mr Teo Ser Luck : Mr Chairman, Sir, every year we put a lot of emphasis on encouraging start-ups, either catalysing more start-ups in different areas in terms of tech or tech transformation but also in creating the hardware, for example, the Launchpad and several other places where it is clean tech start-up area. That is very encouraging and it is good to know that this year we are putting additional $300 million into deep-tech and with some focus on a couple of key areas, including agri-tech.
The question I have is that I do see many other related Ministries or relevant Ministries also putting in some of the investments into start-ups and also into technology. The question I have is whether there is synergy between them. And when we put in additional funds into it, what are the key performance indicators or indicators of success for such funds? I do not think we can compare a public fund for investments of this like the private funds where their ROIs is in terms of the immediate returns or short-term returns. But what exactly would be the indicator of success for our funds?
Secondly, it is that for the deep-tech start-ups, these have very long gestation period because it is long gestation period, it is very hard to forecast how far it goes. The question is the success is dependent on the commercialisation aspect of these start-ups because you do not want to invest in start-ups where it is just another science project. If it is another science project, then you come out of the lab but there is no commercial value, there is no demand.
We have to put in some of these funds, for example, the $300 million additional funds put it into agri-tech, would the agri-tech in future provide a more comparative and affordable pricing for some of what it produces or these technology startups would be able to scale overseas, globally, have a commercial aspect to that. I would like the Ministry to be able to elaborate further on what indicators are there for such an assessment.
Industry Development
Ms Foo Mee Har (West Coast) : Mr Chairman, Singapore’s investment in economic transformation seems to be moving in the right direction. Overall productivity rose to 2.6% per year over the last three years, up from 2.2% in the preceding three-year period.
The Industry Transformation Maps (ITMs) aimed at fostering innovation, boosting productivity and deepening skills of workers in the respective industries is central to our economic restructuring effort. Yet when I speak to business leaders, they continue to lament that potential synergies and capability development, which ITMs could provide, remain under-leveraged. Performance in industry transformation has been uneven across sectors.
[Deputy Speaker (Mr Charles Chong) in the Chair]
So, I would like to ask the Minister what lessons have been gleaned from the implementation of ITMs thus far? How can companies be better incentivised to band together and form alliances to develop industry-wide capabilities, build scale, go international and test sector-wide solutions? What progress has been made in the Government’s efforts to anchor key players in shared facilities and infrastructure to better support transformation and adoption of technology? And lastly, how can Government support the development of emerging sectors with good growth potential?
Sir, from the substantial Government investments made in the economic transformation journey that started four years ago, there must have be – there must be useful learnings from sectors that have gained good traction.
For example, what can we learn from manufacturers in the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries who have widely been recognised as the forerunners in the adoption of Industry 4.0 initiatives? MAS’s success in developing the Fintech sector and in instituting the concept of "regulatory sandbox" to spur innovation of new technology is also something that other sectors can emulate, to support experimentation and trials of promising innovations, with all the necessary safeguards.
Sir, strong local capabilities and eco-systems for innovation is key to securing Singapore’s economic success and resilience. SMEs need a lot of handholding to engage in R&D. I would like to ask the Minister how SMEs can be supported in shortening their learning curve, embracing technnology and participating fully in R&D.
What impact has the 10 Centres of Innovation (COIs) had on industry development? What outcomes have there been so far, of COIs in assisting SMEs? And how can university research and other research agencies support industry development in more substantive ways?
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat spoke about the vibrant startup eco-system in his Budget Speech. There are now 3,800 technology startups in Singapore. As Singapore now also a globally recognised leader of intellectual-property protection and scientific research centre, we should fully deploy our strengths to focus on supporting startups in deep-tech with research-based IP at its core.
Deep-tech start-ups in emerging technology areas such as agri-food tech can grow to become globally competitive. However, these same startups also require larger investments, longer gestation periods, and not every investor has the stomach for the higher risks that come with this. So, I would like to ask the Government how are we going to support these startups.
