Forum

IPS Forum on Older Workers

Synopsis

The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) of the National University of Singapore and the Tripartite Workgroup on Older Workers (TWG-OW) that is reviewing Singapore’s policies for older workers are convening a forum on 9 January 2019 from 2.00pm to 5.30pm at the Devan Nair Institute.

While Singapore is an ageing society, the level of education and health status of succeeding cohorts of seniors will improve. Their work experience, networks and exposure to technology will also be deeper and more diverse than earlier cohorts. Adding to that are innovations in production techniques, business models, human resource management systems and public policy, which can make it possible for people to work longer, smarter and differently. It is important to remove barriers that prevent individuals from staying in a workforce for as long as they wish; to protect their ability to do so and even incentivise them to that. This will allow employers to make the most of the country’s limited human capital so that the economy does not suffer a dip in vibrancy from the demographic trend. Such efforts can also enhance the retirement income of our seniors.

These are the issues that will be discussed at the forum. It will begin with an overview of current policy and a summary of views that the TWG-OW has received through the public engagement sessions it has convened. That will be followed by two presentations — the first on the experience of other countries in this area of public policy, and the second on innovations in technology and people-management systems — to explore ways to extend the employability of older workers here. The forum culminates in a dialogue session with members of the TWG-OW to hear participants’ responses to the issues raised and their views on the reform of retirement and re-employment policy.

Note: The terms of reference of the TWG-OW are:
To ensure an inclusive workforce and progressive workplaces that value older workers;
To review the longer-term relevance of the retirement and re-employment age;
To consider the next moves on the retirement and re-employment age;
To examine the CPF contribution rates for older workers and their impact on retirement adequacy

This event is open to media coverage.

The programme can be found here.

SESSION I: SETTING THE SCENE

• Presentation Slides of Lee Pak Sing
• Presentation Slides of Vikas Sharma

SESSION II: PICTURING THE FUTURE

• Presentation Slides of Christopher Gee
• Background Material by Christopher Gee [Slides]

SESSION III: SHAPING THE FUTURE – DIALOGUE WITH THE MEMBERS OF THE TRIPARTITE WORKGROUP ON OLDER WORKERS (TWG-OW)