The company said it has seen its processes transformed and enhanced by digitalisation and automation over the years.
“Our factory in Tuas is highly automated. The skillset has changed from people doing very manual, very mundane jobs to be able to utilise digital tools and use data to make decisions. This is also the upskilling that we need to continue to do,” said the firm’s chief supply chain officer Michelle Shi-Verdaasdonk.
“Ten years ago, people might not want to have a job as a warehouse or logistics executive, because they think of the environment as dirty, or of the work being heavy duty,” she added.
“But with all the automation that have come into modern warehouses, and also the technologies that are applied literally at your fingertips, it’s (different and) a lot safer today.”
TALENT AND UPSKILLING
Government agencies such as SkillsFuture will work with institutes for higher learning to translate these increasingly sought-after skillsets into training programmes, said WSG’s manufacturing division director Anderson Ee.
They will cater to both employers looking to upskill their existing workforce, as well s individuals seeking to equip themselves with relevant knowledge to join the sector or to progress in their current roles.
“There are ongoing efforts to enhance public awareness of SCM, such as collaboration with industry stakeholders,” Mr Ee said.
“(Our partners have also) launched masterclasses equipping individuals with digital and sustainability skillsets to manage the flow of goods and services in the new world. There is a lot more to be done, and we are working on developing and attracting talents in this particular sector.”
SCM professionals command a median salary of approximately S$5,900, higher than the national median salary of S$4,680, the EDB said.
The EDB and SSG has developed a reference guide on trends reshaping SCM jobs, in-demand skills, and information on training. It will be available on the EDB website on Jul 31.
“These insights will guide our training providers in curriculum development and help enterprises enhance their in-house SCM training programmes,” said Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling.
“They will also help workers get equipped with the necessary skills to upskill and reskill for a rewarding career.”