3 March 2026

The Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) welcomes the key measures announced at the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)’s Committee of Supply (COS) Debate to enable enterprise and workforce transformation and build a harmonious and progressive workplace of tomorrow. Nonetheless, we remain cautious about increasing business costs amidst an uncertain operating environment.  

Enabling Enterprise and Workforce Transformation  

2.  SNEF strongly supports the Enterprise Workforce Transformation Package (EWTP). As an anchor programme partner for the EWTP, SNEF will offer a one-stop touchpoint that provides end-to-end holistic advisory, including reviewing companies’ processes and job roles to ensure alignment with business goals. SNEF will also work with Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs), Workforce and Skills Singapore (WSSG) and sectoral agencies to explore tailored solutions to improve relevancy and access to EWTP, particularly with respect to adoption of Artificial Intelligence at the workplace. 

3. SNEF has been closely involved in the discussions of the Tripartite Workgroup on Human Capital Capability Development (TWG-HC). SNEF supports wider adoption of HR certification among larger organisations as this will position HR as a strategic business partner and improve workforce development. To ensure the certification achieves the desired outcome of the tripartite partners and translate into real value-add for businesses, we strongly support a fundamental review and refresh of the HR certification framework. This assures employers that certification is not a paper exercise but a worthwhile investment in business performance and people. SNEF will continue to work with the tripartite partners to develop the proposals from TWG-HC and ensure an impactful rollout for employers. 

Building a Harmonious and Progressive Workplace  

4. While SNEF appreciates the extension of the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme (PWCS) and higher co-funding levels, we would like to reiterate our call for a tiered funding programme where wage increments of more than $100 continue to attract government subsidies in 2027 and beyond. This better aligns with the wage ladder requirements under various Progressive Wage Model (PWM) clusters and the National Wages Council (NWC) wage recommendations for lower-wage workers. As articulated during the COS Debates, businesses are facing significant cost pressures and while we are supportive of raising wages for lower-wage workers, it must be done at a pace that is sustainable and allows for productivity-based wage growth.  

5. As co-chair of the Tripartite Workgroup on Employment Act (TWG-EA) review, SNEF together with the tripartite partners have engaged various stakeholders to gather views and feedback over the past few months. We aim to strike the right balance between protecting workers and not undermining business competitiveness and constraining operational flexibility. For example, SNEF would not be supportive of advance retrenchment notification requirement that has been raised during the Budget and COS Debates. SNEF looks forward to further policy deliberations with our tripartite partners to foster a harmonious industrial landscape in Singapore.   

6. On senior employment, SNEF is heartened that the Government has heard our call for extension of the Senior Employment Credit (SEC) and CPF Transition Offset (CTO). SNEF will continue to conduct Structured Career Planning (SCP) courses to equip employers with the capabilities to hold career conversations with their employees. The launch of the Alliance for Action on Safety and Health for Employment Longevity (AfA-SHEL) is timely to create industry-led solutions for safe and sustainable work across all ages. As co-chair for the Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment, SNEF would continue to work with tripartite partners to support the meaningful employment of senior workers. 

Enhancing Access to Skilled Foreign Workers that Complement the Local Workforce  

7. SNEF appreciates the enhancement to the Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass and streamlining of talent pass options to better attract top-tier global talent. SNEF also thanks the Government for accepting our proposal to expand the Non-Traditional Source Occupation List (NTS-OL). While these measures help companies to manage talent and manpower shortages, the adjustments to the Employment Pass and S Pass qualifying salaries and selected Work Permit levies add to the cost pressures faced by employers. Given the uncertain global environment, we recommend reviewing whether to proceed with the announced policy changes closer to the scheduled implementation date, taking into consideration the potential impact on businesses and the economy.  

8. Many parliamentarians at the Budget and COS Debate 2026 emphasised the need for Singapore’s pro-business and pro-worker agenda to move in tandem to achieve shared growth and a strong social. As articulated by some Members of Parliament, the increasing business costs are posing significant challenges for businesses¹. SNEF urges the Government to consider providing additional foreign manpower flexibilities for employers with progressive employment practices or sector-differentiated flexibilities where appropriate. By supporting responsible employers, we help foster the creation of good jobs that provide workers with sustainable wage growth.  

Conclusion  

9. SNEF is committed to supporting employers and our members in adapting their workforce and workplaces to meet future demands. We will continue to collaborate with our tripartite partners to develop solutions that balance the interests of employers and employees. This will help build a dynamic economy and harmonious workplaces that enable businesses to thrive, empower employees to grow in their careers and create a sustainable future for all. 
   

¹ Statistics have shown that compulsory winding-up applications and number of companies ordered to liquidate had reached a 15-year high in 2025. Source: Compulsory winding-up applications rise to 15-year high in 2025 (Business Times, 5 Feb 2026). 

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About Singapore National Employers Federation 
The Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) is a trade union of employers. Our mission is to advance tripartism and enhance labour market flexibility to enable employers to implement responsible employment practices for sustainable growth. SNEF has a membership of nearly 4,000 companies with around 876,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.snef.org.sg.