Government Advocacy

“To facilitate change and the development of new areas of policy, in order to maintain global competitiveness, productivity and business sustainability and to deal with emerging challenges to the engineering services provides in the process sector”

As part of ASPRI’s efforts to assist members to keep track of the changes in government regulations for the Process sector, the Secretariat had compiled the below timeline of upcoming regulatory changes and would update it as and when there’s any announcements.

You may download and print out a copy for your easy reference here.

1. Extension of the Pre-departure Preparatory Programme (PDPP) – Ended​

With the PDPP extended till 31 May 2022, partnered with Fullerton Health, supported by MOM, to help accelerate the entry of necessary workers for ongoing projects, alleviate the labour shortage that the sectors have faced over the past year, while building greater resilience in their workforce​

2. Extension of the Change of Employer (CoE) Program – Ended​

With the COE Program extended till 20 March 2022, ASPRI, supported by MOM, continued to help connect employers who are looking to release their Process sector WPHs to those who are experiencing a shortage from 11 Aug 2020 till 20 Mar 2022 of manpower for free of charge.​

• Companies facing a shortage of manpower can tap on a pool of experienced PCM WPHs and save on search and recruitment expenses.​
• Companies that have excess manpower can transfer their WPHs to other companies more quickly, giving their WPHs the opportunity to continue working in Singapore and save on repatriation costs.​

3. Managed Retention Scheme Program for Process sector – Ended​

From 21 March to 30 Jun 2022, the CoE Program transitioned to MOM Retention Scheme Programme and ASPRI helped to manage MOM Retention Scheme for Process sector to help companies manage manpower disruptions cause by COVID-19 and help firms to retain experienced Work Permit holders.​

​4. Engaging MOT/MOM on Safe Transportation for Migrant Workers​

Partnering with Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SCIC) to enhance the overall welfare of the migrant workers workforce supporting the Energy & Chemical sector by driving industry advocacy towards adopting good practices to ensure the safety of migrant workers during transportation. ​

​5. Engaging MOM on Staggered Rest days & De-densification of MWs Hotspots Update​

Launched a Workgroup with MOM and CMP industry associations to develop and implement staggered rest days over two days for the CMP sectors (Saturday & Sunday) and improve the attractiveness of Recreation Centres (RCs) as ideal community sites for migrant workers, including possible collaboration between Government, industry associations and businesses to operate RCs for our migrant workers.​

6. Engaging MOM/EDB/ESG on Dormitory Bed Spaces Shortage and Surging Prices​

​7. Construction, Marine and Process (CMP) sector Joint Manpower Paper Framework​

Collaboration with SBF to put together a joint position paper to inform Public & NGOs about the diverse needs and challenges faced by the Construction, Marine and Process (CMP) sector​

8. ASPRI Inputs to Ministry of Finance (MOF) for Budget 2023​

The Work Group put together a list of recommendations for MOF’s consideration in the upcoming Budget 2023 that included: Retention of workforce, Internationalisation as a pack, Sustainable transition

1. ASPRI Inputs to Ministry of Finance (MOF) for Budget 2021

The Work Group put together a list of recommendations for MOF’s consideration in the upcoming Budget 2021 that included:

• Support for businesses in the Process Sector
• Sustained national-wide effort to increase the Singaporean Core within CMP sectors
• Catalysing Innovation and Productivity in the Process sector

2. Formation of Manpower Committee

Early 2021, the ASPRI Manpower Committee was formed to look into key issues such as the evolution of R1 Higher-skilled worker criteria and management of the flow of Foreign Workers (FW) in and out of Singapore.

3. Extension of the Change of Employer (CoE) Program

With the COE Program extended till 28 February 2021, ASPRI, supported by MOM, will continue to help connect employers who are looking to release their Process sector WPHs to those who are experiencing a shortage From 11 Aug 2020 till 28 Feb 2021of manpower for free of charge.

• Companies facing a shortage of manpower can tap on a pool of experienced PCM WPHs and save on search and recruitment expenses.
• Companies that have excess manpower can transfer their WPHs to other companies more quickly, giving their WPHs the opportunity to continue working in Singapore and save on repatriation costs.

1. Helping members keep abreast of Government Advisories

During the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic the Government sent constant updates on their advisories, which made it difficult for members to keep tabs on and understand the latest changes to the various precautionary and support measures. As such, ASPRI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and JTC Corporation, organised a webinar on “Safe Management Measures for the Process Construction and Maintenance (PCM) Industry” on 1 June 2020 to address any concerns and unanswered questions members might have in the arduous first half of 2020. It was attended by 327 participants from 203 member companies.

2. Leveraging Grants and Supports to Overcome Challenging Times

In response to the COVID-19 situation, ASPRI partnered with four Government agencies – SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), Workforce Singapore (WSG), Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to introduce grants and support schemes to help companies in the Process Construction & Maintenance (PCM) sector tide over the effects of the COVID-19.

3. Transitionary Medical Support for Migrant Workers

By 11 August 2020, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) had successfully cleared all dormitories nationwide. To continue ensuring that the dormitories remain well supported with medical services to prevent and manage any future outbreaks, ASPRI’s Government Advocacy Work Group, together with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and MOM, organised a Zoom webinar to share MOH’s medium-term medical support plans for migrant workers. The session was attended by around 90 members.

4. ASPRI ManpowerConnect – Change of Employer (CoE) Program

In view of extensive border and travel restrictions due to COVID-19, ASPRI has partnered with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to facilitate the matching of Process sector Work Permit holders with potential employers. From 11 Aug 2020, the COE program will allow Process sector companies to hire existing Process Sector (PCM) Work Permit holders (WPHs) who are in Singapore, with the agreement of their current employers. This program will provide companies the flexibility to manage their manpower needs.

5. Update on Incident Response and Management Plan by EDB

On 11 December 2020, ASPRI’s Government Advocacy Workgroup partnered with EDB and ESG to organise a webinar for ASPRI members on the COVID-positive Incident Response and Management Plan. Despite a low number of COVID positive cases over the last few weeks, it is still important for companies to stay up to date on the latest protocols in place so as to continue protecting workers as well as businesses with minimal disruptions. Recognising that, close to 70 pax joined us to hear the sharing by EDB.