Singapore aims to foster greater cohesion between its local and foreign workforce. A newly established Alliance for Action has been tasked with developing strategies to better integrate foreign professionals into both workplaces and broader society.

Culture Minister Alvin Tan announced the formation of the public-private collaboration before Parliament.

The partnership brings together government agencies, business groups, and corporate leaders. The Singapore National Employers Federation and Singapore Business Federation are key stakeholders, alongside MCCY.

Set to operate from February to September, the AfA aims to present recommendations later this year. It is co-chaired by Tan and SNEF honorary treasurer Marcus Lam, and comprises representatives from trade associations, chambers of commerce, and companies across multiple sectors.

Over the past few months, the AfA has actively sought feedback from corporate leaders, middle management, and employees to understand the challenges and opportunities surrounding foreign professionals’ integration. The initiative acknowledges the economic value these professionals bring – such as bolstering investment and job creation – but also recognises public concerns over job competition and the potential erosion of national identity and social norms.

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Balancing economic needs with social cohesion

“Foreign professionals live and work among us, many for an extended period of time, and we must foster an environment where our foreign and local workforce mutually understand and appreciate each other’s social and cultural norms,” MCCY said.

Singapore aims to strengthen mutual respect and build a more cohesive society by facilitating meaningful interactions and friendships both in the workplace and community, the ministry added.

The issue of foreign workforce integration is a delicate balancing act. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong previously acknowledged the “political sensitivities” surrounding immigration.

“Singapore relies heavily on [foreign professionals] to top up its population base and talent pool. Therefore, we must manage the inflow and integration of new arrivals with the utmost sensitivity and caution, to ensure that the flows are balanced and sustainable.”

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Practical steps towards inclusion

Preliminary suggestions from the AfA focus on extending integration efforts beyond the workplace. Proposed initiatives include:

Corporate volunteering programmes to encourage foreign professionals to engage with local communities

Workplace orientation sessions to familiarise new arrivals with Singapore’s cultural norms

“The engagements also emphasised the need for corporates to have HR practices that assure all employees of equal opportunities, and to develop the competencies to foster integration,” MCCY said.

Minister Tan added: “Local employers are committed to fair, equal opportunity hiring; they want to better integrate employees and foster positive interactions in workplaces.”

“Foreign professionals also want to adapt to Singapore’s cultural norms and build relationships with their local colleagues.”

A future built on collaboration

Singapore’s economic success has long been underpinned by its ability to attract and retain global talent, but sustainable growth hinges on harmonising workforce diversity.

The AfA’s findings and recommendations – expected in the second half of the year – will play a crucial role in shaping policies that ensure foreign professionals are not just contributors to the economy, but also valued members of Singaporean society.

Only then can workforce integration translate beyond policies on paper and into genuine community and professional interactions.