International comparison
Building talent policy around growth priorities
Aligning talent to industrial strategy
Singapore
Singapore has a small population that could not staff its semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and digital services industries out of its own labour market. The Economic Development Board, Enterprise Singapore and A*STAR coordinate attracting firms, developing research capability and supporting workforce training around that same short list of sectors, so immigration, education and industrial policy are decided together.
The visa tiers follow the same list, with the Employment Pass giving skilled workers fast and predictable access while Tech.Pass and the Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass target experienced founders, engineers and investors. Around 4,000 applicants were approved under the ONE Pass in its first year.