A Timely Dialogue on Singapore’s Manpower Priorities

As a follow-up to the recent manpower announcements made during the Committee of Supply (COS) 2025 debate, SICC was pleased to host a Manpower Dialogue with Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Defence, Mr. Zaqy Mohamad on 4 April 2025.

The session, moderated by Mr. Wong Joo Seng, Deputy Chairman of SICC, brought together business leaders, HR professionals, and Chamber members for a candid and constructive exchange.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

🔹 Manpower: Singapore’s Core Asset
SMS Zaqy reaffirmed that people are Singapore’s greatest strength. In the absence of natural resources, talent development and workforce readiness are vital to maintaining our global competitiveness.

🔹 A Stable & Forward-Looking Approach
Even amid global uncertainty, Singapore remains committed to stability and adaptability—especially in the face of emerging technologies and geopolitical shifts.

🔹 Support for Workforce Transformation
MOM, together with Enterprise Singapore, EDB, and MTI, is ramping up efforts to help companies build progressive, inclusive workforces—through funding, policy tools, and skills development programmes.

🔹 Future-Proofing Through Upskilling
The Government is heavily investing in continuous learning, with a strong focus on mid-career workers. The goal: equip individuals to move up the value chain and take on higher-value roles.

🔹 AI & Automation: A Catalyst, Not a Threat
Rather than resist change, Singapore must embrace technological shifts. SMS Zaqy urged all to focus on reskilling and evolving with the job landscape.

🔹 Global Mindset, Global Competence
From school to the workplace, developing cross-cultural agility and international exposure is essential. Overseas attachments and exchanges will help nurture globally minded leaders.

This dialogue was a meaningful platform for business and government to align on manpower strategies and future-readiness.

Thank you, SMS Zaqy Mohamad, for your insights—and to all who joined us for the engaging discussion.

We look forward to continued collaboration with MOM and our members in shaping a resilient, future-ready workforce in Singapore.