Review on Feasibility of Online versus In-person Cultural Orientation Programme for S Pass Holders

30 Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the total number of S Pass holders who participated in the Cultural Orientation Programme (COP) pilot from December 2023 to 2025; and (b) in reviewing the pilot, whether the Ministry will consider if an online programme is sufficiently effective in achieving objectives or if a more community-based and in-person approach should be adopted.

Dr Tan See Leng: The Cultural Orientation Programme (COP) was launched as a voluntary programme in December 2023 to familiarise new S Pass holders with working and living in Singapore. As of December 2025, 6,574 S Pass holders have completed the COP. About 95% of the participants indicated that the content was useful and that it had increased their understanding of Singapore's norms and regulations.

The Ministry of Manpower had opted for an online programme to maximise its reach. In addition to the COP, S Pass holders can participate in various community activities organised by various community groups, including the People's Association.