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Imagine a scenario where global expansion is a seamless experience for your company. Employees are equipped with the skills and cultural knowledge to work abroad, and your business navigates overseas markets confidently while staying compliant with local laws.

For many organizations, this ideal is far from reality, as cultural differences, regulatory compliance, and operational hurdles pose significant risks that can incur financial losses. Fortunately, the Overseas Market Immersion Programme in Singapore offers a way to transform the daunting expansion process into a straightforward journey.

Launched under Workforce Singapore (WSG) and the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), this initiative empowers businesses to expand internationally by providing employees with overseas experiences and the necessary skills to drive innovation and attain global growth. In this article, we’ll take you through the Singapore Immersion program’s key benefits, eligibility criteria, and how your company can participate.

What is the Overseas Market Immersion Programme?

The Overseas Markets Immersion Programme (OMIP) is an initiative that supports companies interested in international expansion by reskilling employees with little or no experience in foreign markets. This scheme encourages businesses to invest in employee development and enhance their global mobility in the long run. The Overseas Market Immersion Programme is ideal for companies planning to gain new international markets, upskill their employees for global assignments, and build a globally competitive workforce.

Through the global talent ready program, companies will receive generous support to send new hires or existing employees abroad to gain global market experience and exposure. Participating employees will gain practical experience in regional business development, international and regional sales and marketing, market analysis, and franchise operations.

This knowledge will improve their ability to handle the complexities of global expansion and understand local market practices. Furthermore, they’ll also network with international peers, immersing themselves in the foreign market's culture and fostering cross-cultural competencies.

How does the Overseas Market Immersion Programme work?

The Singapore immersion program involves sending new hires or existing employees on an overseas posting for about two years. Participating companies will work with SBF to create customized employee development plans with quantifiable short-term key performance indicators (KPIs) to be achieved after training.

The training plan, lasting at least nine months, includes on-the-job training (OJT), optional classroom training, or both, depending on the company’s needs. Additionally, at least six months must involve relocating overseas to a designated country.

The Overseas Market Immersion Programme will support participating businesses with 70% of salary and 70% of overseas allowance for up to nine months, capped at SG$5,000 and SG$3,000 per month, respectively. The allowance will cover recurring expenses such as transportation, housing, meals, mobile, and medical/insurance for when the trainee relocates to another country.

What are the benefits of applying for the Overseas Market Immersion Programme?

Access new markets and grow existing markets.

The Singapore immersion program provides businesses with the tools, connections, and insights to enter new markets confidently. It equips employees with first-hand knowledge of foreign business markets, customer preferences, competitors, and industry trends.

Furthermore, the Overseas Market Immersion Programme enables companies to deepen their knowledge of existing markets. This exposure allows businesses to develop and tailor their strategies for better market share, product launches, and customer engagement. Additionally, it empowers firms to surmount the challenges of international expansion, including cultural differences, local employment regulations, and brand management.

Reduce costs of developing global talent

Through the Overseas Market Immersion Programme, businesses receive payroll subsidies to upskill their workers. This financial aid reduces the costs of developing global talent by covering critical expenses, such as employee salaries and overseas allowances.

By providing this grant, the Singapore immersion program eases the financial burden on companies, allowing them to invest money in employee development and other strategic initiatives without stretching their budget.

Increase employer value proposition

Sending workers on overseas postings allows them to gain practical experience and insights into diverse markets, business practices, and local cultures. While this improves their professional growth globally, it also gives top talents and potential hires the impression that your company is dedicated to innovation and career development. This commitment strengthens your employer branding, boosts job satisfaction among existing employees, and helps you attract and retain top talents.

What are the Overseas Market Immersion Programme eligibility criteria?

Below, we explore the Overseas Market Immersion Programme’s eligibility criteria for both employers and employees.

Employer Eligibility

To be eligible for the Singapore immersion program, companies must meet these requirements:

Be registered or incorporated in Singapore.
Offer permanent or contract positions with a fixed monthly salary of at least $4,000 for individuals on overseas postings.
Provide a detailed 24-month career development/market expansion plan with clear milestones and measurable short-term KPIs to be achieved after training.
Be committed to working with WSG and SBF on the required administrative tasks for the program.

Employees Eligibility

Candidates under the Overseas Market Immersion Programme must meet the following criteria:

At least 21 years old.
Singapore citizen or permanent resident.
Must have graduated from full-time studies or completed national service for at least two years prior at the point of application.
Must not be a shareholder of the company or its related companies.
Must not be related to the owner(s) of the company.
Must not be an immediate ex-employee of the company or any related entity.
Must not be enrolled in other WSG-funded programs.
Should have little or no prior experience in the specified role, industry, or market.
Training must begin only after the application is approved.

