New scheme to support employers in sending staff overseas to upskill
Employers in Singapore who want to expand overseas are set to receive support from the government through an upcoming Overseas Markets Immersion Programme (OMIP) aimed at upskilling employees.
The OMIP, which will be launched by WorkForce Singapore, is expected to provide financial support to organisations so they can send employees overseas to garner experience.
"The OMIP aims to encourage businesses with overseas expansion plans to send employees with little to no overseas market experience for overseas postings," said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng at the Committee of Supply.
"Employees will benefit from reskilling through on-the-job, in-market training in global or regional roles offering good prospects, whether in technology, business development or beyond."
According to the minister, businesses in Singapore will be better positioned to expand and compete in overseas markets with a strong globally oriented team.
Further support from government
The OMIP is expected to complement the Ministry of Trade and Industry's upcoming Global Business Leaders Programme (GBLP), Tan said.
The scheme is also expected to support businesses that will send their employees with leadership potential on overseas postings.
"To support Singaporeans to venture overseas and progress in their careers, the government will work with businesses to expand overseas opportunities for professionals, managers and executives," Tan said.
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"More details on the GBLP and OMIP will be announced in the next few months."
Meanwhile, Tan also underscored that employees need to be "better equipped" in making informed training and career decisions, as well as longer-term career plans.
"This is why we launched the CareersFinder feature on the MyCareersFuture portal last year. CareersFinder harnesses data and AI to help Singaporeans to explore pathways to acquiring new skills and reach their career goals," the minister said.
More than 15,000 individuals have utilised CareersFinder within six months of launching, according to Tan.
"The early signs are encouraging as we find these workers do go on to broaden their horizons by applying for jobs across a wider range of occupations," he said.