From January 2027, Singapore will no longer require mandatory skills testing for new foreign construction workers from China and Thailand in their home countries, reducing hiring timelines from four months to one month. The change aims to boost productivity and flexibility in the built environment sector, with full implementation across all source countries by 2028.
Starting from January 2027, construction companies in Singapore will no longer be required to conduct mandatory skills testing for new foreign workers from China and Thailand in their home countries before they enter Singapore.
This change is part of a broader effort to streamline hiring processes and enhance productivity within Singapore’s built environment sector. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) announced on Thursday that this adjustment will significantly reduce the hiring timeline for new work-permit holders, cutting it from the current four months to approximately one month.
Under the new system, firms will be able to bring workers directly into Singapore, where they will obtain the necessary Skills Evaluation Certificate (Knowledge), or SEC(K), instead of undergoing testing overseas. The SEC(K) test, currently administered by BCA at approved centers abroad, assesses whether foreign workers possess the fundamental knowledge and practical skills required for construction work, ensuring they can operate safely and efficiently in Singapore’s construction industry.
By 2028, this policy will be extended to include all source countries, requiring new construction work-permit holders to pass the SEC(K) test within one year of their arrival in Singapore to renew their permits. Companies must also secure test slots for their workers before they arrive. For the first six months, firms will pay the basic-skilled levy rate for workers without the SEC(K). If workers fail to pass the test within this period, companies will face higher levies.
The BCA reassured that these changes will not compromise worker quality but will provide firms with greater flexibility to conduct on-the-job training tailored to their project needs. Additionally, testing capacity in Singapore will be expanded to accommodate the increased demand from construction work-permit holders seeking to take the test locally. Firms also have the option to hire workers through alternative entry pathways (AEP) if they possess vocational qualifications recognized by BCA.
Furthermore, companies can apply to BCA to pilot their own pathways under AEP by demonstrating how they plan to select and train high-quality new construction workers in specific trades. A spokesperson from the Singapore Contractors Association (SCAL) expressed support for the upcoming removal of the overseas testing requirement, stating that it will allow firms to benefit from a shorter lead time when bringing in new skilled workers.
This change will also enable companies to respond more agilely to their projects’ manpower requirements. SCAL will collaborate with its members to ensure that the skills of new construction workers are assessed promptly to maintain industry standards. Ian Teo, President of the Specialists Trade Alliance of Singapore, also welcomed the announcement, highlighting that it will provide specialist contractors with the flexibility to directly assess, select, and bring in new workers with the specific skill sets needed for their projects
Singapore Construction Industry Foreign Workers Skills Testing Productivity Building And Construction Authority
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hawkers Omakase: Singapore's First Hawker-Led Omakase ExperienceSingapore's food scene takes a bold leap forward with Hawkers Omakase, a pioneering dining concept where six hawkers collaborate with KF Seetoh to create exclusive, multi-course menus. This event highlights the creativity and heritage of Singapore's hawkers, offering diners a unique omakase experience that blends tradition with innovation. From Peranakan delights to Cantonese classics, each course promises a surprise, showcasing the depth of hawker culinary artistry.
Read more »
Singapore confiscates S$400,000 in criminal proceeds from Malaysian manAuthorities found a bag containing the money in the boot of Diong Gin Ing’s car as he entered Singapore through Tuas Checkpoint.
Read more »
Nine Men Under Investigation for Driving Deregistered Vehicles and Traffic Offences in SingaporeNine men aged between 19 and 32 are under police investigation in Singapore for allegedly driving or riding deregistered motor vehicles and committing various traffic offences. The incidents occurred across multiple locations, including Tampines and Sembawang, with some offenders also facing charges for driving without a valid licence or while under disqualification. Police have warned of the serious dangers posed by deregistered vehicles, which lack insurance and may not meet safety standards.
Read more »
Hengli Group Restructures Singapore Trading Arm Following US SanctionsChina's Hengli Group has altered the ownership structure of its Singapore-based trading unit, Hengli Petrochemical International Pte Ltd, in response to US sanctions imposed on its Dalian refinery for allegedly purchasing Iranian oil. The move sees a Chinese government-linked entity taking a majority stake.
Read more »
Foreign Boss Faces Backlash for Disparaging Remarks About Malaysian Staff and Public HolidaysA foreign employer in Malaysia has been criticized for calling Malaysian staff 'pigs' and complaining about the number of public holidays, sparking a debate about cultural sensitivity and colonial-era stereotypes.
Read more »
EU Foreign Policy Chief Urges ASEAN to Avoid Russian Oil Amid Global Energy CrisisKaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, called on ASEAN nations to refrain from purchasing Russian oil to prevent Russia from funding its war in Ukraine. The appeal comes amid a global energy crisis triggered by the Middle East conflict, which has disrupted oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. While ASEAN countries seek alternative energy sources, Kallas emphasized that buying Russian oil would prolong the war and exacerbate the crisis. The EU recently imposed new sanctions on Russian oil trade to curb Moscow's war funding.
Read more »