Academics to artists, S'pore's new talent pass covers wide range of sectors

In the hunt for global talent, Singapore wants to attract rainmakers in every sense of the word - not just professionals in the science or technology fields or those who can close large business deals.

This means top sports scientists, performing arts producers and academics are among those the new Overseas Networks and Expertise (One) Pass is aimed at, even if they do not clear the $30,000 monthly salary threshold.

Instead, they will be granted this work pass on the basis of their outstanding achievements. The eligibility criteria for this group will be worked out by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) together with other ministries, such as the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.

Meanwhile, those applying for the One Pass who draw a monthly fixed salary of $30,000 or more should receive this amount from one employer, rather than smaller sums adding up to $30,000 from multiple employers.

"This helps us to ensure that the candidate has played or will be playing a meaningful role in a company," said an MOM spokesman in response to queries from The Straits Times.

Announced by Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng on Aug 29, the new pass, applications for which open up from Jan 1 next year, offers its holders flexibility to hold multiple jobs and start one or more businesses.

The spokesman said examples of outstanding achievements in the arts include receiving prestigious international or regional prizes for excellence in artistic endeavours.

Applicants for the pass could also have well-established careers in "enabling roles", such as managing top-tier talents.

"For example, a world-class and renowned producer could provide networks, collaboration, and opportunities which support the growth of local talent," said the spokesman.

In sports, suitable talents eligible for the pass include athletes, coaches, sports scientists and other sports-related specialists with a proven track record.

"They should be a good fit to benefit our broader ecosystem through their desire to contribute while pursuing their own interests," he added.

Meanwhile, those in research and academia, or science and technology, who are granted the One Pass would have demonstrated a high level of achievement in scientific and other academic research.

This includes "a proven record of impactful outcomes from research conducted, which may include international recognition of scientific and academic leadership".

The MOM spokesman also said workers who are already in Singapore may apply for the One Pass before their existing work pass expires.

After obtaining approval for the new pass, their employer should cancel their existing work pass before the new one is issued.

MOM also confirmed that there would be no cap on the number of One Pass holders.

Nonetheless, as the pass is benchmarked to the top 5 per cent of Employment Pass (EP) holders, it expects around 7,000 to 8,000 people to hold the One Pass, based on the current number of EP holders.

It added that numbers can vary over time, and it will monitor them closely when the pass is launched.

The ministry also said the processing time for One Pass applications "will be within four weeks for most cases", even as the EP processing time has been shortened to 10 business days, with employers able to expect either a definite approval, rejection or a status update if more time is needed.

"This is a new pass, with new processes, and cannot be directly compared to EP applications whereby the system has been in place for decades and has gone through various upgrades," said MOM.

Another change announced together with the One Pass by Dr Tan on Aug 29 was a longer five-year EP for those in selected occupations on a Shortage Occupation List.

MOM clarified that the lengthier pass validity of such passes will remain even if the occupations of the holders are removed from the list before their pass expires.

"When placing occupations on the Shortage Occupation List, we will focus on occupations where manpower shortages are due to structural factors, such as skills shortages in the local workforce, rather than transitory factors that can change within a short horizon," said the MOM spokesman.

So that the MOM can better evaluate the contributions of One Pass holders, holders will be asked to notify the ministry annually of their professional activities and annual salaries so their activities and contributions in Singapore can be better understood.

"Having said that, we are bringing in these talents and giving them flexibility because we want to them to take risks, explore new frontiers and make a big impact," the spokesman said.

He added: "It is also important to allow for some ramp-up period for that to happen and not be too quick to jump to the conclusion that they are not contributing."

Mr Marcus Dass, senior vice-president at the Economic Development Board's (EDB) human capital division, said the EDB's Tech.Pass programme, which is a specialised pass for the technology sector launched in 2021, helped shape the One Pass.

Both passes provide top talent the flexibility to carry out multiple activities and contribute to Singapore in more ways than one.

"In turn, more Singaporeans will get to work alongside such individuals as well as benefit from their expertise, knowledge and networks," said Mr Dass.

Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.