First-term Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Foo Cexiang began his journey as a political office holder on Tuesday (Sept 1), while enroute back to Singapore as a member of Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong's delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
"My first day coincides with the conclusion of my trip...I could not have hoped for a better transition back to Government — learning from Senior Minister, as well as our experienced and dedicated MTI and MFA colleagues," the newly-minted Minister of State wrote in a Facebook post while on the flight.
He was promoted to the frontbench, as Minister of State in the Ministry of Manpower and Ministry of Trade and Industry, during the recent round of changes to the Cabinet and other appointments announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on July 22.
Announcing their appointments then, PM Wong explained that while Foo and fellow first-term MP Shawn Loh (Jalan Besar GRC) had only entered politics at the last General Election, they have both made a good start as MPs.
"I am bringing them into Government now, so that they can gain experience and develop further, while we continue to build the next generation of leaders," the prime minister said.
AI and its role in workers’ growth
In an interview with state broadcaster CNA aired on Monday night, Foo described his approach in his new roles as one of consultative and collaborative.
"It's really about seeing how the Government can partner the private sector such as the business leaders, human resource (HR) leaders, and then have an outcome that is clear to everybody — that will provide more good jobs for fellow Singaporeans," he said.
"I think that is the kind of tangible benefit that many people would want to see."
One of his priorities at the Manpower Ministry is to look at artificial intelligence and how it fits into a worker's growth.
Foo said during the interview that he will be working closely with HR and human capital development sectors to look into how artificial intelligence (AI) adoption can fit into workers' growth.
He explained that this entails being clear on what tasks can be undertaken by AI, and what will be safeguarded for workers to develop.
Describing these details as "very important", the minister of state said that with AI adoption no longer a question, it is now about how and where workers' and their development fit in.
Workplaces and parents
Another priority Foo has at the manpower ministry is the working environment for parents.
At the National Day Rally on Aug 23, PM Wong announced policy changes including more childcare leave, lower pre-school fees and more financial support amounting to nearly $70,000 a child from birth up to the age of 17. This includes a new SG Child Support Package worth $62,000 regardless of birth order.
But MPs, businesses and workers have also cautioned that the bold moves may not be straightforward.
Apart from operational impact on small businesses, there is also the issue of workplace culture that needs a reset.
To this, the minister of state said he believes there is room to explore different forms of workplace flexibility, including arrangements that work for both employees and businesses. He also recognised that employers have operational needs of their own.
The father of three added that he intends to get more feedback and views, while looking at different scenarios — to find different forms of flexibilities — and build them into the overall system.
Emerging markets
At the Trade and Industry front, Foo highlighted that global trading patterns are shifting as countries diversify their economic links and new routes gain prominence.
The minister of state said he sees an opportunity for Singapore to remain at the centre of these flows, while preparing Singaporeans to venture into emerging markets such as Africa, Latin America and Central Asia.
He pointed out that countries in these regions also have a very strong population dividend.
"It's a very young population, growing population, and I think those are where potentially opportunities will be in the next 20, 30 years," Foo told CNA.
Asked how he hopes Singaporeans will come to see his time in political office, Foo said he hopes they will see him in action.
"I hope that Singaporeans will not just perceive, but see me in action as a minister of state who engages deeply, who is able to connect people, connect ideas and make good outcomes for Singapore," he said.
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