Employment & labour

Low Wu Yang Andre asked about the qualifications and statistics related to the Platform Workers CPF Transition Support (PCTS) scheme for January 2026, including the number of qualified workers, total disbursed offsets, and rejection rates. Tan See Leng reported that in 2025, around 24,000 lower-income platform workers qualified for the scheme, with over $4 million disbursed in total, noting that data for January 2026 is not yet available. The Central Provident Fund Board automatically assesses eligibility for PCTS monthly, eliminating the need for applications from workers.

Low Wu Yang Andre asked about the compliance rate of platform operators with mandatory CPF contributions under the Platform Workers Act and the total enforcement actions taken for non-compliance. Tan See Leng reported a high compliance rate since January 2025, with most payments made on time and only a few late payments that were resolved quickly. Four platform operators faced enforcement actions for underpayment due to administrative errors, but these issues have been addressed. The CPF Board has provided operational guidance to platform operators and sends alerts to platform workers to help them monitor their CPF contributions.

Liang Eng Hwa asked if the Ministry of Manpower would consider raising the renewal age limit for migrant domestic workers (MDWs) beyond 60 for those who have worked with the same family for 20 years or more. Tan See Leng acknowledged that employers value the experience of MDWs and may wish to retain them past the age limit. The Ministry maintains the age limit to address the demands of household needs and increasing medical costs with age but may approve work permit renewals on appeal, considering the MDW's health, experience, and the employer's needs.

Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for Manpower about the number of eligible local employees receiving retrenchment benefits from 2023 to 2025, specifically regarding the amount and whether a survey will be conducted if data is unavailable. Tan See Leng responded that approximately 90% of eligible employees from 2020 to 2025 received retrenchment benefits, with about 80% receiving at least two weeks' salary per year of service as per the Tripartite Advisory.

Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked about the criteria that disqualify individuals from hiring migrant domestic workers, specifically regarding individuals with criminal convictions for violent offenses. Tan See Leng stated that employers can be debarred from hiring migrant domestic workers for serious offences against them, including physical or sexual abuse and non-payment of salary. The debarment period depends on the severity of the offenses, and the Ministry of Manpower assesses the household's suitability before allowing re-hiring. Serious offenders may face permanent debarment.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis requested data on Employment Pass applications granted below the qualifying salary over the past ten years, categorized by industry sector, along with the factors influencing such flexibility. Tan See Leng highlighted that qualifying salaries for Employment Passes have risen from $3,300 to $5,600 between 2016 and 2025, with a slight increase in approved applications. The Ministry of Manpower collaborates with other agencies to offer targeted flexibilities aimed at supporting Singapore's economic goals, including job creation for locals.

Patrick Tay Teck Guan questioned the Minister for Manpower about the number of complaints regarding disguised retrenchments received from 2021 to 2025. Tan See Leng responded that TAFEP received fewer than 10 complaints each year during this period, accounting for less than 1% of total complaints each year.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked about the monthly median change in net take-home pay for platform workers enrolled in the CPF contribution scheme since January 2025, potential fare reductions by platform operators, and measures to prevent such practices. Tan See Leng reported that the median net earnings for these workers fluctuated between a decrease of 12.7% and an increase of 8.2%, without a consistent trend. He noted no feedback indicating a systematic reduction in fares or incentives related to CPF contributions. A set of industry-wide principles was established to guide fair practices among platform operators regarding fares and incentives for workers.

Shawn Loh asked about the number and proportion of Singaporean workers in outward-oriented versus domestic-oriented sectors, both currently and compared to ten years prior. Minister Tan See Leng reported that as of December 2025, outward-oriented sectors employed 1.25 million residents (50.5%), while domestic-oriented sectors employed 1.21 million residents (48.7%). The employment distribution has remained similar to ten years ago, with outward-oriented sectors employing 1.14 million (50.4%) and domestic-oriented sectors 1.10 million (48.6%). The nature of jobs will undergo changes due to business transformation and technology adoption, and the government plans to work with partners to equip Singaporeans with relevant skills for future jobs.

Shawn Loh raised concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workforce, asking the government to study whether AI serves as a complement or substitute for workers, particularly between SMEs and MNCs. Tan See Leng responded that the government is examining AI's effects on the labor market and noted that the impact depends more on business activities and job roles rather than firm size. The government supports workforce transformation and reskilling for all firms, providing tailored assistance based on their specific needs. Commitment remains to help workers adapt to AI and assist those displaced through workforce transition programs.

Charlene Chen questioned the Minister for Education about extending the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance to support accredited postgraduate training in clinical mental health counselling, given the shortage of trained professionals. Desmond Lee responded that the allowance currently supports training up to the undergraduate level and there are no plans to extend it to postgraduate programmes at this time. He mentioned that mid-career Singaporeans can use their SkillsFuture Credit of $4,000 to offset costs for postgraduate programmes and can also apply for sectoral sponsorships and study awards.

