Date Published: 05 Jun 2006
A strategic alliance among the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), the Sentosa Leisure Group (SLG), and the Tourism Academy@Sentosa leads the way for the building of a first-class tourism workforce in Singapore with the adoption of the Tourism Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) System for the whole Sentosa Island. This was announced by Dr Ng Eng Hen, the Minister for Manpower and the Second Minister for Defence, at the official launch of Tourism WSQ on 5 June 2006 at Sentosa.
2. The alliance paves the way for the 3,000 strong workforce on the island to have their skills developed and certified nationally under the Tourism WSQ. 7,000 new jobs are expected to be created with the setting up of the Sentosa Integrated Resort by 2009/2010. As one of Singapore’s flagship attractions with players in the range of tourism industries like hotels, attractions, F&B and events management, Sentosa’s embracing of Tourism WSQ will have significant long-term impact on the tourism workforce. Tourism WSQ is Singapore’s first formal qualification system for tourism. It was jointly developed by the tourism industry, led by CEO and President of Raffles Holdings Ms Jennie Chua, and WDA.
3. Raising the skills and service standards of its entire workforce is a strategic thrust in Sentosa’s $8 billion revamp to “woo and wow" 8 million visitors by 2010. This is especially so as the island is set to play host to high-profile events like the Forbes Global CEO Conference and Barclays Singapore Open Golf Tournament in September 2006.
4. Under the alliance: WDA will work with Sentosa to align its existing in-house training programmes to the national standards set in Tourism WSQ. Workers going through Sentosa’s in-house training programmes will be facilitated by The Tourism Academy@Sentosa to be certified under WSQ. In addition, workers who are already very competent in their work will be put on direct assessment so that they can receive national certification for their skills for their personal advancement. This will benefit particularly those with little academic qualifications. Sentosa will lend its expertise to jointly develop with WDA national standards in beach management that are currently not available in Singapore. These will be pegged at standards used by world-renowned beaches, such as the Gold Coast. Tourism Academy@Sentosa aims to open up its specialty courses (for a start, in service quality and food and beverage) to the attractions industry. This alliance will put Sentosa in the lead in building a first-class tourism workforce to create a world-class experience for visitors.
5. Palawan Beach is the latest Sentosa attraction to be unveiled in June 06 after a $11-million revamp. The beach underwent a major makeover to provide quality amenities for the whole family, including new beachfront dining options, convenience stores and free animal shows. Staff at Palawan Beach are being equipped with skills and competencies in areas like animal handling and showmanship, beverage preparation and table-side service skills. Elsewhere on the island, Siloso Beach Resort, Rasa Sentosa Resort and Underwater World Singapore have also put their workforce through WSQ in areas like providing front-line service and animal husbandry.
6. Sentosa joins 30 other industry leaders like Pan Pacific Singapore, Shangri-La Singapore, Singapore Zoological Gardens, Singapore Discovery Centre and Chan Brothers to put the workforce under Tourism WSQ. The system is the national response to the challenge of making the tourism workforce world-class, ahead of the setting up of the Integrated Resorts and in time to achieve Singapore’s Tourism 2015 vision of doubling visitor arrivals to 17 million and tripling tourism receipts to $30 billion. It will transform the skills and careers of 150,000 existing workers in the tourism industry and go towards getting locals to seize new employment opportunities in the industry that are expected to increase by almost 70% by 2015.
7. More than 140 competencies have been set under the system to cover a range of job functions across the tourism sectors of Hotel & Accommodation Services, Attractions, Travel & Tour Services, MICE (Meetings, Incentive Trips, Conventions and Exhibitions) & Events. Over 65 leading organisations in the tourism industry have lent their expertise to validate and endorse the competencies set in this system. A separate system for the Food & Beverage industry is being developed
About Singapore Workforce Development Agency
8. The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) seeks to enhance the competitiveness and employability of employees and jobseekers, thereby building a workforce that meets the changing needs of Singapore’s economy. Working with industry, unions, employers, economic agencies, professional associations and training organisations, the agency’s efforts are targeted at supporting industry growth by building a pipeline of workers through training and skills upgrading, and raising industry standards through enhancing manpower capabilities. About Sentosa Mere minutes from the city and nestled at the heart of a world-class shopping and entertainment hub emerging in the south of Singapore, Sentosa island resort is fast becoming Asia’s leading leisure destination. With a plethora of interesting attractions, dining options, award-winning spa retreats, lush secondary rainforest, white sandy beaches, resort accommodation, championship golf courses, deep-water yachting marina and luxury residences, the 500-hectacre island is a popular destination for both local residents and tourists. The island is currently undergoing a US$5 billion rejuvenation plan that will update its appeal and facilitate convenient public access. Sentosa achieved a record 5.2 million visitors last fiscal year and is poised for the development of a brand new US$3 billion integrated family resort by 2010.
About Tourism Academy@Sentosa
9. The Tourism Academy @ Sentosa, a collaboration between Sentosa Leisure Group and Temasek Polytechnic, opened its door in May 2005. In the past 12 months, 870 staff from Sentosa Leisure Group and other island partners like Sentosa Luge, Kodak Digiphoto, Silosa Beach Resort have attended training courses like service fundamentals and various food & beverage related programmes. Since 1991, Temasek Business School’s Hospitality and Tourism Division has earned a reputation for taking an innovative approach to education. It has introduced cutting-edge methodology embracing the latest technology, real-life learning and thinking processes. Besides the four full-time diplomas, namely: Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Management, Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Business, Diploma in Leisure & Resort Management and Diploma in Culinary & Catering Management, Temasek Polytechnic also conducts training for the tourism industry, which include regional tourism officials under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as for private organisations.
