THE topic of research and development is not one that usually crops up at the annual May Day Rally speech, but Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday saw it fit to highlight its relevance in providing numerous jobs to Singaporeans.

Moving forward: Workers at the Labour Day celebrations yesterday. Singapore will continue to bring in new projects that will help upgrade the economy, although not all would necessarily be connected to R&D, says PM Lee

Even as he admitted that R&D 'may seem remote to workers', it actually benefited the Singapore economy broadly, and Mr Lee spent time explaining why during his address to some 1,500 trade unionists at Downtown East as they marked Labour Day.

'We are building new capabilities for the future by investing in R&D, and our efforts are making good progress,' said Mr Lee, who is also chairman of the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council.

The government, he added, was continually attracting the world's top scientists - many of whom are from the top US, European and Japanese universities - to relocate and set up their laboratories here.

'Why is there value in it to our economy and to Singaporeans? Because of R&D, many things flow after that. You get investments that are linked to R&D (such as) biotech and pharmaceutical companies, solar energy companies.

'They do research here, production, they employ workers here. Existing companies here which might have otherwise moved elsewhere because it's cheaper, they stay here and employ Singaporeans because here, they can make that R&D work, move upstream and become competitive,' said Mr Lee.

Many good jobs have been created all the way down the line, said the Prime Minister, and these ranged from research scientists with PhDs; engineers, technicians and programmers; to even jobs that older workers could adapt to, or go for professional conversion.

'There are jobs that our ITE (Institute of Technical Education) and polytechnic graduates are trained for, and will be able to do, because these skills are in great demand,' said Mr Lee.

Earlier in his speech, he noted how ITE graduates are 'in demand' by employers, with 93 per cent of all such graduates able to find jobs within six months, with many commanding 'good starting salaries' of about $1,400 a month.

Throw in the polytechnic and university figures, and 85 per cent of Singapore graduates are able to get good jobs after finishing their studies.

Looking ahead, Singapore will continue to bring in new activities and projects that will help upgrade the economy, although not all would necessarily be connected to R&D, said Mr Lee.

Many major projects are attracted to the Republic because of the 'environment, excitement and buzz.'

Citing the example of the two upcoming integrated resorts - the first of which is set to open by end-2009 - the Prime Minister urged workers to look beyond just the hype and buzz and understand the 'substantial benefits' that such mammoth projects bring.

'The Marina Bay IR alone will eventually create 10,000 jobs. The Sentosa IR will create a similar number. They need so many workers, they even asked the NTUC to help find and train workers!' said Mr Lee.

'They are looking for people who are courteous and conscientious in their work, prepared to adapt and learn, and have a good service mindset.'

To much laughter, Mr Lee then depicted the scenario of someone going to the resorts, only to be received by a staff who did not give good service: 'You visit the IR, and you see one sour face. Suay (Malay for 'unlucky')! So it's very important, you must learn to smile properly and take care of the customers, then they will come back.

'And even if they were not so lucky the first time, maybe next time, better luck.'

Said Mr Lee: 'There are all kinds of jobs waiting for you, if you have the right attitude.'

This article was first published in The Business Times on May 2, 2008.