SGTech supports Joint Statement on Fair Hiring and Employment Practices

Our Executive Director Yean Cheong represented SGTech at a media conference convened by Singapore Business Federation on 19 January to announce a Joint Statement on Fair Hiring and Employment Practices. This Joint Statement was made by 29 Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs) under the TAC Alliance, of which SGTech is a member.

Panellists at the media conference (L-R): Dr John Lee (Association of Banks in Singapore), Mr Andrew Kwan (Restaurant Association of Singapore), Mr Lim Ming Yan (Singapore Business Federation), Ms Yean Cheong (SGTech), Mr Per Magnusson (Singapore International Chamber of Commerce) and Mr Federico Donato (Eurocham Singapore).

(Photo credit: Singapore Business Federation)

In addition to the three principles articulated in the statement - Promote positive workplace relations, Practise fair hiring, and Provide development opportunities - Embracing Diversity is also close to our hearts.

There are conscious and unconscious bias and misconceptions that we must address for the tech sector to implement best practices in our hiring and development.

Conscious bias - hiring for tech roles

For example, a conscious bias is a common assumption that one must be trained in “tech” to be hired for a tech role. This notion may already result in qualified candidates self-excluding themselves to apply.

In fact, we have companies prepared to invest in training and development, taking a different approach to attract and select new hires based on their personal qualities and merit.

Through tailored company-led-training programmes, these companies are committed to equipping new hires with the right skills, not just for tech-lite roles, but “tech-heavy” roles as well.

On the “tech-lite” side of things, we have seen very encouraging responses from companies who have benefitted from the Professional Conversion Schemes (PCPs).

Addressing the gender imbalance

SGTech wants to tackle gender imbalance in many parts of the tech industry in two prongs:

Firstly, supporting women already in the tech workforce, through our member companies’ concerted and coordinated efforts. SGTech will build on existing efforts and implement new initiatives to do so. There are plans in the pipeline that we will announce soon.

Secondly, we want to grow the awareness of opportunities in the sector and expose the younger generation - both boys and girls - to potential career options in the industry.

This is about starting young - not when they are in higher learning institutes - but from the toys that they play with as children. It is also about paying attention to the language we use to describe job roles, breaking down gender stereotype,s and nurturing more gender equality for the next-gen tech workforce. We will collaborate with strategic partners in this area.

Talent initiatives

Read these Employer Spotlights on companies that SGTech has supported to tap on talent initiatives to fill their tech roles.

To find out about available talent initiatives and support for hiring for your tech workforce, browse here or write to us at talent@sgtech.org.sg.