Singapore mandates certified HR professionals for firms with 200+ staff

Singapore is tightening requirements for larger employers, with a new mandate set to take effect in mid-2028 that will require all companies with over 200 employees to employ at least one certified HR professional.

The requirement forms part of a broader government initiative to elevate human resources standards across the business community and better equip organisations to manage workplace transitions and employee-related challenges.

The move comes as Singapore continues to navigate evolving workplace dynamics, including demographic shifts and technological changes that are reshaping the employment landscape. By mandating certified HR professionals in larger firms, authorities aim to ensure that businesses have adequate expertise to handle complex HR matters, from compliance and recruitment to employee development and workplace wellness.

Companies will have until July 2028 to meet the new certification requirements, providing a transition period for organisations to identify, hire, or upskill existing staff members. The initiative is expected to benefit both employers and workers by fostering more robust workplace practices and clearer pathways for addressing employment issues.

The certification requirements underscore Singapore's commitment to maintaining competitive workplace standards as businesses across the region face increasing pressures to attract and retain talent in a tightening labour market.