Gov’t OKs certified HR requirement for firms with over 200 staff

It is one of five recommendations by a Tripartite Workgroup. 

The government has approved a recommendation requiring firms with more than 200 employees to have at least one certified HR professional from 1 July 2028.

It is one of five recommendations by the Tripartite Workgroup on Human Capital Capability Development.

In a statement by the Ministry of Manpower, the HR professional must hold the Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP) Certified Professional certification or higher.

Firms may also meet the requirement through equivalent certifications from recognised international HR professional bodies, subject to prescribed bridging requirements.

To encourage earlier certification, the government will provide an additional $100 subsidy from 1 October to 30 June 2028.

Another recommendation seeks to strengthen workforce planning capabilities and give small and medium-sized enterprises greater access to senior HR expertise.

IHRP and local start-up co:grow are piloting a model that matches participating SMEs with experienced HR leaders on a part-time, embedded basis.

The workgroup also recommended the introduction of the ‘People-centred AI Transformation for HR’ initiative, which will include artificial intelligence (AI) starter kits that provide implementation guidance, consultancy, training, and funding support.

IHRP will also introduce accredited training programmes aligned with 12 new AI Fluency Skills Badges, whilst NTUC will develop an AI transformation playbook for HR professionals for release in the first quarter of 2027.

Tripartite partners also recommended developing guidance on the responsible use of AI in recruitment, including safeguards to ensure employment decisions remain fair and merit-based.

The other measures include the Singapore Opportunity Index and a new human capital leadership development programme for senior HR and people leaders.