Tan See Leng on ensuring most new jobs go to Singapore citizens and residents

The fundamental objective of the Government’s approach is to strike a balance between ensuring that businesses have access to skills and manpower to grow and succeed, while creating opportunities for local workers to grow and progress, said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng. Replying to an MP’s question in Parliament on Tuesday (Apr 2), he said this approach has helped locals to secure good jobs. Between 2013 and 2023, the number of resident Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs) increased by 380,000 and the number of Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass holders increased by 50,000. In growth sectors such as finance, infocomm and professional services, resident PMETs increased by 190,000 and the number of EP and S Pass holders climbed by 20,000. Dr Tan said more importantly, over the decade, resident income also increased - by 21.6 per cent in real terms. He cautioned against viewing residents and foreigners as a “zero-sum game” and continuing to draw divides. Dr Tan said thriving businesses with access to complementary foreign talent will not only lead to more job creation but also improve overall wage outcomes as businesses expand and improve their productivity. “By growing our economic pie, we will be better able to secure positive outcomes for Singapore and Singaporeans,” he said.