SINGAPORE — The government will continue to do its best to support companies on their push for greater productivity, while focusing on training and changing mindsets on the employee level.

This will be part of the Republic’s three-pronged approach to develop a more productive economy, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said today (Oct 7) at the launch of National Productivity Month (NPM), adding that while control on the inflow of foreign workers will be maintained, he does not expect any more major tightening to foreign worker policies going forward.

Speaking to around 800 business leaders attending the event, Mr Lee noted that productivity improvement will also need consumers to similarly adjust their mindset, for instance to be more receptive to a self-service culture.

Only with commitment from all quarters can Singapore achieve its productivy goals, said Mr Lee, who likened growing productivity to a “long-haul marathon without end”.

Co-organised by the Singapore Business Federation and the Singapore National Employers Federation, the NPM will take place between today and Oct 30. It combines a series of workshops, exhibition and study trips to highlight productivity solutions to Singapore’s businesses, particularly small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

Speaking to TODAY, SBF chairman Mr Teo Siong Seng said productivity solutions are very affordable for SMEs now with the support of government schemes. Cost is no longer an excuse, he stressed, calling for businesses to muster their will to change.