Cultivating Passion: How the PWM helps a senior landscape worker achieve financial independence

Although he is already 77 years old, Chew Ah Meng has no intention of retiring soon.

Despite repeated attempts by his son and daughter to persuade him to retire, the cheery landscape worker believes in earning his own keep and refuses to be a burden to them.

Speaking in Mandarin, he said: “My son, daughter and daughter-in-law have all told me, ‘Dad, you can retire already; what are you so worried about? We can all look after you.’

“But I believe that as long as I can work and earn my own money, I will continue.”

He did, however, assure them that when he is no longer able to work, he would then gladly rely on their support.

How he came to join the landscape sector

Mr Chew joined the landscape sector back in 2014.

Before that, he worked as a delivery driver, making around $1,300 per month.

“It wasn’t that difficult when I first became a delivery driver. There were fewer cars on the road, fewer traffic cameras, and the fines weren’t that hefty either.

“But as time went by, the number of cars and traffic cameras grew. The summons that I received also got heavier. And I got worried because I had seen many accidents while on the road. I started to fear for my safety, as did my family,” he explained.

Worried for his father’s well-being, Mr Chew’s son urged him to find another job.

“My son told me that it didn’t matter if the salary was lower. What is most important is that it is safe,” he shared.

Not long after, Mr Chew visited a career centre in Woodlands. The employment agent asked if he was interested in plants and gardening.

“I have always loved plants and even grow my own chillies and herbs back home. So yes, the prospect of joining the landscape sector did intrigue me,” he said.

Mr Chew then joined Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd.

Coinciding with the roll-out of the PWM

The Progressive Wage Model (PWM) first became mandatory for three sectors: cleaning, security and landscape.

The NTUC-led initiative’s goal was to help uplift lower-wage workers by providing them with clearer career pathways, wage growth and better job security through improved productivity.

When Mr Chew first joined the landscape sector in 2014, he drew a monthly salary of $1,200.

But when the Government implemented the mandatory PWM wage requirements for the landscape sector in 2015, Mr Chew’s wage grew to $1,300 per month – on par with what he used to make as a driver.

And that was not all that he benefited from.

After attending three Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) courses, which are part of the PWM requirement for workers, Mr Chew was inspired to upgrade himself further.

Once unable to speak a word of English, he took it upon himself to sign up for a basic English course.

“There are many foreign workers in the landscape industry, and the common language is English. So I thought it would be good to at least pick up the basics,” he said.

Today, although the base wage for a landscape worker is $1,750, Mr Chew draws around $1,900 monthly, thanks to the PWM and his progressive employer.

An active body, a sharp mind

Mr Chew was already 67 when he first joined the landscape sector.

While he has already passed the statutory re-employment age of 68, he is glad that his employer remains age-inclusive in employing him to this day.

Mr Chew has also recommended other older workers to join him at Prince’s Landscape.

“As they, too, are now in their senior years, they just want to find a job to pass their time,” he said.

Recalling a conversation with a friend he introduced to landscaping, he shared how he was surprised his friend was willing to join him even though he did not need a job to sustain himself financially.

When Mr Chew asked his friend why he chose to work, he simply replied: “To kill time. Sitting at home, staring at those four walls, [that] will drive you crazy!”

Mr Chew could not agree more.

He added: “When we are out in the sun, exercising and breaking a sweat, we are maintaining our health. At our age, when you are out in the sun watering the plants, it benefits both our eyes and body.”

Looking towards the future

When it comes to keeping up with the times, Mr Chew feels it is essential to focus on the future and to always look for opportunities to improve oneself.

“We need to be forward-looking. Our focus should not be on money but on our future. Our environment is ever-changing. To adapt, we too need to constantly evolve,” he shared.

Ready to upgrade and upskill yourself? Visit NTUC’s LearningHub to find certified WSQ courses and more!