SKILLS DEVELOPMENT FUND (Grants for training of foreign workers)

Mr Inderjit Singh asked the Minister for Trade and Industry whether his Ministry will consider giving grants under the Skills Development Fund for the training of foreign workers who are on a 2-year work permit.

BG George Yong-Boon Yeo: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Skills Development Fund (SDF) was set up in 1979 to encourage employers to upgrade their workers' skills. Initially, SDF grants were limited to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. SDF grants were extended to 3-year Work Permit holders in 1987 and to 2-year Work Permit holders in 1989. Preference is still given to training of Singaporeans, Permanent Residents and Work Permit holders who could in time become part of our permanent workforce.