Employment & labour

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked about the number of workers reaching the retirement age who received the Employment Assistance Payment (EAP) in 2024 and 2025, as well as the average amount of EAP paid. Tan See Leng responded that over 98% of resident workers who reached retirement age and wanted to continue working were offered reemployment. In 2024, 0.4% received the EAP, while in 2025, the figure increased to 0.6%. The average EAP amounts were $12,300 in 2024 and $17,400 in 2025.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat questioned the rationale for maintaining a 60% CPF and 40% cash Workfare payout ratio for workers aged 70 and above due to their shorter life expectancy, and suggested a differentiated payout ratio for older workers. Tan See Leng explained that the Workfare Income Supplement aims to support lower-wage workers by balancing immediate cash needs with CPF savings for the future. Despite the same ratio for older workers, the CPF contributions support medical expenses and retirement payouts. The Ministry plans to enhance total WIS payments from 2025, increasing cash amounts for seniors. Additional support measures for cost-of-living concerns include U-Save rebates and special cash payments for eligible households.

Yip Hon Weng requested information on the contributions of non-employment sources to Singapore's median monthly household income rise in 2025, the change in income based purely on employment, and income disparities from rent and investments across income deciles. Gan Kim Yong revealed that for resident households in the fifth income decile, the average household market income per member increased by $287, with $183 attributable to employment income and $104 to non-employment income. Information on average rental and investment income across different income deciles is available in a specified table.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Prime Minister about the number of Employment Pass holders employed in statutory boards and government agencies, and the common roles they occupy. Chan Chun Sing responded that there are approximately 2,700 Employment Pass holders in these sectors. These individuals typically fill positions that require skills that are lacking in the local workforce, particularly in engineering and information technology.

He Ting Ru asked about the government's policy regarding political office holders holding roles within the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the total clean wage equivalent for these positions over the last five years. Chan Chun Sing explained that seconding political office holders to NTUC enhances collaboration with the labor union to address workers' concerns and shape beneficial policies. He clarified that those seconded receive one pay package, with costs shared between the government and NTUC, as stated in the 2012 White Paper on Salaries for a Capable and Committed Government.

Hazlina Abdul Halim asked about the existing programs for providing inmates with AI and digital skills training to enhance their employability post-release and suggested piloting structured AI literacy courses in prisons. K Shanmugam noted that Yellow Ribbon Singapore and Singapore Prison Service offer digital skills training aligned with job market needs, benefiting around 3,600 inmates since 2022. They are exploring collaborations for AI literacy training, including a trial program in 2026 aimed at elderly inmates on Generative AI tools. Additionally, "SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace 2.0" will begin in 2026 for community supervisees to develop essential digital and AI-related skills.

Mariam Jaafar asked the Minister for Manpower if there is data on the time taken for adults to find new jobs after retrenchment, categorized by age groups. Tan See Leng provided results from a six-month follow-up in 2025, indicating the mean re-employment duration: 2.6 months for those under 40, 2.7 months for those aged 40 to 59, and 2.2 months for those 60 and above. The median re-employment duration was 1 month for those over 60 and 2 months for the other age groups.

Mariam Jaafar requested data from the Minister for Manpower regarding the time adult caregivers take to return to work after fulfilling caregiving duties. Tan See Leng responded that the Ministry does not have specific data on this, as caregiving arrangements can vary and some individuals may work while still caregiving. Available data indicates that about 25% of residents outside the labor force due to caregiving return to work within two years, with 80% of those who don't return having no intention to seek employment. The Ministry will continue to monitor labor force participation and return patterns among caregivers.

Elysa Chen asked about the comparison between real wage growth for the lowest 20th percentile of local workers and essential living costs over the past three years. Tan See Leng responded that from 2022 to 2025, nominal wages for full-time employed residents at the 20th percentile increased by 13.9%. During the same period, headline inflation was 8.3%, and core inflation was 7.8%. After adjusting for inflation, real wage growth for these lower-wage workers was 5.2%.

Sharael Taha initiated a debate on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Singapore's national strategy, highlighting its significance and the need for a strong governance framework to maximize benefits while ensuring ethical use and regulatory credibility. Various Members of Parliament raised concerns about job displacement due to AI, the importance of digital literacy across different demographics, and the necessity of addressing biases in AI systems. The government outlined plans such as the National AI Impact Programme to enhance AI integration in businesses and education, and measures to bolster cybersecurity against evolving threats. Additional discussions emphasized the need for inclusivity in digital initiatives, fostering public trust in AI deployment, and developing resources to enhance citizens' ability to navigate and benefit from digital and AI technologies.