Mr Lee Yi Shyan (East Coast) : Sir, one of the key trends shaping Singapore's future is the rapid advancement of technology. Artificial intelligence, blockchain, 5G, robotics and so on are poised to shape future industries. The emergence of Industry 4.0 and Services 4.0, are fast becoming the new global landscape.
In fact, the on-going technology boom shows no sign of slowing. According to McKinsey Global Institute, up to 800 million global workers will lose their jobs to new technology by 2030. Earlier on, Deloitte and the University of Oxford predicted that 35% of the jobs in the UK in 2014 would go to robots in 30 years. Here in Singapore, many companies are trying to automate their operations without hiring more workers.
While Singapore is making all efforts to transform, we may still be too slow for competition. Against this backdrop, I would like to ask the Minister, how has MTI, been preparing our enterprises and workforce to adjust to the new economic landscape? In leading sectors such as AI and Blockchain where we are short of a critical mass of talents and companies to play in the global game, have MTI agencies made concerted efforts to bring in lead players and top talents to catalyse our local eco-system development?
Given that Chinese economy is now the second largest, and several of their IT and digital sectors are world-leading, has MTI been successful in attracting Chinese unicorns to be located in Singapore? How is MTI going to identify and attract would-be unicorns from China, India and ASEAN so that Singapore has a fair share of the future Asia unicorns, going forward?
The Chairman : Mr Leon Perera, you can take both your cuts.
Industry 4.0 Networking Platforms
Mr Leon Perera : Mr Chairman, Sir, the challenge of navigating Industry 4.0 is all about attracting investments in future-ready categories like AI, drones, IoT and so on. But that in turn can be unpacked into several distinct challenges that need to be met to attract that investment.
Firstly, creating a viable eco-system with financing and Government support.
Secondly, creating access to a critical mass of workers with the requisite skills and risk appetite and in this we have to balance foreigners with the Singaporean Core.
Thirdly, stimulating local demand for these products. While investments in Singapore would be to serve the region and the world, some local demand would help attract the attention of investors.
And fourthly, creating network effects where interactions among players and industry, academia, research centres, Government and top leaders can take place, thus catalysing new ideas.
To address the fourth challenge, why not catalyse the creation of networking platforms for distinct Industry 4.0 spaces like AI and IoT. One useful model could be the Product Executive Forum in Boston, an exclusive group for senior product leaders in that area. It brings together promising industry executives, academics and top leaders. It functions through breakfast seminars, round-tables and other events. Catalysing such a platform may be helpful. After all, in the Industry 4.0 race, it is not just about having the right people but also about those people interacting and cross-fertilising ideas and work streams.
Energy Security
Next cut on energy security. Mr Chairman, Sir, natural gas is the main way Singapore generates its electricity today. Indonesia accounts for 85% of imported natural gas in gaseous form with the remainder coming from Malaysia.
Pipeline natural gas has been supplemented by imports of liquified natural gas (LNG) for some years now from diverse source countries. However, Indonesia has announced that it is to stop natural gas exports to Singapore from Sumatra in 2023. It was not too clear if pipeline gas from Natunas would be similarly affected but the statement emanating from Indonesia's Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry on 8 February would seem to suggest so. If this takes place, it will place some pressure on our power-generation sources. Renewable energy sources, mainly solar power, as well as regional power grids, would take time to build up.
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Would the Government share its mitigation measures in light of this? Can LNG imports, for example, plug any gap that emerges after 2023? We should also take this opportunity to improve the renewable portion of our power generation mix. I am heartened to hear about the decarbonisation measures spoken about by the Government in Parliament last week. My colleague, Mr Dennis Tan, outlined various perspectives and suggestions from the Workers' Party on environmental policy in his Budget speech last week.
In conclusion, I would like to ask if the Government is studying two other energy possibilities.
