Page 15 - ASPRI2223 eDirectory

DIRECTORY OF SINGAPORE PROCESS & CHEMICALS INDUSTRIES 2022/2023
MESSAGE
Danny Chua
14th Executive Council President Association of Process Industry
E stablished on 13 March 1997, ASPRI turned 25 this year. From its modest beginning the fledgling
association with some 50 members is now nearly 600-member strong with a well-tuned secretariat undertaking initiatives to advance the best interests of the Process industry, raising its stature within the chemical industry.
ASPRI’s achievements are due in no small measure to the strong stewardship of past presidents, the immense support from members and the good counsel of government agencies, plant owners and partners. Through working together much has been achieved. Some of the key milestones include the PCM Scheme, Local Industry Upgrading Programme (LIUP), On-the- Job Training (OJT) for 13 skillsets, ProcessCEM Asia, ASPRI-Westlite Dormitory-Papan and training arm, ASPRI-IPI.
The Association has even more reasons to celebrate this year as its Silver Jubilee coincides with the lifting of much of the restrictions imposed to contain the spread of Covid-19, enabling normal operations to resume. Petrochemical and clean energy projects that were stalled because of the pandemic are also being revitalised.
Facing up to challenges of Covid-19
For two long years, the Association and its members like the rest of the world had to labour under trying conditions with all the uncertainties thrown up by Covid-19. It was a fast-evolving situation for which no one was adequately prepared.
However, the association rose to the challenge. ASPRI engaged with government
agencies and stakeholders to put all systems and procedures in place to ensure that members were kept updated on rapidly changing developments, essential plant maintenance continued to be carried out, and the 7,900 workers lockdown in the ASPRI- Westlite Dormitory-Papan stayed informed, engaged and safe.
As the Covid-19 situation improved, ASPRI, together with the marine and construction industry, worked with the government to steadily ease requirements to facilitate the entry of much-needed workers for ongoing projects and alleviate the labour shortage.
With the support of the Ministry of Manpower, ASPRI provided mediation between work permit holders and employers under the Change of Employer – Without Consent programme. From 1 March 2021, it has assisted close to 100 member companies to retain about 600 experienced work permit holders and helped stabilise the labour crunch.
By being able to face up squarely to the most difficult phase in the Singapore process industry’s history, ASPRI has proven its mettle and earned the trust of members, the government, plant owners, and non- governmental organisations. ASPRI members have never been more cohesive, which bodes well going forward.
As we leave the worst of the pandemic behind, new challenges beckon. The world is transitioning to a greener economy to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. The government has unveiled a Green Plan
Embarking on
a sustainable industry
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