“Each time I’m with young union leaders, I am inspired by their energy and fresh ideas,” wrote NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng on his Facebook page. He was describing the dialog he and NTUC President Mary Liew had with the Young NTUC (YNTUC) Committee held at the Wavelink Building on 29 May. The Young SMOU representatives also joined in the “hearty conversation” about youth leadership, training, jobs, and also marriage and children.

“This is why leadership renewal is so important for the Labour Movement – we need young blood to bring in new ways of doing things and, with experienced ones, create a brighter future together,” the NTUC Chief added. At the gathering, views on the challenges and pressing issues youth face and how young union leaders can be mobilisers and catalysts in their workplaces were freely expressed.

Brother Chee Meng underscored the vital role youth leaders play in reinforcing the purpose of Company Training Committee to management and colleagues and encouraging their colleagues to embrace the spirit of lifelong learning and to skill up in the adoption of technology.

At the dialogue, Sister Mary applauded the initiatives of YNTUC, which included training courses such as Learning is Triggered “LIT,” a learning series co-organised by YNTUC and SkillsFuture SG to provide young working adults insight into the technology sector. Todo Todo is another platform that helps in-school youths explore career options to equip themselves with relevant skills.

Sister Mary thanked the young unionists for the work done and urged them to continue to inspire their peers to make every worker matter.

More enlightening conversations flowed over dinner at the Lighthouse Bistro.