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From the implementation of Phase Two of the Shared Parental Leave scheme in Singapore, to the enhancement of Malaysia's MyDigital ID system for single sign-ins, here's what you need to know.
As workforce models evolve and employment regulations continue to mature across Southeast Asia, it has become imperative for HR teams to stay ahead of the legal game.
From adjustments to employment and mobility frameworks, to clearer protections for foreign workers and tighter enforcement of existing obligations, regulatory developments are steadily reshaping how employers operate.
Here are some of the key legal and regulatory developments in Singapore and Malaysia that have either just taken effect or are set to come into force later this year, that HR professionals should be aware of.
Singapore
ICYMI: What the NWC 2025/2026 Guidelines entail
In November 2025, the Singapore government accepted the National Wages Council (NWC) 2025/2026 Guidelines, which are now in effect from 1 December 2025 to 30 November 2026.
- The guidelines cover three focus areas:
- Fair and sustainable wage increases
- Sustained wage growth for lower-wage workers
- Transforming jobs and upskilling the workforce
[Full update here]
COMPASS framework updates
Significant updates to Singapore's Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) have taken effect from 1 January for new Employment Pass (EP) applications. The changes, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said, span salary benchmarks, recognised qualifications, and the Shortage Occupation List (SOL).
[Full update here]
No-Boarding Directive notices to come into effect on 30 Jan
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will soon begin issuing NBDs to transport operators to prevent high-risk or undesirable individuals from travelling to Singapore.
In addition, NBD notices will be issued to airline operators at Changi and Seletar Airports with effect from 30 January 2026. The NBDs will apply to undesirable or prohibited immigrants, or travellers who do not meet Singapore’s entry requirements, such as possessing a valid visa or a travel document with at least six months’ validity.
[Full update here]
Work Permit (Performing Artiste) scheme to cease
From 1 June, Singapore's Work Permit (Performing Artiste) scheme will cease. The scheme, which was introduced in 2008, allowed licensed public entertainment outlets such as bars, hotels and nightclubs to hire foreign performing artistes on a short-term basis of up to six months.
MOM announced that it will stop accepting new applications under the scheme from that date, although public entertainment outlets may continue to retain their existing foreign artistes until their work passes expire or are cancelled.
[Full update here]
No-Boarding Directive (NBD) notices to be issued from 30 Jan
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will begin issuing NBDs to transport operators to prevent high-risk or undesirable individuals from travelling to Singapore. Effective 30 January, the NBDs will apply to travellers who do not meet Singapore’s entry requirements, such as possessing a valid visa or a travel document with at least six months’ validity.
[Full update here]
Phase Two of enhanced Shared Parental Leave incoming
Singapore introduced an enhanced Shared Parental Leave (SPL) scheme from 1 April 2025. Rolled out in two phases, it replaces the previous arrangement where mothers could transfer up to four weeks of maternity leave to fathers.
Under Phase One, eligible parents will receive six weeks of SPL. Effective 1 April 2026, i.e., in Phase Two, this will increase to 10 weeks of SPL.
The SPL must be used up within the first 12 months of a child’s birth. If no agreement with employers is reached, leave can be taken in a continuous block within the first 26 weeks.
All SPL weeks will be government-paid, capped at S$2,500 per week (about S$10,000 per month).
[Full update here]
New design requirements coming up for Integrated Shield Plan (IP) riders
In December 2025, MOH addressed rising insurance premiums and private healthcare costs by introducing new design requirements for IP riders.
From 1 April this year, new IP riders sold will no longer be permitted to cover the minimum IP deductibles (i.e. the first amount insurance holders must pay before insurance kicks in) set by MOH.
The co-payment cap will also be raised to a minimum of S$6,000 to keep pace with the increase in bill sizes over time.
Singaporeans can expect the new riders to be much more affordable, with premiums of new private hospital riders expected to be about 30% lower on average
Implementation timeline for insurers and policyholders:
Insurers are to launch new IP riders that comply with the revised requirements by 1 April, and are required to cease sales of non-compliant riders on the same day.
Insurers can continue selling existing riders until 31 March 2026.
[Full update here]
Malaysia
QR code entry for travellers from 63 countries & regions starting this year
Travellers from 63 countries and regions, as well as long-term visit pass holders can look forward to smoother entry into Malaysia via a QR code system at immigration checkpoints from this year onwards.
Based on a successful trial run at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in 2025, the QR codes aim to streamline entry process, particularly in reducing long queues at immigration checkpoints.
[Full update here]
Special window to open on 19 Jan for 2025 foreign worker quota applications
Employers will be able to submit their applications for the foreign worker employment quota from 19 January to 31 March, as part of a special window opened up by the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN).
According to KDN, this special period aims to help employers submit applications in a more orderly and planned manner.
All applications received in this period will be discussed in consultation with the relevant ministries and will be subject to other conditions for the employment of foreign workers.
[Full update here]
MyDigital ID to enable single sign-in to MyNIISe app from this Thursday
Starting 15 January, KDN will begin using MyDigital ID (MyDID) as a single login system for Malaysia citizens accessing the MyNIISe mobile application, according to a media statement from the ministry.
Foreign nationals will continue using the existing MyNIISe login method, with no changes to current access arrangements.
[Full update here]
BNM, KESUMA, and TalentCorp roll out fresh support for SMEs
In a shift towards more practical support in business financing and workforce development, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) and Talent Corporation Malaysia (TalentCorp) have announced various initiatives to support SMEs in 2026.
An additional RM2.5bn will be channelled into BNM’s fund, with a specific focus on first-time borrowers.
TalentCorp will also be enhancing its SME Industrial Training Matching Grant to make it easier and faster for employers to offer quality industrial training opportunities. Approval timelines have been shortened to 14 working days, while employers will now receive an upfront payment of RM2,000 per trainee.
In addition to the changes above, Malaysians and Singaporeans alike can look forward to more plans on refreshing cross-border taxi and bus travel, as Singapore's Jeffrey Siow, Acting Minister for Transport and Malaysia's Minister of Transport Anthony Loke have discussed enhancements to the Cross-Border Taxi Scheme and agreed on several key goals including strengthening enforcement against illegal domestic point-to-point trips.
[Full update here]
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