Editorial MessageIn spite of ASPRI’s short span of a quarter into the year, many
events took place which saw plenty of opportunities for
friendships/partnership formed for our members and council
members and their clients.
Besides these, a whole range of networking events initiated by
ASPRI, the Association has also been working closer than ever
with government agencies, creating greater engagement with our
members through the Association’s activities.
Furthermore, informative sessions have been conducted to
update companies on the available government assistance programmes.
Read ahead to find out more about our activities. Feel free to
approach any of our Secretariat staff and we will be more glad to
assist you on any industry matters.
Editorial Advisory:
Mr. Charles Quek (President)
Mr. Lim Jit Say (Executive Director)
Editor:
Ms. Chantal Quek (Senior Manager),
Ms. Corlissa Shen (Executive
We welcome contributions of news
related to the process supporting
industry. Please send your
contributions or queries to:
ASPRI Secretariat
26 Boon Lay Way
#01-88 Tradehub 21
S’pore 609970
t: 65605051 f: 65609692
pg 2Lohei Dinner
cum MOU
Signing
pg 3Inaugural
Youth Futsal
Tournament
pg 4
Excusive
Annual
Dialogue
pg 6
Manpower
Policy
Updates
pg 7
Secretariat
Updates
UEN : S97SS0046G
Jan – Mar 2013
Mr. Charles Quek was first elected into ASPRI
Executive Council (previously called ASPRI Steering
Committee) back in 2002. After serving ASPRI for
ten years, he was elected as President in 2012. The
Lohei was significant to him as he spoke as President on
that evening and also highlighted the plans of ASPRI
and its 7 committees.
ASPRI PROSPERITY LOHEI DINNER
2013 CUM MOU SIGNING WITH THE
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (WDA)
On 20 Feb 2013, ASPRI held its Annual Prosperity
Lohei Dinner at the Singapore Island Country Club
(SICC). The esteemed event saw an impressive 389
attendees from 86 member companies, including 50
invited guests from 20 companies, such as:
ExxonMobil
Shell Eastern Petroleum
PCS, and others.
ASPRI's Advisor, SMS. Lee Yi Shyan (Senior Minister
of State, Minister of Trade and Industry & Ministry of
National Development) graced the evening as Guest of
Honour.
Following the significant event of the MOU Signing
for the Development and Apprenticeship (DNA)
Programme, it was a night of performances by a live
jazz band, a windfall lucky draw winnings and
networking between our member companies,
government agencies and plant owners. Press journalists
from the Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) were also
present to cover the event.
Events Highlights
DID YOU KNOW?
Through the DNA programme, WDA
pledges $1 million to support these
companies, by providing structured
development and career progression
pathways for 46 locals over the next 2
years.
During which, these locals will undergo
a 12-month programme that will
comprise of company-specific
training to facilitate entry of new
workers into the industry.
These 5 participating companies are:
• Hai Leck Engineering (Pte) Ltd
• HSL Constructor Pte Ltd
• Mun Siong Engineering Ltd
• Rotary Engineering Ltd
• Shao Fook Engineering Pte Ltd
Signing of MOU with Mr. Ang Chai Soon (Director of
Healthcare Retail & Business Services Division, WDA) (3rd
from right) and the 5 participating companies.
A night of
entertainment,
celebration and
festivities.
Plenty of opportunities for networking Attendees truly enjoyed themselves
that night
Mr. Charles
Quek posing
for a photo
with ASPRI
Advisor SMS
Lee Yi Shyan
pg 2
On 2 March 2013, ASPRI held its Inaugural Youth Futsal Tournament.
Initiated by the ASPRI’s Youth Committee, registration was full with 16
participating teams in spite of it being our 1st tournament. Despite the extreme
weather conditions (where there was both scorching heat and pouring rain), the
participants were all praises and had no complaints. The passion amongst the
players were so strong that some were already looking forward to the next
tournament.
The event proved to be an excellent occasion where young people in the Process
Supporting Industry could network, form new friendships, strengthen existing
bonds, and still have fun.
