New requirement will cover employers with more than 200 employees
Singapore firms with more than 200 employees will be required to have at least one certified HR professional starting July 2028, as the government accepts new recommendations to strengthen human capital capability across the economy.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced the new requirement on Thursday, saying it will help firms create progressive workplaces.
"From 1 July 2028, organisations with more than 200 employees will be required to have at least one HR professional certified at the IHRP Certified Professional (IHRP-CP) level or higher," it said in the announcement.
"This will enable firms to create progressive workplaces and good jobs, and also help firms to prepare for the roll-out of the Workplace Fairness Act and changes to the Employment Act."
The IHRP is the natioanl professional HR body in Singapore, which was established to professionalise and strengthen human resource practices.
Aslam Sardar, chief executive of the IHRP, told The Straits Times that the certification requirement would help create greater consistency and quality in HR practices.
Getting HR leaders certified
MOM said equivalent certifications from other HR professional bodies will be recognised, subject to recognition from the IHRP and provided they meet any prescribed bridging requirements.
Support will also be extended to all firms, including those with 200 or fewer employees, to get their HR professionals certified, such as through subsidies, according to the ministry.
It said it will provide a S$100 subsidy between 1 October 2026 and 30 June 2028, on top of existing subsidies, for Singapore residents to undertake certification with the IHRP.
"This will bring certification fees down to $163.50 for IHRP-CP certification and $272.50 for IHRP Senior Professionals (IHRP-SP) certification, which are valid for three years," it said.
Organisations will also be allowed to use their SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit to offset remaining out-of-pocket fees for their HR professionals.
Strengthening human capital
The new requirement is one of the recommendations made by the Tripartite Workgroup on Human Capital Capability Development (TWG-HC) aimed at strengthening human capital capability across the Singapore economy.
The other recommendations include helping organisations use AI effectively and responsibly in the HR function through the introduction of a new People-centred AI Transformation for HR initiative.
The initiative will comprise AI Starter Kits that package AI solutions with practical implementation guidance, consultancy, training, and funding support for enterprises to implement AI for high-impact HR use cases.
The tripartite workgroup recommended developing guidance on responsible AI use in recruitment, including the processes and safeguards employers should put in place to ensure that employment decisions remain fair and merit-based.
Another recommendation is the establishment of a Singapore Opportunity Index (SOI) as a national benchmark for opportunities that employers create using verified administrative data, which can help them better evaluate the impact of their human capital strategies, while also helping workers make more informed career decisions.
The workgroup also recommended helping enterprises build workforce planning capabilities, as well as bringing strategic HR expertise within reach of more small and medium-sized enterprises.
"The TWG-HC's report reflects the tripartite partners' shared vision of a Singapore where every workplace is a place of opportunity, and where every worker can build a meaningful and rewarding career," said Kenny Tan, Deputy Secretary (Workforce) of MOM and TWG-HC co-chair, in a statement.
"We are committed to implementing the five recommendations to strengthen human capital capability across our economy. However, we cannot do this alone. Leaders at all levels of the organisation – business leaders, human resource professionals and people managers – must drive enterprise and workforce transformation together."
The Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), which is part of the tripartite workgroup, is also supportive of the initiatives.
Benjamin Boh, council member of SNEF and TWG-HC co-chair, said the recommendations are "valuable" for employers building workforce resilience and preparing for long-term growth.
"Strong HR and human capital capabilities help employers translate business priorities into effective people strategies, support employees through change and build the skills needed for growth," Boh said.
"The recommendations provide practical support for companies to strengthen their HR capabilities through certification, better access to HR expertise, and people-centred AI adoption."
