Publications – Singapore

New Year Brings Employment Act Changes in Singapore

By Ames Gross
March 2009
Published on the Legal Insight page of Workforce.com

For the first time in 14 years, the Singapore Ministry of Manpower has made significant alterations to its Employment Act, the main legislation governing employment terms and conditions. These changes took effect on January 1, 2009. The EA serves a two-fold purpose: first, it safeguards basic employment standards, particularly for workers who are considered more economically vulnerable and need protection under the law, and second, it regulates relations between employees and their employers.

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HR and Recruiting Trends in Singapore Update

By Ames Gross
August 2007
Published in SHRM Global Forum

Singapore is probably the most Westernized country in Asia. The island’s economy grew steadily over the past two years: 5.7% in 2005 and 7.9% in 2006. In 2007, its economy is expected to grow at 6%, due mainly to strong external demand and closer links with the global economy. Singapore has well-developed employment laws and highly stable labor relations. This article provides updates on important labor laws and discusses recruiting and retention strategies for foreign companies operating in Singapore.

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HR and Recruiting Issues in Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore Webcast CD

By Ames Gross
Price: $350 May 2007
Broadcast by Pacific Bridge, Inc.

These four "East Asian Tigers" underwent rapid industrialization from the 1960s to 1990s. Today, they are fully modernized, yet HR and recruiting trends continue to shift with changes in employment law and economic conditions. This webcast provides an in-depth examination of the latest trends and provides valuable information to help you successfully manage HR in these four countries. This is a 90 minute, live web seminar which will include a 60 minute presentation, followed by 30 minutes for Q&A.

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Update on HR Issues in Singapore

By Ames Gross and Rachel Weintraub
July 2005
Published by Pacific Bridge, Inc.

Singapore has a population of close to 4.5 million and a labor force of approximately 2.2 million. The country’s economy remains strong and in 2004, boasted an 8.1 percent increase in GDP. Singapore’s highly-developed economy and central location to other countries in Asia has led many foreign companies to choose Singapore as their Asia hub. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is responsible for maintaining a globally competitive workforce in Singapore. Therefore, the MOM is constantly striving to improve working conditions and benefits for all employees in Singapore by managing such areas as labor relations, occupational health and safety, foreign workers’ rights and on-the-job training programs.

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Human Resource Issues in Singapore

By Ames Gross
Spring 1999
Published by Pacific Bridge, Inc.

Despite an economic slowdown, Singapore is still one of Asia’s most modern commercial and industrial centers. With a pro-business government and excellent business infrastructure, Singapore is one of the most desirable locations for Western businesses to invest in, providing many opportunities to utilize a highly skilled, industrious labor force. The Singaporean government is also making an effort to ensure an adequate supply of skilled workers, with moves to upgrade workers’ skills, continue education for career advancement, extend the retirement age, and encourage more women to enter the work force. This article highlights major human resource issues in Singapore, with useful information for Western companies. Issues covered include: labor force details, wages, benefits, labor relations, and business culture.

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