COMPANIES THAT VALUE OLDER WORKERS

Congratulations to Lam Soon Edible Oils Sdn Bhd for winning the 2011 AARP international award for Best Employer for Workers Over 50. It is the only Malaysian company to win in this category. Other winners include BMW Group (Germany), Daikin (Japan), and Marks and Spencer (UK). There are two winners from Singapore: Raffles Institution and the National Environment Agency. You can read more about the winners and their winning criteria on the AARP International website.


Whang receiving the award from AARP representatives. (Photo: The Star)

Lam Soon has a total of 1456 employees. Of this, 20.1% are aged 50 and above. Says executive chairman, Whang Shang Ying, "We believe older employees possess great experience and are able to contribute significantly to the company. For example, older employees in each function are designated subject matter experts and play a useful role as facilitators and trainers."

That was in 2008. Is the policy still in place at Secret Recipe?

Three years ago Secret Recipe set aside 50 vacancies in its service line for older workers under its CSR programme. A check of the company's website failed to locate any job opportunities targeted for older workers. Has the policy has been discontinued? If yes, why?

For more on the re-employment of older workers in Singapore, click here.

Footnote: AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) was founded in 1958. Over the years AARP has extended its reach to other countries. Today through its Office of International Affairs, AARP seeks to help people live longer, healthier, more financially secure and productive lives by identifying and sharing the best ideas and practices on key policy issues. As a social change organization, AARP works towards fulfilling a vision of a society in which everyone ages with dignity and purpose.