PM Lee's call for culture shift lauded by employers, unions

[SINGAPORE] Employers and unions applauded the Prime Minister's call to look beyond paper qualifications, but said stakeholders must find ways to offer diverse paths to success.

"Some employment mindsets are still steeped in the fact that a university degree holder is better qualified than one without a degree," Courts Asia chief executive Terry O'Connor said. "There should be a shift in employment practices that will holistically take into consideration an individual's abilities and aptitude, not only during the hiring process, but also when promotions and remuneration are being considered."

Singapore needs a culture shift that allows workers to advance regardless of whether they hold a university degree, PM Lee Hsien Loong said on Sunday in his National Day Rally speech.