Workplace safety — or the lack of it — is generally associated in people’s minds with sectors where heavy machinery is used, but other sectors, such as the Food & Beverages (F&B) sector, are also in equal need of enhanced workplace safety.
With this goal, the Singapore First Aid Training Centre has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Eduquest International Institute, in order to advance food safety education.
The Singapore First Aid Training Centre trains and certifies people in administering first-aid in various emergencies, from tending to injuries to giving chest compressions. Its courses also include giving first-aid to infants. So far, the Centre has trained about half a million people.
Eduquest International Institute is a training provider registered under the Singapore Government initiative SkillsFuture Singapore. Its four training verticals are: Food Safety, Culinary Arts and Baking, Digital Skills, Core Skills.
This expertise in food safety training forms the basis of the MoU between the Singapore First Aid Training Centre and Eduquest.
SkillsFuture Adviser Peen Wei Ling, who was instrumental in developing the idea of this collaboration, said, “I’ve observed that food and beverage workers frequently suffer from cuts, lacerations, and puncture wounds as part of their daily tasks. Additionally, while packing food at the hawker centres, I’ve seen many ‘aunties’ and ‘uncles’ continue to manage their stalls, handling hot food despite their injuries, to support their families.”
In a media release, Eduquest said: “The [MoU] initiative sets a benchmark for public-private partnerships, addressing public training needs with innovative solutions. With Eduquest’s excellence in food safety education and SFATC’s reputation in first aid training, the collaboration seeks to build safer workplaces and resilient communities.”
When organisations work together, leveraging each other’s strengths, we can achieve remarkable outcomes that resonate across industries and communities.
Idris Malim, Eduquest Director and CEO
At Singapore First Aid Training Centre, we train approximately 30,000 learners each year, but we know there is always more to be done. By collaborating with Eduquest, we are integrating first-aid as a new dimension in F&B training, equipping learners with life-saving skills and fostering a proactive approach to safety.
Rasheed Doad, SFATC Director and Founder
The media release said that “this [new] partnership strengthens Eduquest’s ongoing commitment” to SkillsFuture Singapore, with Wei Ling “playing a pivotal role in providing sectoral insights to learners at Eduquest between July and October 2024”.
It added: “This collaboration has impacted 3,852 learners, supported by 751 corporate partners. These efforts reflect a shared vision to enhance readiness, resilience, and reputation within the Food Services and Safety sector and beyond.”
SkillsFuture Singapore is a national programme that promotes lifelong learning and high-quality training for the people of Singapore, helping them remain competitive in the changing landscape of employment.
