Yardstick to Measure Success of ONE Pass Scheme
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the metrics for measuring the success of the Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass, with Mr Yip Hon Weng suggesting indicators like organizational profitability and the ratio of Singaporeans in leadership roles. Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng responded that while these factors will be monitored, isolating the impact of individual pass holders on firm performance is impractical due to external variables like business cycles. He explained that the ONE Pass aims to benefit Singapore at a macro level by anchoring global networks, markets, and ideas rather than just impacting individual companies. Consequently, the Ministry of Manpower and economic agencies will monitor broader indicators such as national competitiveness and local employment outcomes. This strategic growth is intended to secure more leadership opportunities and good jobs for Singaporeans as the economy expands.
Transcript
34 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Manpower in measuring the success of the Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass, whether the Ministry will take into consideration (i) the profitability and success of organisations that hire ONE Pass talents in comparison to their past performance or competitors, (ii) the maintenance or increase in the ratio of Singaporean to foreign talent in top roles and (iii) the increase in the overall number of Singaporean employees following its expansion.
Dr Tan See Leng: We expect Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass holders to bring in the networks, skills and expertise to help companies grow and thereby create more good jobs for Singaporeans, including in leadership positions. To this end, the indicators the Member has raised are relevant. We will monitor these indicators closely.
However, we should be mindful of the limitations of assessing the contributions of ONE Pass holders at the micro level of an individual company’s performance. A company’s profitability and hiring outcomes are affected by a wide range of factors, including individual company decisions, business cycles, sectoral trends and various regulations. To conduct a rigorous study controlling all these factors to isolate the impact of ONE Pass holders on a firm’s performance would be impractical.
Furthermore, Singapore benefits from ONE Pass holders beyond their contributions to individual companies. By anchoring them here, we seek to build a rich network of markets, people and ideas. It is, therefore, important not to just focus on these micro factors nor to let them constrain us in securing exciting opportunities for Singapore and Singaporeans at the macro level with the ONE Pass. If we grow our economy successfully, more Singaporeans will benefit from these opportunities, including at the leadership levels. Together, MOM, MTI and the economic agencies will monitor how Singapore performs at the macro level. This includes the competitiveness of our Singapore economy and the good employment outcomes for our locals.