New MOS Foo Cexiang wants to help workers switch sectors, find jobs more quickly for those who reskill
These are two groups of workers he hopes to tackle in his role as Minister of State for Manpower, he tells ST.
Minister of State for Manpower Foo Cexiang aims to assist retrenched workers transitioning to new sectors and those who have reskilled but cannot find suitable employment. Foo, a first-term MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC, took on his new role alongside his energy, trade, and industry portfolio on September 1. He pointed out that finding a new job in a different sector can be challenging due to reduced pay and the need to rebuild knowledge and relationships.
The Ministry of Manpower reports that re-entry outcomes have softened, with 54.9% of retrenched residents returning to employment within six months in Q2 2026, down from 60.7% in Q1 2026. Foo emphasized that companies and society must support these workers, who may require additional time, space, and understanding, particularly for older workers with no prior experience.
MOM will delve deeper into the factors affecting these job seekers, looking at traits like age, preferred type of work, and the kinds of companies applied to, to design targeted solutions. The Government is also exploring "fractional work," where individuals take on multiple projects instead of a single full-time job, offering more autonomy and flexibility.
Foo highlighted the need for collaboration to develop better matching solutions, as individuals who find jobs may later express dissatisfaction with the work. Additionally, MOM is studying "fractional work" and will introduce a new flexi-load programme and a dedicated programme office. Foo, who joined the Cabinet in July, aims to create more good jobs and careers for all Singaporeans through his portfolios focused on jobs and opportunities at MOM and the Ministry of Energy, Trade, and Industry.
He intends to meet SMEs operating in sectors such as interior design, plumbing, landscaping, waterproofing, jewellery, food and beverage, and retail to address productivity challenges, hiring difficulties, and cost pressures.
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