Tan See Leng: Government’s approach ensures business stability amid sector fluctuations
Singapore’s Manpower Minister, Tan See Leng, clarified that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) does not adjust the number of foreign work passes issued in response to market fluctuations, particularly in sectors like Information and Communications (I&C). Responding to concerns raised by Workers’ Party Member of Parliament, Gerald Giam, about recent retrenchments in the tech sector, Dr Tan emphasised that such “micro-management” would destabilise business confidence and negatively impact Singapore’s reputation as a competitive, transparent, and reliable business hub.
Dr Tan confirmed that while global challenges have led to slower hiring in the I&C sector, employment still grew by 13,700 in 2022’s first three quarters. However, MOM anticipates a slight slowdown in employment growth during the fourth quarter. Despite any potential shrinkage in the sector, the issuance of Employment Passes (EPs) and S Passes to foreign workers will not be arbitrarily adjusted in response, he stated.
He further explained that Singapore’s foreign worker policies are designed to support strong local employment outcomes, with a focus on ensuring quality for EP and S Pass holders while encouraging businesses to hire and retain local talent. Dr Tan also expressed cautious optimism regarding the I&C sector’s long-term prospects, given Singapore’s role as a key base for tech firms aiming to tap into Southeast Asia’s growing digital economy. The demand for tech skills continues to rise, both within the sector and across other industries as digitalisation accelerates.
