By Lim Wei Chean

TWO reports circulating on the Internet that half of the 10,000 jobs at Sentosa's upcoming integrated resort (IR) have been set aside for foreigners have created a furore among some Singaporeans.

Two publications in the Philippines - the Manila Standard Today and the Philippine Star - on April 4 quoted the country's President Gloria Arroyo as saying she has secured 5,000 positions at the casino-resort - opening next year - for Filipinos.

She was quoted as saying she had sent a delegation to Singapore last month to explore job opportunities for Filipino nationals here, and added that Labour Secretary Marianito Roque met Resorts World at Sentosa chief executive officer Tan Hee Teck to talk about opportunities for Filipinos.

Foreign workers get help from Shell

By Melissa Sim

ANOTHER big corporate name in Singapore has come forward to help foreign workers.

Shell, together with 24 contractors, yesterday donated $287,000 to two non-profit organisations that assist foreign workers here. This comes on the back of NTUC FairPrice Foundation's $300,000 donation last week to another group that provides packed lunches to more than 100 migrant workers.

These companies and organisations recognise the contribution of foreign workers and are looking out for their welfare during the economic slowdown.

Ion Orchard has 3,000 jobs on offer

By Serene Luo

ABOUT 3,000 jobs, from shop assistants, customer service officers to managers, are up for grabs at Ion Orchard mall, which opens on July 21.

The uniquely designed 56-storey shopping and residential tower located above Orchard MRT station is the latest outfit to tie up with the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i), which match and train people for jobs required.

Yesterday, the mall's management launched a recruitment drive to find Singaporean and permanent resident workers on behalf of its 300 tenants, such as Burberry, watch brand Swatch and fashion boutique Club 21.