ZomWork collaborates with SIRS to Lead Evolution of Local Gig Economy
Published on 06 Apr 2018
Singapore, April 06, 2018 – ZomWork, a joint venture talent outsourcing platform between Singapore Press Holdings and ZBJ Network Inc, announced its collaboration with Nanyang Polytechnic’s Singapore Institute of Retail Studies (SIRS) today. This will help professionals enhance skillsets that are necessary to thrive in the gig economy. The two partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today witnessed by Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister in Prime Minister’s Office and the Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).
In addition to the MOU with SIRS, ZomWork has announced the launch of its revamped website and the Gig Economy Immersion Programme today. The programme will allow local companies to discover and explore how the gig economy operates in China, and how they can better leverage on this model. Eligible Singaporeans and PRs can enjoy up to 70% subsidy for courses approved by SkillsFuture Singapore. Self-sponsored Singaporean participants above 25 years old can also tap on their SkillsFuture Credit to offset the programme fees.
These programmes come at a time when Singapore is expecting a 59% growth in share of contract workers over the next three years[1]. As local companies invest more in digital platforms and fuel the growth of the gig economy, ZomWork’s updated platform aims to accelerate this development by connecting both talent and companies.
Through the platform, talent list their profiles for free and gain access to a large, consistent pool of potential business opportunities. This also allows them to grow beyond their established networks, industries or event geographical barriers. In return, companies get access to a large and diverse pool of skilled talent through a single portal. With ZomWork ensuring that listed talent are registered business entities or have verified identities, companies have less to worry about fraudulent service providers.
To facilitate smoother transactions between talent and companies, ZomWork acts as payment manager - holding escrow payments to ensure timely and satisfactory completion of services - and can be a neutral 3rd party to mediate in the event of disputes.
Mr Jason Teo, General Manager of ZomWork, said: “The gig economy is thriving, and we want to play a part in evolving this ecosystem in Singapore and beyond. Apart from being a platform for talent and companies to connect, we are deeply committed to providing the tools and skill upgrading needed to ensure everyone can benefit from this new world of work.”
Ms Megan Ong, Director of Singapore Institute of Retail Studies, said: “Singapore continues to be reliant on human capital - our prime resource - in order to meet economic needs and generate growth. The need to retool our human capital is urgent, in view of technology disruption and digitisation making it necessary for new business models and skills regeneration. Through this MOU and other initiatives, SIRS will equip talents and local retailers in the gig economy with relevant and updated skillsets that are in demand. It also exposes businesses to new commerce models and access to a growing pool of skilled contract resources.”
[1] Willis Towers Watson 2016 Global Talent Management and Rewards Study: http://www.hrinasia.com/hr-news/singapores-rising-gig-economy-presents-new-workforce-challenges/
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