Jessica Tan Soon Neo raised concerns about the staffing challenges faced by hawkers and small food and beverage operators, suggesting that more graduated arrangements for foreign manpower and levy thresholds should be considered to meet their needs while ensuring fair wages. Dr. Koh Poh Koon acknowledged the unique challenges for small F&B operators and highlighted current policies that allow some flexibility in hiring foreign workers, emphasizing the importance of productivity over headcount. He pointed out that enhancing productivity through government support schemes is crucial for the sustainability of small operators. Tan reiterated the struggles faced by individual hawkers who work long hours and suggested that the Ministry should analyze their data to better support them. Koh concluded that while considering headcount is important, there is a broader conversation about food authenticity and business models that needs to be addressed.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik inquired about the proportion of Singapore citizens applying for bus captain positions since the launch of the Public Bus Industry Manpower Plan (PBIMP) in 2016. Jeffrey Siow explained that the PBIMP was aimed at strengthening the local workforce in the public transport sector, with initiatives like better pay and improved working conditions introduced by bus operators. From 2021 to 2025, the proportion of applications from Singapore citizens ranged from 25% to 50%, but it's not meaningful to compare this directly to previous years since data on prior applications was not tracked and foreign applications depend on local recruitment and quotas.

Wan Rizal inquired about the possibility of extending the enhanced Matched Retirement Savings Scheme or introducing a new matching scheme for vulnerable workers facing career interruptions. Tan See Leng responded that vulnerable individuals can already benefit from the enhanced Matched Retirement Savings Scheme and other support measures like the Silver Support Scheme and Retirement Savings Bonus. The government prioritizes supporting younger Singaporeans in building their retirement savings and returning to work, offering various employment facilitation services and the Workfare Income Supplement for those returning to the workforce. Additionally, tripartite partners are promoting flexible work arrangements to aid those needing flexibility.

Elysa Chen asked about the number of unauthorised CPF contributions to non-employees detected by the Government over the past three years. Tan See Leng responded that there have been approximately 2,000 reports each year regarding such contributions made by businesses. These reports are investigated by relevant agencies for potential violations, including circumvention of foreign worker quotas and government support schemes, leading to enforcement actions as necessary.

Gerald Giam Yean Song questioned the Deputy Prime Minister about the persistence of declining job creation per dollar of investment and sought a breakdown of the types of jobs expected over the next five years. Gan Kim Yong responded that economic growth is becoming more challenging due to external factors and technological advancements, which affect employment numbers. The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) has secured significant investment commitments, but companies are being cautious with hiring due to uncertainty and the focus on more technology-intensive projects that require fewer workers. Most of the 15,700 jobs anticipated will be high-salary roles for professionals and managers, with two-thirds offering salaries above S$5,000, but a specific breakdown of entry-level versus senior management roles is not available. Additionally, these investments create positive impacts on the broader economy in terms of wages and employment.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked about the Ministry of Transport's plans to professionalize bus captain roles and attract young Singaporeans to these positions. Jeffrey Siow explained that bus captains undergo structured training to ensure they possess essential skills. The Land Transport Authority collaborates with bus operators to create career progression pathways for bus captains. To attract more locals, public transport operators have introduced sign-on bonuses, enhanced working conditions, and flexible work arrangements. Additionally, the Government is reviewing starting salaries to improve recruitment efforts for new drivers.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Manpower whether disability employment data is collected by specific disability types. Tan See Leng responded that the Ministry collects employment statistics for persons with disabilities but does not disaggregate them by disability type due to potential inaccuracies. He emphasized that the needs of persons with disabilities in the workplace are diverse and informed by feedback from various stakeholders, which helps shape policies. The Taskforce on Assurance for Families with Persons with Disabilities is working on recommendations to enhance opportunities and support for persons with disabilities in the workforce.

Yeo Wan Ling asked about the sufficiency of child minding services for working mothers on shifts, particularly in light of the upcoming removal of the requirement for childcare centres to operate on weekends. Masagos Zulkifli explained that this decision was based on extensive consultations and that over 99% of surveyed families did not require Saturday childcare services. He highlighted alternative caregiving arrangements available for parents needing weekend support and emphasized the role of employers in creating family-friendly work environments. The introduction of Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests aims to help workers balance caregiving and work commitments effectively.

Elysa Chen asked about the enforcement measures against companies that manipulate CPF contributions to locals not in their employment for inflated foreign worker quotas. Tan See Leng responded that the Ministry of Manpower actively detects these violations using data analytics, inspections, and investigations of complaints. Companies caught may incur fines up to $20,000 per work pass application linked to the inflated quota and can be barred from hiring foreign workers. Additionally, phantom workers colluding with these companies may also face penalties.

Melvin Yong Yik Chye questioned the Ministry of Manpower about the impact of projected increases in extreme weather events on workplace safety in high-risk sectors. Tan See Leng confirmed that the Ministry regularly reviews measures to address climate change's effects on working conditions, citing a recent study predicting higher average temperatures and more intense rainfall by 2050. Sectors such as construction and shipyards are particularly vulnerable to heat stress and flooding, prompting MOM to mandate safety measures like rest breaks during extreme heat and enforce reporting of heat-related illnesses. Additionally, MOM has issued guidelines to help employers assess weather-related risks and develop response plans, with ongoing monitoring of these measures.