Eligible HR professionals called to invest in their professional development
The Singapore government is offering HR professionals a subsidy to offset the costs of obtaining a certification from the Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP).
Starting from October, eligible HR professionals in Singapore may receive a flat-rate subsidy of S$100 on IHRP certifications under the new Enhanced Subsidy for HR Certification programme.
"With the enhanced subsidy of an additional $100, the IHRP certifications will cost $163.50 to $272.50 (inclusive of 9% GST) for Singaporeans and PRs (Permanent Residents)," the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said in a statement.
"The enhanced subsidy will be offered for a period of one year from 1st October 2025."
Kenny Tan, Deputy Secretary of MOM, said the enhanced subsidy is a "call to action" for HR professionals to invest in their professional development.
"There is no better time nor greater need for HR professionals to step up and support our businesses and our workers to surmount the challenges ahead," Tan said in a statement. "Maximising the potential and agility of our workforce will give us a competitive edge in today’s uncertain environment."
IHRP Certification
The IHRP is a national certification framework that was introduced in Singapore in 2017 to recognise the experience, skills, and competencies of HR professionals in Singapore.
Among the benefits of getting the IHRP certification are professional credibility, career advancement, continuous growth, networking, and employer confidence.
Aslam Sardar, Chief Executive Officer of IHRP, said the certification is a "mark of quality and credibility for HR professionals."
"With the enhanced certification subsidy made available for a year, more HR professionals can now access certification at a lower cost, making it an opportune time to build their credentials, stay relevant, and elevate the HR profession as a whole," Sardar said.
The temporary enhanced subsidy for HR professionals was first announced by the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce in July.
It comes amid lower confidence among businesses, where only 36% are planning to expand employee headcount and 41% are planning to freeze wages.
