Utilisation Rates of Overseas Markets Immersion Programme Funding by SMEs and Supporting Access to Funding

Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for Manpower what proportion of the Overseas Markets Immersion Programme's budget has been utilised by SMEs to date under the programme; and (b) what specific support measures are in place to ensure that SMEs can effectively access the programme.

The Overseas Markets Immersion Programme (OMIP) aims to encourage companies to send local employees with little or no overseas experience for overseas work postings. We have set aside $16 million over two years to support up to 250 local employees for this programme. Since OMIP was rolled out in 2024, more than 70 locals have been posted overseas and more than 75% of the companies that have participated in the programme are SMEs.

OMIP is aimed at developing the local workforce and is open for application to both SME and non-SME companies. Companies that require support in their application may approach the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), our Programme Partner for OMIP, to receive tailored support and guidance in accessing OMIP. SBF conducts regular briefing sessions on OMIP's programme details and application procedures. We encourage all companies to leverage OMIP to develop their local workforce while supporting their internationalisation plans.