In a bold move to position Singapore as a frontrunner in the global tech industry, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is set to roll out the Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass aimed at attracting top talent in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology starting from January 2027. Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng announced this initiative during the Committee of Supply debates in Parliament.
What’s New with the ONE Pass?
The forthcoming ONE Pass will replace the existing Tech.Pass, which was introduced in 2021 and has since attracted about 250 unique applications. The updated pass is designed to offer more appealing terms for individuals excelling in critical and emerging technologies.
- Eligibility requires a salary of at least $30,000 a month for the year leading to the application.
- Applicants must have at least five years of experience in C-suite or technical roles.
- Previous employment should be within a tech company or a relevant tech division.
- Companies must meet specific valuation or revenue thresholds to qualify.
Minimum Salary Increases for Employment Passes
In addition to the new ONE Pass, the MOM also announced revisions to the salaries required for Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass applications. From January 2027, the minimum qualifying salary for EP will rise from $5,600 to $6,000, with further incremental increases tied to age, potentially reaching $11,500 by the mid-2040s.
Similarly, the S Pass will require a minimum salary of $3,600, up from the previous $3,300. This adjustment aligns with wages of the top one-third local associate professionals, ensuring that competitive standards are upheld.
Aiming for a Balanced Workforce
Dr Tan emphasised the importance of remaining open to foreign expertise while ensuring it complements Singapore’s local workforce. He reinforced that the adjustments to EP and S Pass salaries aim to curb competition based solely on lower wages, fostering a more productive and sustainable foreign workforce.
In the broader context, as other nations like China and South Korea launch similar initiatives to attract tech talent, Singapore aims to remain competitive by establishing a robust framework that not only draws top talent but also creates economic growth and job opportunities for Singaporeans.
With over 8,000 individuals already holding the ONE Pass, including prominent figures in the AI sector, the MOM’s initiatives illustrate a strategic move to harness global expertise for the benefit of Singapore’s economy.