In response to the Ministry of Manpower’s data which reflected that the manpower shortage was more pronounced in sectors such as service and retail, HR consultants noted that the reasons behind the shortage vary for each sector. GMP Deputy Director of Corporate Services Josh Goh noted that while local educational institutions understand the needs of the Singapore economy, they are not in a position to control their students’ career choices. While the Singapore polytechnics and technical education system is recognised internationally, the society does not hold them in the same regard. Explaining the rationale of this phenomenon, SMU Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources (Education) Thomas Menkhoff cited the reasons behind the success of Germany's Mittelstand (a SME) as an example, and he highlighted the importance of grooming master craftsmen to raise productivity, which will in turn boost wages and elevate social status. He said: “Under Germany’s technical and vocational educational system, those in the lower social class can upgrade themselves as long as they have the qualification and aspiration. If the industry can hire well-trained talents, then issues pertaining to productivity and staff retention will also reduce.”