Firstly, there have been media reports about private sector plans to build a solar farm in Australia and export the power to Singapore via a subsea cable. Secondly, I noted Senior Minister Teo's statement on nuclear power at the PMO COS that the potential for nuclear power is still being studied. Russia and China are exploring floating nuclear power plants based on seaborne platforms, with Russia in the process of deploying one. It may or may not be a practical possibility for Singapore to derive power by such means in the foreseeable future. But is the Government studying the risks that such projects by other countries may pose to Singapore?
Economic Transition to Decarbonisation
Ms Anthea Ong (Nominated Member) : Chairman, climate challenge is an economic structural challenge for Singapore, noted Minister Chan Chun Sing, who further added that, I quote, "If we cannot manage that, we cannot even attract the industries to create the jobs for the next generation."
IMF recently opined that price on carbon should rise to US$75 per tonne by 2030 in large emitting countries, placing constraints and pressures on fossil fuel-based industries, Yet, new energy technologies are currently available.
Would the Ministry consider (a) conducting and publishing stress test exercises specific to the petrochemical industry to understand growth risk under different scenarios of global carbon policy; (b) evaluating the potential for job creation, cost of living and environmental impact around carbon capture and storage, solar PV, nuclear, importing renewable energy, increasing industrial energy efficiency; and (c) developing a clear plan of economic transition to reduce our reliance on high carbon risk sectors, including actively involving our oil and gas industry before 2030.
Sustainability of Industries
Miss Cheryl Chan Wei Ling (Fengshan) : Chairman, let me begin by declaring that I am a senior executive with an industrial gas and engineering company.
The physical effects of climate change are increasingly visible on the environment, society and the global economy. Climate change is not a distant threat; it is happening now. Increasingly, people want to know if you are part of the problem or part of the solution.
To achieve the commitment in the 2015 Paris Accord of reducing Greenhouse Gases (GHG), it will require changes in societal behaviours, Government regulations, industrial engagement and technology development.
There has been much discussion on emission reductions focused primarily on high carbon footprint industries, specifically the petrochemical and manufacturing industries. Before we focus on any individual, we must first put in perspective and recognise there are many parts in the entire value chain before the GHG emissions.
Take, for example, hydrogen gas. Energy is required to produce hydrogen. But hydrogen is an essential ingredient to produce low-sulfur fuels to meet even stricter environmental standards, thereby reducing the sulfur emissions into our environment. Hydrogen technology can also be used as a transformative energy carrier or as clean fuel for mobility and transportation.
It is important to understand whether the products being produced, the manufacturing processes used and the industry value chain on the whole actually have a larger benefit to the society in terms of carbon productivity, support sustainability and how they help to avoid more GHG emissions on a net basis. Further, we have to ask if the industries invest in new technologies that drive operational efficiency, thereby reducing GHG, adopt usage of renewable energy sources in their production that shape the energy transformation, re-use the waste streams or capture the carbon emitted for alternate usage. Whether the industries are working towards decarbonisation that contributes towards managing climate change is key.
Planning and facilitating transitions towards "cleaner" modes of operation and to cleaner industries would result in significant economic impact in terms of jobs, cost and overall operations. No industry is spared from the effects of climate change and all sectors have to play their part in mitigating the effects of climate change. As such, our ITMs, which are the roadmaps for growth and competitiveness for our industries, should include sustainability as an essential component of their workplan and transformation.
I would like to ask how can we prepare our economy for the ramifications of climate change and reduce our carbon emissions in a sustainable manner? Will MTI consider including sustainability as a fifth pillar of the ITMs?
Relatedly, will MTI consider creating a platform to facilitate exchange of best practices for emission reduction across all major sectors of Singapore's economy, given the success of tripartite collaborations like the Singapore Packaging Agreement? Through this, companies can harness the best knowledge, balance their obligations to all stakeholders to continue driving their financial performance while being a good steward of our environment.
Marginal Return to Productivity Spending
Assoc Prof Walter Theseira (Nominated Member) : Mr Chairman, the Government has implemented many policies to boost productivity growth. Recent schemes include the Productivity Solutions Grant, Enterprise Development Grant and Automation Support Package. Budget 2020's Transformation and Growth strategies continue these efforts.
