Singapore unveils data-driven human capital index to enhance workforce mobility and competitiveness
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has introduced the Singapore Opportunity Index (SOI), a human capital index that measures how employers support meaningful career growth and improve economic outcomes for their employees. Announced by the Minister for Manpower, Dr Tan See Leng at the Institute for Human Resource Professionals’ (IHRP) People Behind People 2025 event, the SOI aims to strengthen Singapore’s human capital outcomes by recognising organisations committed to developing their people.
2. The SOI is the first index of its kind in Singapore that uses objective, verified government data from almost 1,500 companies and close to one million residents, to understand how economic mobility is forged in the workplace. The SOI recognises employers that have advanced their employees’ careers across five key workforce outcomes: progression, pay, hiring, retention, and gender parity. Based on performance across these metrics, organisations may be classified into three models that reflect different ways that they create opportunities for employees: Career Launchers, Career Builders and Career Anchors.
3. The SOI provides individuals with insights into development opportunities that firms offer and how they might align with their career aspirations. It also allows employers to compare their workforce outcomes against industry peers, offering strategic insights to strengthen their talent development strategies.
Partnering Thought Leaders to Uplift Human Capital
4. The SOI is an initiative by MOM, in partnership with 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 is one of the key recommendations from the Tripartite Workgroup on Human Capital Capability Development (TWG-HC). The TWG-HC was established to uplift human capital capabilities across the economy amid increasing manpower constraints, with the aim of maximising workforce potential and supporting business growth.
Driving Workforce Development through Evidence-Based Insights
5. The BGI has released its insights report highlighting key insights on human capital practices based on the data collected through the SOI. The key findings challenge conventional assumptions about workforce development in Singapore:
i. Employers shape outcomes. Policies on pay, progression, and retention determine whether jobs become careers.
ii. Neither industry nor size is destiny. Leading employers emerge across nearly every industry and firm size. All employers can do well depending on the strategic choices they make in wage, hiring and retention practices.
iii. There is no single formula for excellence. Exemplary firms achieve strong workforce outcomes through a mix of different strategies tailored to their operating reality.
6. These findings provide valuable insights for organisations to enhance their workforce capabilities. The SOI complements the Career Health SG initiative to help organisations chart and execute enterprise workforce transformation plans, and to help individuals take proactive steps to improve their career outcomes.
7. Mr Kenny Tan, Deputy Secretary (Workforce) of MOM and TWG-HC co-chair said, “The SOI represents a fundamental shift in measuring what works in developing our human capital, by using objective and government data for a performance-based matrix. This is not just about workforce development but ensuring that Singapore’s human capital drives our competitive edge in an increasingly competitive global economy.”
8. Mr Patrick Tay, Assistant Secretary-General of NTUC and TWG-HC co-chair said, “The SOI can motivate employers to enhance their human capital capabilities and be recognised for their efforts. It also benefits jobseekers as they can more easily identify employers who offer opportunities that are aligned with their career aspirations. Over time, this will raise standards across the labour market and create a positive cycle of improvement.”
9. Mr Benjamin Boh, SNEF council member and TWG-HC co-chair said, “The SOI is a significant, data-driven initiative that has the potential to serve as a national benchmark for progressive and responsible employment practices. 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.”
Timeline for Launch and Benefits
10. Employers and members of the public can now access the first phase of the SOI website at www.singaporeopportunityindex.sg for details on the national level insights report and comprehensive information on the SOI, including its methodology. We will launch the second phase in Q1 2026, featuring organisations who have demonstrated strong workforce outcomes. Employers are encouraged to participate in in-depth sessions organised by NTUC, SNEF and SBF that help them to translate the SOI insights into actionable plans. More details will be released on this.