New scheme offers funding, professional help for services companies to transform, boost productivity

Singapore

SERVICES sector companies in Singapore can now get more help to transform their businesses as they adapt to changing manpower needs and consumer demands.

They will be able to tap government subsidies and professional guidance under the new Service Industry Transformation Programme (SITP) announced by Manpower Minister Josephine Teo on Wednesday.

Over four months, companies can implement up to two transformation projects with the help of a certified productivity consultant from the Singapore Productivity Centre (SGPC) which, together with Workforce Singapore (WSG), aims to support close to 180 companies and 1,100 workers in the service industry through the new scheme.

In her speech, Mrs Teo said amid present economic uncertainties, some employers are worried, and they might wonder whether it is better to think about survival and current jobs than about transformation and j…