Committee of Supply 2025 debate, Day 7: Alvin Tan on integration of foreign professionals
A public-private body has been set up to find ways to better integrate foreign professionals into Singapore’s workplaces and communities. The Alliance for Action (AfA) is co-chaired by Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Alvin Tan, working with the Singapore National Employers Federation and Singapore Business Federation as well as more than a dozen industry representatives. In parliament on Monday (Mar 10), Mr Tan said engagements began last year. So far, the group has learned that local employers are committed to fair hiring and better integration of employees, while foreign professionals on their part want to adapt to Singapore’s cultural norms and build relationships with local colleagues. Mr Tan added that the Integration and Naturalisation Committees and Champions programme - where volunteers help newcomers settle into the country - will be refreshed. As part of efforts to weave a stronger, tighter social fabric in Singapore, Mr Tan also spoke about the co-operative society or “co-op” movement, which celebrates its centenary this year. He said in 2025, the government will waive co-ops’ first-tier contributions to the Central Co-operative Fund, allowing more than 60 co-ops to redirect the savings. A consultation will also be launched to develop a 10-year transformation roadmap for the sector.
A public-private body has been set up to find ways to better integrate foreign professionals into Singapore’s workplaces and communities. The Alliance for Action (AfA) is co-chaired by Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Alvin Tan, working with the Singapore National Employers Federation and Singapore Business Federation as well as more than a dozen industry representatives. In parliament on Monday (Mar 10), Mr Tan said engagements began last year. So far, the group has learned that local employers are committed to fair hiring and better integration of employees, while foreign professionals on their part want to adapt to Singapore’s cultural norms and build relationships with local colleagues. Mr Tan added that the Integration and Naturalisation Committees and Champions programme - where volunteers help newcomers settle into the country - will be refreshed. As part of efforts to weave a stronger, tighter social fabric in Singapore, Mr Tan also spoke about the co-operative society or “co-op” movement, which celebrates its centenary this year. He said in 2025, the government will waive co-ops’ first-tier contributions to the Central Co-operative Fund, allowing more than 60 co-ops to redirect the savings. A consultation will also be launched to develop a 10-year transformation roadmap for the sector.
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