Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether companies receiving more than $5 million in Government grants or tax subsidies are required to submit a skills transfer roadmap outlining how they will leverage the funding to upskill locals with specific targets; (b) whether future tranches of grant disbursements will be contingent on achievement of skills transfer milestones; and (c) if not, whether there are any terms and conditions on the grants that will ensure skills transfer to Singaporean workers.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Business grants and tax incentives disbursed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry are designed to support companies that undertake specific projects or activities to upgrade, grow and transform their businesses. These can include the development of new capabilities, expansions, or the establishment of new businesses in Singapore. Where relevant and on a case-by-case basis, the agencies may include factors such as creation of local employment and training opportunities as part of the consideration.
Separately, the Government invests significantly to support our businesses and workers to upskill and reskill and administers various programmes for this purpose. The Member may refer to the reply to Parliamentary Question No 105 for the sitting on 7 May 2024 for more details. [Please refer to “Programmes that Support Skills Transfer by Foreign Specialists Working in Singapore”, Official Report, 7 May 2024, Vol 95, Issue 135, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.]
Ministry of Trade and Industry
7 May 2024
https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=written-answer-na-16455
Office of the Leader of the Opposition 