UNI Apro Sector Conferences 2017: Determined and Prepared!
UNI Apro’s 5th edition of the sector conferences for the ICTS and Post & Logistic kicked off last month in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 25th August 2017. Bro Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal, President of UNI MLC, gave the opening welcome address at the start of the joint session on the first day. Bro Philip Jennings, UNI General Secretary, and Bro Minao Noda, President of UNI Apro, both followed with their respective solidarity greetings and presidential address.
The keynote address was delivered by the Honourable Datuk Seri Dr. Salleh Said Keruak, Minister of Communication and Multimedia Malaysia.In his address, the Minister painted the broad challenges brought forth by the 4th Industrial Revolution. Observing the rapid technological driven changes in the world today, he warned that any society which does not adapt would lose its competitive capability. At the same time, new lifestyles and behaviours are emerging that leads to new types of risks such as non-communicable diseases attributable to higher level of physical non-activity in the population.
He acknowledged that Governments have to transform itself to match the speed of new societal demands and web of expectations. He urged all at the conference to not remain as passive onlookers but to take on the challenge in understanding the economics, social and labour implications of the 4th industrial revolution. The Minister expressed confidence that the conference provides the platform to pool together collective knowledge and experience to “maximize the gains, minimize the pains” when developing new responses.
UNI Apro Regional Secretary, Bro Christopher Ng delivered UNI Apro’s vote of thanks. He thanked the Minister for taking time out of his very packed schedule as Chair of 60th Malaysia Independence Day Celebrations Committee and other activities including the 29th SEA Games to open the conference for UNI Apro. Bro Chris noted the world and Asia are currently confronted with diverse and complex challenges due to the 4th Industrial Revolution and regional economic integration. He hoped that UNI Apro affiliates could draw from past crisis experiences in the Asian region to develop responsive and effective support measures that address the challenges. He concluded by congratulating the Government and people of Malaysia for their many achievements as a nation over their sixty years of independence.
UNI Apro President, Bro Minao Noda presented a specially crafted plaque to the Honourable Minister as a token of UNI Apro’s appreciation.
Overall, nearly 250 participants from the ICTS, Post and Logistic sectors across the region and local trade unionists from Malaysia attended the first day’s sessions. UNI General Secretary, Bro Philip Jennings gave the keynote address for the first panel discussion which focused on emerging economic and social issues arising from the fourth industrial revolution. Bro Christopher Ng, Regional Secretary of UNI Apro helmed an interactive session on the challenges of globalisation and regional economic integration. The last panel session examined the challenges of organising in the future world of work. A final joint conference statement was adopted by all the conference delegates. It commits the participants to adopt and build sustainable social partnership as a strategy to overcome the challenges brought forth by the new digital era.