How effective are each of the recent productivity growth grant schemes, in terms of the marginal return to public spending and the impact on industry and jobs? To what extent can we attribute recent improvements in Total Factor Productivity growth to these policies?
MTI's Economist Service publishes excellent research on the effects of various industry policies. Could the Ministry develop a mandatory programme evaluation framework for all major productivity enhancement schemes? Each scheme should have a logic model that defines target outcomes prior to implementation. Evaluation results should be published at clear intervals, such as at the mid-term and shortly after the conclusion of the scheme. The most important schemes should have their evaluation results subjected to academic peer review to enhance credibility.
Technology-driven innovation can improve productivity, worker welfare and make jobs more desirable to Singaporeans. In a recent working paper, Prof Ivan Png from NUS studied a supermarket chain in Singapore that redesigned the cashier's job to focus only on scanning groceries. Payments were handled by automation. Switching to a scan-only job format improved worker welfare and boosted local recruitment. It also improved scanning-speed productivity by 9%. Prof Png's research highlights the importance of carefully scrutinising the effects of technology improvements.
We should not spend such significant sums on productivity transformation without an equally strong commitment to understanding whether such efforts are cost-effective and meaningful.
Enterprise Transform Package
Mr Douglas Foo : Mr Chairman, in Singapore, SMEs account for an estimated two-thirds of all employment and contribute almost S$200 billion to the economy. SMEs form an integral part of our economy and are seen as the future drivers of Singapore's growth. With the number of SMEs constantly hovering at above 200,000 companies, there is, understandably, a wide range of companies all at very different stages of growth.
While there is a host of support for start-ups and small SMEs, understandably which are more vulnerable, it is timely that we look into investing and supporting SMEs which have managed to show a good track record and are ready to embark on the next stage of growth.
With the announcement of the Enterprise Leadership for Transformation Programme as part of the Enterprise Transform Package, I believe this is a good extension of our current SME support framework.
The Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) stands ready to assist to reach out to this community. I strongly believe that Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs) can be a useful platform to reach out to these business leaders and engage them with new initiatives such as this.
With its aim as providing training to business leaders, the Enterprise Leadership for Transformation Programme is one for the long-term – to enable and develop capabilities. The Budget Statement talks about grooming 900 business leaders over the next three years. May I humbly please ask the Minister: how will these leaders be identified? Are more details available on the plans for the training and mentorship framework? How can TACs continue to help on this journey.?
The Chairman : Mr Teo Ser Luck, you can do both your cuts.
Enterprise Development
Mr Teo Ser Luck : Mr Chairman, MTI was very clear in strengthening the local enterprises and I believe they have a pyramid where most of the enterprises at the bottom were actually lower in revenue numbers – micro-enterprises and then small, medium and large. This is a very good pyramid to show. Although we have over 200,000 SMEs in Singapore, every one is in its different places and most of them are actually micro enterprises. And I understand that MTI's strategy is quite clear. Those who move the needles, there is a lot focus on them. And some of those who move the needles, they are actually large companies. And we have a Scale-up Programme within MTI or EIG to help these companies to be strengthened. So, for example, what Mr Douglas Foo has mentioned about training the leaders, as well as after training the leaders, they make a transformation within a company and strengthen the company.
But you might realise that a lot of the medium sized companies, even to the smaller sized companies, not micro enterprises yet, but smaller ones to the medium sized ones, they have a lot of potential. The Scale-up Programme today, if I am not wrong, actually comprises most of the very large companies or companies that have above $100 million revenue. But the medium enterprises and the small enterprises might have the innovation, technology, concepts and plans or very passionate and enthusiastic entrepreneurs or founders that run them that could potentially make them global. Would the Scale-up Programme include these enterprises as well, from the small to the medium size and have a larger wastage for them?
