Ask not when top talent will leave; rather, welcome those who stay

WHILE concerns over Singapore’s new pass for top talent are understandable, some of these worries are arguably incongruent with the mindset of a global city.

Even as the government guards against potential abuse of pass privileges, Singaporeans should consider the possibility that foreign talent may not always remain foreign – and welcome those who choose to stay and keep contributing.

The Overseas Networks and Expertise (One) Pass aims to attract top global talent in fields from business and research to sports and the arts, with applications opening in January. Valid for 5 years with the possibility of renewal, the pass is not tied to an employer, allowing its holders to start, operate and work for multiple companies here at any one time. This week, Members of Parliament (MPs) on both sides of the House asked a flurry of questions that Manpower Minister Tan See Leng answered in a ministerial statement.