Singapore prime minister clarifies details on new work pass for global tech talent

Speaking at the Singapore Tech Forum, Lee said that the key factor for the country to develop its technology is talent, as it already has a supportive environment for infrastructure building.

The new work pass has become a topic of contention recently in Singapore with locals fearing rising competition for jobs with foreign professionals. To quell these fears, the prime minister said Singaporeans have to be assured that they are being treated fairly.

“They (Singaporeans) have got to see the tech companies as bringing in expertise and experience, (and) building up the industry and capabilities. […] So that our own people can learn from them, upgrade themselves and eventually build up our own talent pool,” he said.

The prime minister also welcomed gay and lesbian people and said they are “valued members of society,” although the government rejected to decriminalize homosexuality.

Earlier this month, the Singapore government announced plans to launch a new work pass called Tech.Pass in January next year to attract talent to develop the country’s tech ecosystem.

Pass holders can start and operate a business in Singapore and are allowed to be an investor, employee, consultant, and director in Singapore-based companies, as well as mentor startups, and lecture at local universities.

Unlike the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), the Tech.Pass targets overseas tech professionals. The new work pass will be valid for two years in the first instance and can be renewed for a subsequent two-year period based on certain criteria. The PEP, however, cannot be renewed upon the expiration of the three-year period.

“The Tech.Pass scheme is aimed at highly accomplished tech talent, the movers and shakers of the tech world. […] People who can contribute to multiple parts of the ecosystem with their capital, their networks, their knowledge,” said Lee.

Meanwhile, it’s more flexible compared to an employment pass, as it allows holders to move between roles and employers, the prime minister shared.