AMP calls for steps to tackle discrimination

The Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP) is calling for the formation of a central body to address discriminatory practices by individuals or companies, after perceiving an increase in such practices against the minority and foreign communities in Singapore.

In a media statement yesterday, it said anecdotal reports of discriminatory practices are circulated on social media and that "no publicly available data currently exists that tracks such incidents and the consequent reparative actions taken".

The call by AMP follows a report last Friday in which bakery chain Prima Deli sacked an employee who allegedly made racist remarks to a candidate during a job interview. AMP said the central body could provide referral for resolution and mediation, record and review incidents, and collect data to develop strategies to reduce discriminatory practices.

Eight new conversion schemes in infocomm

Professionals looking to make the switch to infocomm technology (ICT), or to upgrade their skills in the sector can now sign up for eight new ICT conversion programmes.

Manpower Minister Lim Swee Say announced these additions to the Professional Conversion Programmes (PCP) scheme yesterday, which is targeted at professionals, managers, executives and technicians.

The new additions to the PCP include cyber security, software development and network administration, and bring the total number of programmes to 10.

Certification scheme for maids proposed

To minimise the chance of disputes between employers and employees, the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) yesterday recommended developing a training and certification framework for maids modelled after the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications, as well as a more transparent cost structure for placement fees.

The details of the two initiatives should be ready by the end of this year, said CDE chairman Yeo Guat Kwang yesterday.

Giving an update on the centre's first 100 days since opening on Jan 24, he said it has handled close to 100 calls for assistance, with one quarter being disputes and reports of mistreatment.