Yip Hon Weng asked if the Ministry of Education will update the SkillsFuture model by partnering with Autonomous Universities for subsidized courses in high-demand sectors and consolidating lifelong learning accounts for better skills progression. Desmond Lee responded that under SkillsFuture, autonomous universities already provide various funded training programs to meet upskilling and reskilling needs. SkillsFuture Singapore regularly assesses labour market skills and offers a range of training support, including initial and additional credits at different ages, to support lifelong learning. The Career and Skills Passport initiative also helps Singaporeans track their skills acquisition and receive personalized training guidance throughout their careers.

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Education about the median starting salary for engineering graduates in 2023, the number of engineering graduates entering non-engineering roles, and measures to address remuneration gaps with other high-demand professions. Desmond Lee reported that the median starting salary for engineering graduates was $4,400, higher than the average for general university graduates. The Ministry does not track the transition of engineering graduates into non-engineering roles. Efforts are ongoing to ensure that skills training and education remain relevant to market demands and to support upskilling initiatives in alignment with industry needs.

Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Education about the increase in polytechnic graduates not receiving full-time job offers since 2023, the representation of specific courses among these graduates, and the measures being taken to support them. Desmond Lee explained that employment rates fluctuate due to economic conditions, with stable outcomes historically but a recent moderation in job vacancies following a post-pandemic peak. He noted that sectors like information and communications have seen subdued hiring, leading to higher percentages of graduates, particularly from certain courses, not securing permanent job offers. Polytechnics will continue to offer career guidance and support services, and initiatives like the TechSkills Accelerator will provide relevant training to enhance employability.

Dr. Hamid Razak inquired about the workload and professional credentials of Community Outreach Teams (CREST) and Community Intervention Team (COMIT) workers over the past three years, specifically regarding average caseloads, session frequency, and case durations. He also sought information on how the Ministry of Health ensures that workloads remain safe and sustainable amidst rising demand for services and the professional registration status of allied health professionals in these teams. Ong Ye Kung indicated that these questions have been previously addressed in a written answer provided at a Parliament sitting on February 3, 2026.

Shawn Loh asked the Minister for Manpower about potential long-term support for SMEs to help maintain employment and wages for older workers due to productivity challenges from rapid technological changes. Tan See Leng emphasized the value of senior workers' skills and experience, highlighting the Senior Employment Credit (SEC) that offers wage offsets for employers of older workers. The SEC has been extended to the end of 2026 while a review of senior employment strategies is conducted. A Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment is actively studying ways to support employers in managing a multi-generational workforce and enabling senior workers to remain productive.

Charlene Chen asked about the assessment of postgraduate training pathways for mental health counsellors and collaboration with various agencies to strengthen training and transition-to-practice pathways. She also inquired about plans for the mental health counsellor workforce over the next five years, including the expansion of supervised practice placements and entry-level roles. Ong Ye Kung responded that the Ministry of Health does not actively track manpower data on counsellors, but noted a significant increase in registered counselling practitioners. Newly trained counsellors receive support for professional development, and guidelines exist for clinical supervision requirements and training frameworks that inform competency development and career trajectories.

Dr. Koh Poh Koon clarified an earlier statement regarding retrenchment notification requirements, stating that companies with more than 10 workers must inform the Ministry of Manpower of any retrenchment within five working days. He corrected his earlier error which suggested that only companies retrenching five or more workers were required to notify the ministry. The requirement applies even if just one worker is retrenched in a company with over 10 workers.

Low Wu Yang Andre questioned the Minister for Manpower about the acquisition of AI start-up Manus, specifically concerning the percentage of Singapore citizens in its workforce, local headcount retention guarantees, and the Ministry's role in ensuring foreign start-ups aid local skill transfer. The Senior Minister of State for Manpower, Dr. Koh Poh Koon, explained that the Ministry does not intervene in acquisitions and keeps individual company workforce demographics confidential. He emphasized that the Economic Development Board (EDB) supports skills transfer and development for Singaporeans while ensuring that all companies comply with local manpower laws. Low expressed concerns about redomiciled companies potentially exploiting Singapore's business environment and inquired about specific hiring targets for such companies, to which Koh reaffirmed that all companies must adhere to the same hiring practices without differentiation.

Pritam Singh asked the Minister for Manpower about retrenchment benefits data for companies with over 25 workers from 2020 to 2025, emphasizing the need for regulation of retrenchment notification by all companies. Senior Minister Dr. Koh Poh Koon reported that around 90% of eligible employees received retrenchment benefits, with 80% getting at least the minimum guidelines. Singh proposed creating different retrenchment guidelines for larger companies to ensure equitable benefits, which Koh opposed, citing flexibility for businesses and the potential negative impact of mandatory benefits on job security. Concerns were raised about punitive clauses in severance agreements and companies setting lower retrenchment benefit caps, with Koh emphasizing ongoing engagement with companies to align with local norms.