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The new Singapore Opportunity Index uses verified government data to assess how employers support career growth, fair pay, retention, and gender parity.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has introduced the Singapore Opportunity Index (SOI), a new human capital index that measures how employers support meaningful career growth and improve economic outcomes for their employees.
The announcement was made by Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower at the Institute for Human Resource Professionals’ (IHRP) People Behind People 2025 event on Tuesday (14 October 2025). The SOI aims to strengthen Singapore’s human capital outcomes by recognising organisations that are committed to developing their people.
Data-driven insights into workforce mobility
The SOI is said to be the first index of its kind in Singapore that uses verified government data from almost 1,500 companies and close to one million residents. It helps to understand how economic mobility is shaped in the workplace and recognises employers that have advanced their employees’ careers in five key areas: progression, pay, hiring, retention, and gender parity.
Based on their performance in these areas, organisations will be classified into three models that show how they create opportunities for employees: career launchers, career builders, and career anchors.
The index provides individuals with insights into the types of development opportunities companies offer, while employers can use the findings to compare their workforce outcomes against industry peers and identify areas for improvement.
A partnership to strengthen human capital
The SOI is a joint initiative by MOM, the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), and the Burning Glass Institute (BGI), an independent think tank that developed the American and British Opportunity Indices.
It was developed as one of the key recommendations from the Tripartite Workgroup on Human Capital Capability Development (TWG-HC), which was formed to strengthen human capital capabilities across the economy amid tighter labour conditions. The goal is to help employers maximise workforce potential and support long-term business growth.
Findings from the BGI
The BGI has released a report highlighting key insights from the data collected through the SOI. The findings challenge common assumptions about workforce development in Singapore.
- Employers shape outcomes: Policies on pay, progression, and retention play a crucial role in determining whether jobs turn into long-term careers.
- Neither industry nor size is destiny: Leading employers can be found across almost every industry and company size.
- There is no single formula for success: Strong workforce outcomes can be achieved through different strategies that suit each company’s circumstances.
These findings aim to help organisations enhance their workforce capabilities. The SOI also supports other national efforts such as Career Health SG, which helps organisations plan workforce transformation and encourages individuals to take proactive steps to improve their career outcomes.
Leaders’ perspectives
Kenny Tan, Deputy Secretary (Workforce) of MOM and TWG-HC co-chair, said the SOI represents a major shift in how Singapore measures the effectiveness of workforce development. He explained that it uses government data to identify what truly works in building human capital, ensuring Singapore continues to maintain its competitive edge in a changing global economy.
Meanwhile, Patrick Tay, Assistant Secretary-General of NTUC and TWG-HC co-chair, added that it can motivate employers to strengthen their human capital capabilities and be recognised for their efforts. As he noted, it will also benefit jobseekers by helping them identify employers that align with their career goals, raising overall standards in the labour market over time.
Benjamin Boh, SNEF council member and TWG-HC co-chair, described the SOI as a significant initiative that can serve as a national benchmark for progressive and responsible employment practices.
He added: “It offers employers an opportunity to gain meaningful and easily accessible insights into workforce outcomes. SNEF supports its introduction, recognising its potential to inspire employers to strengthen their human capital strategies which ultimately drive greater value for both employers and employees.”
Next steps for employers
Employers and members of the public can now access the first phase of the SOI website which includes a national insights report and details on the index’s methodology.
The second phase, expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026, will feature organisations that have shown strong workforce outcomes. Employers are encouraged to take part in information sessions by NTUC, SNEF, and SBF to help them apply SOI insights to their workforce plans.
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