Breakdown of Data on Senior Management Roles by Citizenship and Employment Status in MNCs Across Sectors

Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the percentage breakdown of (i) Singapore Citizens, (ii) Permanent Residents and (iii) Employment Pass holders holding senior management roles in Multinational Corporations (MNCs) by sector; and (b) if the Ministry does not track such data, whether it intends to do so.

Dr Tan See Leng: In 2025, Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Employment Pass holders accounted for 67.3%, 17.4% and 15.3% of senior management roles 1 in MNCs (multinational companies) 2 respectively.

Senior management roles in MNCs are concentrated in the services sector, particularly in higher-skilled, higher-paying industries, such as financial and insurance services, information and communications, and professional services. Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents form the majority in these roles.

Note(s) to Question No(s) 44:

1 Senior management roles cover managing directors, chief executives, general managers and executives in senior functions who plan, direct and evaluate the overall activities of organisations.

2 Firms with 500 or more employees are used as a proxy for MNCs as there is no standard statistical definition in Singapore for MNCs.