Singapore Government Press Release
Media Relations Division, Ministry of Information,
Communications and the Arts,
MITA Building, 140 Hill Street, 2nd Storey, Singapore 179369
Tel: 6837-9666
SPEECH BY REAR-ADMIRAL TEO CHEE HEAN
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
AT THE NATIONAL DAY OBSERVANCE CEREMONY
IN KEPPEL FELS
Good
morning, Mr Choo Chiau Beng, Chairman of Keppel Offshore and Marine Ltd, Mr Yap
Huat Hin, President of Keppel FELS Employees Union, fellow Singaporeans and all
at Keppel FELS.
As
we reflect on this year’s NDP theme, ‘A progressive society’, I am heartened by
Singapore companies such as Keppel FELS who are contributing to the advancement
of our nation in the global arena.
Keppel
FELS is a home-grown Multi-National Company which has developed deep
competencies by investing in relationships, resources, research and resilient
people.
Over
several decades, Keppel FELS has grown into a world-class company. This
achievement is, especially significant because Keppel FELS is competing in the
technically exacting and challenging global offshore and marine industry.
The
Company has leveraged on its close working relationships with its worldwide
clientele and its rich experience accumulated through a strong track record to
expand its business.
I understand that Keppel FELS was
the first shipyard in Singapore to invest in digital tools to break away from
reliance on labour intensive methods in order to improve the quality of its
products and raise productivity.
This
quest also led to the discovery and development of proprietary technologies and
designs which have put our country on the world map.
Today,
Keppel FELS is the world’s leading rig designer and builder. Keppel FELS’ proprietary jack-up design, the
KFELS MOD V ‘B’ is in a class of its own and is now setting the benchmark for
deep-well drilling. Four are operating
worldwide while another five are under construction.
We
can be proud that these rigs from Singapore are setting standards in new fields
of exploration in a global industry.
To
support Keppel FELS’ “near market near
customer” strategy in its network spanning 16 yards around the world, many
Singaporean ‘Keppelites’ have taken up posts overseas to set up operations and
transfer experience and knowledge to grow profitable businesses.
Many
of these Singaporean Keppelites are exemplary in leadership as well as in
business and service excellence, thriving in different environments and communities.
I
am glad that Keppel FELS acknowledges its people as its greatest asset, and
places emphasis on the well being of its employees. I was pleased to present to
Keppel FELS the Gold Plaque of Commendation at this year’s May Day awards
ceremony. In fact, the Company was nominated by its own union, Keppel FELS
Employees Union for its commitment to staff welfare, and training and
development.
As we celebrate National Day this
year, we can all be thankful for the strong economic growth that Singapore has
registered in the first half of this year.
This shows that the measures we have taken to re-structure our economy
are showing good results. The strong tri-partite cooperation between unions,
management and the government has enabled us to implement these measures
smoothly and quickly. I would like to thank our workers who have accepted the
need for these measures.
Today is a double celebration. We
are also celebrating the opening of Keppel O & M’s headquarters. Employees
of Keppel FELS both local and overseas are united to witness a new phase of
growth.
I
wish Keppel FELS all the best, and I am confident that this opening ceremony
heralds further expansion and opportunities for the Company as it moves in
tandem with the nation to grow from strength to strength.
Thank you.