Unity is Strength

An alliance has been formed between the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers’ Union (FDAWU) and the Singapore Institute of Food Science and Technology (SIFST), an NTUC U Associate. Both parties will work together to upskill and reskill food industry workers, entrench career pathways, and encourage innovation among companies.

The partnership was formalised at the SIFST Food Product Awards 2017 held on 11 October 2017 at the Carlton Hotel. NTUC Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) Heng Chee How graced the event as guest of honour.

In his speech, DSG Heng said the alliance brings together the “complementary strengths of two key Labour Movement sections – union and U Associate, to promote growth within the food and beverage sector.”

Food Innovation Exchange

Under the alliance, FDAWU and SIFST will be rolling out programmes under the Food Innovation Exchange (FIE) initiative in 2018.

The FIE will support the growth of the Singapore food industry through roundtable talks and cross-training that focus on the newest technologies, innovations, trends and best practices.

FDAWU and SIFST will also encourage companies to embrace progressive and conducive workplace practices. Additionally, they will work with institutes of higher learning to conduct a career fair for diploma graduates in food science and technology in February 2018.

“Through the partnership, industry professionals can look forward to benefits in the areas of upskilling, enriching their mastery and advancing their careers. Together, we can be a bigger voice and provide stronger support to our working people,” said FDAWU General Secretary Tan Hock Soon.

SIFST President Richard Khaw added: “Collaboration and alliance are keys to progress in this fast-moving economy and era of digital transformation. SIFST looks forward to more opportunities to work with members of the Labour Movement family.”