Singapore To Test SG Alert System
National Development Minister Desmond Lee announced that prospective construction workers will undergo local testing instead of overseas testing starting January 2027. The measure aims to streamline the hiring process for construction workers, who may be able to be hired approximately three months faster. Analysts noted cautious sentiment in the F&B, accommodation, and retail trade sectors due to shifting demand. Authorities stated the move is necessary to support strong construction growth expected in the coming years. Starting January 20, 2026, workers from China and Thailand will no longer be required to pass a skills test before entering Singapore. Industry feedback indicated that overseas certifications often do not match local deployment needs. The Workers' Party Central Executive Committee met on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss a disciplinary panel's report.
Topics
Developing
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Sources · 7 independent
“National Development Minister Chi Hong-Tut says this will apply to workers from all source countries from January 2028.”
“instead they will be tested locally. National Development Minister Chi Hong-Tut says this will apply to workers from all source countries from January 2028.”
“It is important that we find ways to facilitate smoother and more expedient inflow of skilled new construction workers and to ensure better job skills fit.”
“They will now only need to submit one plan for multiple projects if they adopt a standardized set of building components.”
“Work permit holders from China and Thailand are no longer required to take skills evaluation tests overseas before coming to Singapore. Starting January 2027, instead, they will be tested locally.”
“There is therefore a lot of friction and inefficiencies in the current arrangement. Given the strong construction demand in the coming years, it is important that we find ways to facilitate smoother and more expedient inflow of skilled new construction workers”
“Work permit holders from China and Thailand will no longer be required to take skills evaluation tests overseas before coming to Singapore starting January 2027.”
“Work permit holders from China and Thailand will no longer be required to take skills evaluation tests overseas before coming to Singapore starting January 2027. Instead, they will be tested locally.”
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