Heartland Enterprises
And I would like to speak more about the micro enterprises as well. If those who have potential, we can grow them. But you know that some of them at the heartlands who are micro enterprises may not have the chance at all. They are just looking for survival. But these micro enterprises at the heartlands, we call them "heartland enterprises", they have both a commercial and also a social impact on our lives. Having lived in an HDB estate for more than 25 years, there are a lot of the shops that I still visit today and that personalised approach keeps them going. Several of us continue to patronise those shops and they continue to be there.
I know that MND and MTI are trying to spruce up these heartland enterprises. One of the major things they do in the past few years was upgrading the hardware facilities, the surroundings, hopefully, to capture the foot traffic. But you know, it is not just the hardware that we should upgrade. Maybe, it is the software as well. It is about helping these heartland enterprises maybe about a centralised inventory planning, financial planning, product innovation. And some of these things actually matter – bringing them online and become more e-commerce focused. And this may help them to draw in more customers instead of looking at just the foot traffic because, if it is just the foot traffic, they compete directly with the heartland malls and their prices. So, they may not have a chance to position themselves.
Would the Ministry consider looking at the heartland enterprises and look at the software aspect to actually put in the funding to help them?
Digitalisation
Ms Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar) : Chairman, during this period of the COVID-19 outbreak, people are taking precautions and minimising contact by avoiding crowds where possible. This crisis provides an opportunity and the motivation for our smaller, especially the simpler and more traditional, businesses and enterprises to adopt digitalisation for their operations.
However, many of these business owners would need help and I would like to request that the Ministry provide the additional support to our heartland enterprises to digitise and go online. Can the Ministry provide the expertise and guide them towards any support grants so that they can serve more customers through this relatively new sales channel? For example, there are many more people now who prefer to have their meals and groceries delivered to them. I hope the Ministry will take this opportunity to help more of our heartland enterprises move towards digitalisation.
Consumer Matters
Mr Lim Biow Chuan (Mountbatten) : Sir, I declare my interest in speaking on this topic as the President of the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE).
I have three points for MTI's consideration regarding consumer matters.
Recently, there were several complaints recently regarding retailers selling face masks at substantially higher prices. This action of retailers taking advantage of consumers and profiteering during the COVID-19 outbreak is simply unacceptable. May I ask the Minister how many retailers have been queried by the price controller? What action would be taken against such recalcitrant retailers? What else can MTI do to warn businesses that they should not profiteer and should not take advantage of consumers during uncertain times? CASE will be happy to continue working with MTI to educate and empower consumers to know more about their rights and to protect themselves from unscrupulous businesses.
Next, it was recently reported in the media that some consumers were cheated when they tried to buy face masks online via Carousell. Last year, I asked MAS to work with the Association of Banks of Singapore (ABS) and credit card issuing banks to raise awareness of charge-back schemes. And this will enable consumers to seek refund from their credit card banks if they encounter a dishonest online vendor. After all, banks that provide banking facilities for their merchants have a better knowledge and control over their commercial partners. May I ask what is the status of this request to MAS and ABS?
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Finally, under the Consumer Protection Fair Trading Act, if a supplier engages in an unfair practice and refuses to sign a Voluntary Compliance Agreement not to continue its unfair practice, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) may apply for an Injunction against the recalcitrant supplier. Before applying for an Injunction, CCCS needs to conduct an investigation and take statements from consumers. The process is quite tedious and not all consumers will want to spend their personal time giving statements to CCCS and appearing in court as witnesses. Sometimes, if the consumer needs to be publicly identified as someone who was taken advantage of, the consumer may rather not be embarrassed.
I am of the view that consumers will be more forthcoming if they do not have to worry about having to go to Court all the time. Will the Government consider amending the CPFTA to allow CCCS to have wider options of imposing administrative financial penalties instead the current option of only seeking an injunction against egregious businesses? The Competition Act has a financial penalty framework; perhaps a similar framework can be introduced for the CPFTA. Will MTI consider?
The Chairman : Leader of the House.