Singapore Launches Initiatives To Better Integrate Foreign Talents Into Workplaces
By Anas Hassan
SINGAPORE, July 10 (NNN) -- Singapore has introduced five initiatives to better integrate foreign professionals into local workplaces and communities, while supporting employers to foster more inclusive work environments.
The initiatives were rolled out by the Alliance for Action on Integration of Foreign Professionals (AfA-IFP), a collaboration convened by the Culture, Community, and Youth Ministry (MCCY), the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF).
The measures comprise the Employment Pass (EP) Journey; an orientation day led by the Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs); an integration playbook and workshops; cultural sensitivity training course; and a central repository of resources.
In a joint statement on Friday, AfA-IFP said the initiatives were identified to help new foreign professionals better understand the living and working norms in Singapore and support firms to effectively implement inclusive local-foreigner integration practices at the workplace.
"Employers acknowledged the importance of fostering inclusive workplace practices but noted varying levels of readiness and capability to do so, while TACs similarly saw opportunities to better support member firms, especially smaller ones.
"Local employees highlighted the importance of respecting and adapting to local customs and social norms, while foreign professionals welcomed early practical support to help them better integrate with their colleagues and the local community," AfA-IFP said.
The AfA-IFP brings together employers, industry representatives, and business leaders to identify practical ways to foster stronger interactions and mutual understanding between Singaporeans and foreign professionals.
As of June 2026, over 50 firms have participated in the AfA-IFP pilot initiatives. The participants consisted of human resource practitioners, team leaders, and EP holders.
--NNN