80th Anniversary Commemorative Book - Singapore Manufacturing ...

Building up core strengthUndoubtedly, the ability of SMF members to weather external challengeshas been due to their diligence in constantly reinventing and strengtheningthemselves to stay relevant.The SMF’s leaders have stood resolute over the years, refusing to letchange floor them. One area which they identified as a vital pillar of successis training. Over the past decade, the SMF has successfully worked withthe Government and various other partners on programmes to keep itsmembers competitive.Improving skillsToday, a diverse array of courses is being offered under the SMF umbrella,covering postgraduate courses like Masters in Business Administration, tobasic courses like conversational English. Other courses addressing areaslike how to tap on Government subsidies and schemes are fundamental andvery useful for members. There are currently more than 160 Governmentschemes and funds for companies.“There are funds available to us but it’s not as simpleas one would imagine,” noted Mr John Kong, a formerSMF Honorary Secretary. “How do you tap into thatfund?” asked Mr Kong, who is the Managing Directorof M Metal. “The SMF helps its members tap into suchfunds.”Seminars and workshops conducted by theSMF Centre for Corporate Learning helpedparticipants to contribute more effectivelyto their organisations.Often workers are involved in a wide range of processesand they require different training in all their operations.They need to develop their skills in conducting all theseactivities, using supply chain management which is fundamental in makingthem more competitive.However, workers may find it a challenge to attend these courses becausecompanies, especially SMEs, are unable to release their workers for anextended period of time. In such cases, the SMF pulls out all the stops.“There was an excellent course which would help companies improve theirproductivity if their staff attended it, but a lot of our SME members could notspare their staff,” recounted Mr Michael Chin, who is Chairman of the SMF’s76 Initiating Change 1997 – 2012