Oversight of NEST Singapore Limited

20 Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Manpower with the setting up of NEST Singapore Limited which is a new corporate entity by the Ministry to operate Purpose-Built Dormitories in partnership with the private sector (a) what measures will be put in place to ensure oversight of this new entity by the Ministry; and (b) whether this new entity will be operated on a for-profit or cost recovery basis.

Dr Tan See Leng: MOM will set up NEST Singapore Limited (NEST) as a Company Limited by Guarantee, with its own board of directors and management. The board and management will be responsible for the proper governance and stewardship of NEST. The set-up of NEST will help drive innovation and transform practices in migrant worker housing and grow capabilities in dormitory management.

The two NEST purpose-built dormitories will be subject to the same licensing and regulatory requirements under the Foreign Employees Dormitories Act (FEDA) as any other dormitory operator in the market.