See the TAC cup as half-full and address all issues positively

I REFER to the article, "For trade groups, a mounting test of relevance" (BT, March 30).

Indeed, many trade associations and chambers (TACs) face various issues and challenges. I have been urging the government for some time to beef up the TACs in order to strengthen the industries they represent. Finally, in Budget 2016, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat announced that the government will be allocating up to S$30 million over the next five years and seconding up to 20 public officers to support the TACs. This is much needed funding and manpower support to TACs.

I am glad the government recognises the importance of this combined support, for if there's only funding without the secondment of manpower, then it could be throwing money to the wind and the full potential of the TACs may not be realised. Depending on the seniority of the public officers seconded, they may also act as interim "executive directors" of the TACs.