Midcareer Individuals (New Hires)

The application must be approved within three months of the employment start date, with at least four weeks required for review upon submitting essential documents.
They must have a clearly defined role for the identified market, different from their previous roles.

Job Redesign Reskilling (Existing Employees)

Must be employed by the company for at least a year at the time of application.
Must have a detailed career growth plan covering 24 months with measurable short-term KPIs to achieve after training.
Set clear business-related short-term KPIs and outcomes post-training.

How do I apply for the Singapore immersion program?

Submit your application with these supporting documents on the OMIP portal:

For companies:

Latest ACRA Search or Instant Information report (dated within six months), including details of corporate shareholders if applicable.
Company and trainee endorsed declaration form.

For new hires:

Application form
Job description posted on a recruitment platform or using this template.
Endorsed employment contract
Most updated CVs include the start and end dates of their previous employment.

For existing employees:

Job Reskilling/Redesign (JRR) application form.
Endorsed employment contract or official JRR letter

Why is it important to invest in employee development programs?

Investing in employee development programs is crucial because it leads to these perks:

Increased employee engagement and motivation

As Nectar reports, 71% of employees need to feel engaged to stay long with a company. Investing in employee training programs is an excellent way to foster employee engagement.

Per the LinkedIn 2024 Workplace Learning Report, seven in ten workers believe learning enhances their sense of connection to their organization. Additionally, learning gives workers a greater understanding of their roles and how to execute them effectively, leading to more value for their jobs, high morale, and improved work quality.

Enhanced productivity and performance

According to HR Digest, companies that invested in employee development in 2022 saw a 58% increase in employee retention and a 24% increase in productivity. The reason for such improvement is clear—training programs allow your workers to upskill, expand their knowledge, and perform their roles more effectively and efficiently.

Whether they’re learning about international markets, the latest technological advancements, or staying current with industry trends, employee development initiatives support workers in harnessing their fullest potential.

Improved employee retention

Two out of three employees have considered quitting their jobs due to a lack of skill development and growth opportunities. This data highlights the role development programs play in boosting employee retention.

Employee turnover is expensive, especially when considering the cost of recruiting and onboarding new talent. Moreso, losing great employees can create a domino effect that results in even more turnover. However, investing in employees' career growth shows that your company values them and is committed to their success. This commitment leads to higher job satisfaction and loyalty, reducing the attrition rate and other costs associated with hiring and managing new workers.

Learn more: What is Attrition Rate? Tools and Tips to Calculate, Analyze and Improve Your Team’s Retention

Enhanced innovation and adaptability

Training and development programs such as the Overseas Market Immersion Programme expose employees to new markets, cultures, and fresh ideas needed to stay creative and innovative at work. Through continued learning, employees will expand their industry knowledge, adapt to new trends and future changes, and discover new strategies for achieving organizational goals.

Stronger employer branding

Investing in employee training programs positions your company as supportive and one that prioritizes its workforce’s success. This reputation boosts employee satisfaction and differentiates your organization from its competitors, making it a top choice for current and potential hires. Ultimately, you attract, engage, and retain top talent effortlessly.

Improved customer satisfaction

Whether you promote career growth through the Overseas Market Immersion Programme, mentorship programs, financial education, or training courses, when employees are progressing, your business will follow suit. Think about it—when employees are productive, engaged, and equipped with more knowledge, they’ll satisfy customers better and increase company profits.

Grow Your Global Workforce with Omni

In Singapore, the Overseas Market Immersion Programme is a ticket to dynamic and well-trained teams. This vital program enables both professionals and businesses to become part of Singapore’s thriving business community, contributing to its growth and progress.

In the backdrop of Singapore’s Overseas Market Immersion Programme regulations and compliance initiatives, technology can help manage the various documents and requirements needed to support your talent.

Omni allows your organization to securely and centrally manage employee information, such as proof of qualifications and required records by the WSG and SBF. Our employee portal makes it easy for employees to upload and update their information, centralizing critical information such as new employee application forms, company and trainee-endorsed application forms, and JRR application forms, helping ensure your team is compliant when applying for the global talent-ready programme.

Our expert support and assistance is tailored to your business's unique requirements and local regulations. Book a demo today and learn how Omni can help you streamline your Overseas Market Immersion Programme application and processes for your organization.

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