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[SINGAPORE] Expanding access to global talent is one of four “enablers” through which the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) aims to grow the economy and create good jobs in Singapore’s next bound, Senior Minister of State for Manpower Koh Poh Koon said in Parliament on Tuesday (Sep 23).

“Singapore must continue working with and learning from the best, from around the world,” he said in the debate on the President’s Address.

“Access to global talent also attracts foreign investments and MNCs (multinational corporations) to grow the economic pie and continue creating good jobs for Singaporeans.”

Another move is transforming Singapore’s workforce to meet business needs, for which S$400 million has been set aside under the Enterprise Workforce Transformation Package.

This comes as many businesses are looking to reorganise operations and redesign jobs amid rapid technological advancement and geopolitical tensions, Dr Koh noted.

The third move is to uplift the human resources (HR) profession, which plays a critical role in how businesses attract and develop talent.

The fourth is reducing the compliance burden for companies. A review is under way to streamline regulations, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Geopolitical tensions and technological change are disrupting changes, while Singapore’s workforce is ageing, Dr Koh added.

Against this backdrop, the government must press on with workers and business to “learn continuously, adapt and move forward as one”, he said.

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Supporting workers

In the new government term, MOM has four key thrusts: empowering Singaporeans to navigate the future of work; supporting career longevity; expanding opportunities for workers and businesses; and ensuring inclusive growth.

To prepare workers for the future of work – in particular, disruption by artificial intelligence (AI) – the government will work with workers and businesses to strengthen Singapore’s human capital, such as by building AI literacy.

To support career longevity and strengthen retirement adequacy, more support will be given for “multi-stage careers” and work-life aspirations, including those with caregiving responsibilities.

Expanding opportunities includes providing more pathways to better jobs, such as career conversion programmes.

Finally, growth needs to be inclusive so that all Singaporeans benefit from the opportunities created. MOM will work with tripartite partners to “raise the bar for safe, fair and inclusive workplaces”, said Dr Koh.

Separately, in a speech about the Malay-Muslim community, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said the government is planning to develop community platforms for lifelong learning.

Complementing national-level programmes, these platforms will be helmed by Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad and Labour MP Wan Rizal.

A culture of lifelong learning is needed to prepare workers to seize new opportunities as the economy evolves, said Dr Faishal.

“In particular, I hope that more of our workers can tap on opportunities in growth sectors like advanced manufacturing, technology, and professional services like finance.”