ASPRI’S INAUGURAL YOUTH
FUTSAL TOURNAMENT
Events Highlights
Champion – PCS (Petrochemical
Corporation of Singapore Pte Ltd)
Drew 2-2 with Austin United in normal time. Won
3-1 on penalties
1st Runner Up – Austin United (Austin Energy
Asia Pte Ltd)
Drew 2-2 with PCS in normal time. Lost 3-1 on
penalties
2nd Runner Up – Rotary Stars (Rotary Engineering
Ltd)
Beat ExxonMobil 2-1 in the 3rd/4th placing match
Top Scorer – Mr. Vijayakumar Naidu
(Petrochemical Corporation of Singapore Pte Ltd)
Golden Boot Award with 7 goals
WINNERS
The Champions – Team PCS
1st Runner Up –
Austin United
Despite the extreme weather conditions, the
participants were all praises.
pg 3
Events HighlightASPRI ANNUAL EXCLUSIVE
DIALOGUE WITH MOF,
MOM, MTI AND IRAS
On 3 April 2013, ASPRI held its Annual
Exclusive Dialogue session for member
companies and the various government agencies,
namely the Ministry of Finance (MOF), Ministry
of Manpower (MOM), Ministry of Trade and
Industries (MTI) and also the Inland Revenue
Authority of Singapore (IRAS).
Presenters from the government agencies
presented on updates from Budget 2013, such as
corporate tax reduction, Wage Credit Scheme
(WCS) and also PIC bonus. Thereafter, a Panel
was present to answer questions and address
issues raised by the attendees. It was an
informative and candid, and many honest issues
were raised.
Attendees who were present had
the chance to raise their concerns
and questions.
Panelists (from left): Mr. Tan Kiat How (Director of Economic Programmes)
from MOF, Mrs. Penny Han (Divisional Director) from Ministry of Manpower
(MOM), Mr. James Goh (Immediate Past President, ASPRI 9th Executive Council)
from ASPRI, Mr. Chng Kai Fong (Director, Resource Division) from the Minsitry of
Trade and Industries (MTI), and Mr. Anthony Tan (Manager, Corporate Tax
Division) from Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).
The dialogue would be
useful in helping
businesses to sustain or
even grow, especially for
the Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs).
MEMBERS’ NIGHTOn the 3rd April 2013, ASPRI
had its Member's Night at the
Lustre Lounge Bar, where
members were encouraged to invite
their clients to joim. The event saw a
wonderful turnout of 76
representatives from 34 member
companies. These representatives
include CEOs, directors, business
development managers and other
top management personnel.
It was a fruitful
time of
networking for
our attendees,
forming budding
friendships with one another and
also catching up with old friends.
Companies like CTCI, EastmanChemical, ExxonMobil, Interion,Jurong Aromatics Corporation,Neste Oil, Shell were present.
ASPRI is pleased to receive
sponsorship from our
member companies for this
Members’ Night, namely:
• HSL Constructor Pte Ltd
• Mun Siong Engineering
Limited.
pg 4
If interested in sponsorships, please contact
Ms. Chantal Quek at tel: 6560 5051.
Business Developments
ASPRI SEMINARS ON GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMMES (GAP)
Since the 20th July 2012, ASPRI has been conducting a series of 5 seminars
regarding the various Government Assistance Programmes on a regular
basis. These seminars highlight those schemes arising from the recent Budget,
and would see a turn out of at least 20 attendees per session.
Furthermore, the ASPRI-Institute
of Process Industry (ASPRI-IPI)
shared on the DNA Programme
and other relevant training courses
they provide, which would be
beneficial for members.
•Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
Rebate
•HR Capability Toolkit
•Business Advisory
Programme (BAP)
•Wage Credit Scheme (WCS)
•Productivity Innovation
Credit (PIC) Bonus
•Capability Development
Grant (CDG), etc
Topics covered during GAP:
pg 5
Highlights from Singapore Budget 2013
Qualifying Criteria for S-Pass Workers
MOM will increase the S Pass qualifying salary criteria from $2,000 to $2,200 as of 1 Jul 2013 (with older and more experienced S Pass applicants will need to qualify at higher salaries). It was also mentioned that Foreign Worker Levies, Work Passes and also S Passes wil l increase in 1 Jul 2014 and 1 Jul 2015
Changes to Foreign Worker Levy (FWL) Rates(current till 2015):
New Salary Rules for hiring Foreign Workers
From July 2013, the salary threshold for full-time local will be increased from S$850 to S$1000. Locals earning below S$1000 but more than S$500 will be considered as 0.5 local worker regardless if he/ she is working as full or part-time worker.
Wage Credit Scheme (WCS)
Under this scheme, the government will co-fund 40% of Singaporean employees with wages $4,000 or below for YA2013-2015.
NEW: PIC Bonus
With minimum spending of $5,000 on qualifying PIC activities, businesses will enjoy a dollar-to-dollar matching bonus (up to $15,000) in addition to existing PIC benefits for YA2013-2015. This bonus seeks to support businesses in the costs incurred for improvement in productivity and innovation.
Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Rebate
Initiated by IRAS, a three-year CIT rebate of 30% capped at $30,000 per Year of Assessment (“YA”) from YA 2013 to YA 2015. This scheme is given to help companies alleviate rising business costs over the medium-term.
Road Tax Rebate
In order to relieve business costs, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has set aside $46 million to provide 30% road tax rebate for goods vehicles (including goods-cum-passenger vehicles), buses and taxis for one year. this rebate will take place from 1 July 2013.
Increase in CPF Contribution Rates
CPF has introduced the increase in contribution rates for older workers (Aged 36 and above) with a monthly salary of $50 to $1,500. This scheme will commence in 1 Jan 2014, with the rates as follows:
SME Talent Programme
Launched by SPRING Singapore, together with industry chambers and trade associations and chambers, this programme seeks to attract polytechnic and ITE students over the next five years to join SMEs upon graduation.
SOURCE: http://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/budget_2013/key_initiatives/business1.html#s1
pg 6
Income CPF Contribution rates
Employer Employee
>$50 - <$500 Raised to the full CPF
contribution rates of
workers earning more
than $1,500.
No mandatory CPF contributions required.
Gradually increases with wage, from 0% (at income of $500/month) to the full contribution rates (at income of
$750/month). $500 - <$750
$750 - <$1500 Raised to the full CPF contribution rates of workers earning more than $1,500.
IE Singapore
Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant
Established by IE Singapore, this grant will help Singapore-based companies’ overseas venture by co-funding 50% of eligible costs, capped at $20,000 per year for each company. For more information, do visit the IE Singapore website.
SOURCE:http://www.iesingapore.gov.sg/wps/wcm/connect/775a5d004f18f068b1b9b51125e4d0d1/Market_Readiness_Assistance_Grant.pdf?MOD=AJPERES
Current 1 Jul 2012 1 Jan 2013 1 Jul 2013
DR Levy ($)Skilled/ Unskilled
DR Levy ($)Skilled/ Unskilled
DR Levy ($)Skilled/ Unskilled
DR Levy ($)Skilled/ Unskilled
Process (Work Permits)
MYE
MYE-
waiver
≤87.5% 180/300
380
≤87.5% 210/310
470
≤87.5% 230/330
500
≤87.5% 250/350
550
Existing Schedule Proposed Extension
1 Jul 2013 1 Jul 2014 1 Jul 2015
DR Levy ($)R1/ R2
DR Levy ($)R1/ R2
DR Levy ($)R1/ R2
Process (Work Permits)
MYE
MYE-
waiver
≤87.5% 250/350
550
≤87.5% 210/310
600/750
≤87.5% 230/330
600/800
UPCOMING EVENTS
22 May 2013: ASPRI Golf Tournament
12 June 2013: ASPRI Members’ Night
STAFF TURNOVER
Nov 2011 to Mar 2013
New Staff Arrivals
The ASPRI Secretariat would like to welcome three new members into its family:
1. Ms. Serene Tang – Accounts Executive, ASPRI (contact email: [email protected])
2. Ms. Caphine Lee – General Manager, ASPRI-IPI (contact email: [email protected])
3. Ms. Sarah Heng – Sales Manager, ASPRI-IPI (contact email: [email protected])
Staff Resignations
1. Ms. May Ho – Asst. Manager, Accounts, ASPRI
2. Mr. Wong Chin Yeow – General Manager, ASPRI-IPI
COMMITTEES OF ASPRI
•Aims to promote the best interests of ASPRI members through events/activities
•Also, to expand the network with relevant organizations, institutions, TACs and even government agencies
ASPRI Youth Committee:
• Exists to gather the youths (Singaporeans and PRs) from the member companies who are in the Executive level and above to organise activities/ initiatives so as to benefit the process supporting industry as a whole and simultaneously creating a common identity among the youths.
Membership & General Affairs Committee
•Promotes productivity their mechanization, automation and best work practices
Productivity Committee
•Promotes safety awareness, to encourage continuous improvement in members’ safety practices
•Provides a platform for exchange of WSH initiatives
Safety Committee
•Seeks to ensure proper accounting records, better utilization and higher growth of funds
Finance Committee
•Provide focus and direction to member companies in managing their Human Capital challenges
HR Working Committee
•Promotes internationalization
•Helps member companies to explore, establish and expand overseas businesses through partnering with government agencies such as IE Singapore as well as overseas similar TACs and potential business partners
Internationalisation Committee
•Development of training courses relevant to and necessary for our industry
Manpower Development Committee
for more information, feel free to call our Secretariat
office at: 6560 5051.
Pg 7