AT AGE 63, administrative assistant Jenny Pow went back to school earlier this month.

Her employer, travel agency CTC Holidays, sent her for a three-day course in online ticketing to better manage her many customers who are Internet-savvy.

Madam Pow was mentioned yesterday by Acting Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong, who cited her company as an employer that offers workers an opportunity to work beyond retirement age.

But more importantly, in this downturn, they should also be given training to improve their productivity, he added.

At CTC, age is not a factor in its training policy. Said its senior vice-president of marketing Alicia Seah: 'As long as they show loyalty and commitment, we'll continue to upgrade their skills.'

A Ministry of Manpower survey last year found that 85 per cent of employees in local companies work in organisations that offer re-employment when workers reach the retirement age of 62.

In Madam Pow's case, she was offered re-employment last year, when she turned 62, at the same pay and medical benefits.

'I feel I can still work and I'd feel quite bored staying at home,' said the grandmother of two, who has worked with the company for 10 years.

She added: 'I also want to keep learning as I age.'

GOH CHIN LIAN

This article was first published in The Straits Times.