Part 4: Supporting IT Systems and Applications for CBF-1 to CBF-6 for the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) establishes a critical foundation for understanding how technology underpins the continuity and resilience of MOM’s essential functions.
In a highly digitalised public sector environment, the delivery of labour regulation, foreign workforce management, workplace safety and health oversight, employment facilitation, and corporate services is fundamentally dependent on the availability, integrity, and recoverability of IT systems and applications.
This chapter is therefore positioned to help readers appreciate that business continuity is not solely about people and processes, but equally about the enabling systems that sustain service delivery during disruptions.
The purpose of this chapter is to systematically identify and document the key IT systems and applications that support each Critical Business Function (CBF-1 to CBF-6), together with their recovery requirements and dependencies.
By articulating parameters such as Recovery Point Objective (RPO), System Recovery Time Objective (RTO), and any special equipment or resources required, the chapter enables readers to understand the prioritisation logic behind IT recovery planning.
Before reviewing the detailed tables, readers should understand how these IT dependencies translate business impact into actionable recovery objectives, supporting informed decision-making, effective coordination with IT service providers, and alignment with MOM’s overall Business Continuity Management (BCM) framework.
|
Sub-CBF Code |
Sub-CBF |
IT Systems and Applications |
RPO |
System RTO |
Supporting Special Equipment or Resources |
Remarks |
|
1.1 |
Policy & Regulation Design |
MOM Policy Management System, Legislative Drafting Tools, Secure Document Repositories |
24 hrs |
48 hrs |
Secure servers, collaboration platforms |
Critical for formulating labour policies; relies on secure data storage. |
|
1.2 |
Licensing & Permits |
Work Permit Online (WPOL), Employment Pass Online (EPOL), COMPASS System |
4 hrs |
8 hrs |
Smart card authentication, secure payment gateways |
High dependency on online access; continuity ensures smooth labour mobility. |
|
1.3 |
Inspections, Monitoring & Investigation |
Inspection Management System (IMS), Case Management System (CMS), Mobile Inspection Devices |
4 hrs |
8 hrs |
Tablets with secure apps, mobile connectivity kits |
Mobile access is crucial for field officers; fast recovery is essential. |
|
1.4 |
Adjudication & Dispute Resolution |
Dispute Resolution Case System (DRCS), eLitigation Portals, Mediation Scheduling Tools |
8 hrs |
24 hrs |
Video conferencing systems, secure evidence storage |
Supports mediation & tribunal services. |
|
1.5 |
Enforcement Actions & Sanctions |
Enforcement Case Tracking System, Prosecution Management Platform |
8 hrs |
24 hrs |
Digital evidence management devices |
Ensures compliance with labour laws; sensitive data secured. |
|
1.6 |
Stakeholder Engagement & Education |
MOM Corporate Website, Outreach & E-Learning Platforms, Public Feedback Portals |
12 hrs |
24 hrs |
Web hosting servers, social media integration |
Continuity ensures trust and transparency with stakeholders. |
|
1.7 |
Regulatory Intelligence & Risk Management |
Labour Market Analytics System, Risk Assessment Tools, Data Warehousing & Analytics |
12 hrs |
24 hrs |
High-performance computing, secure data feeds |
Supports proactive policy and risk-based enforcement. |
|
2-1 |
Policy & Planning |
MOM’s Policy Management System, Data Analytics Platform |
4 hrs |
8 hrs |
Backup data servers, Policy Drafting tools |
Critical for long-term workforce planning. |
|
2-2 |
Work Pass Application & Issuance |
EP Online, WP Online, MOM’s Work Pass Management System |
2 hrs |
4 hrs |
Biometric verification equipment, Document scanning tools |
Vital for timely work pass issuance. |
|
2-3 |
Arrival, Onboarding & Deployment |
MOM’s Onboarding System, HR Integration Platform |
1 hr |
3 hrs |
Mobile devices for onsite data collection |
Essential for efficient deployment. |
|
2-4 |
Monitoring, Compliance & Enforcement |
Compliance Monitoring System, MOM’s Inspection Database |
4 hrs |
6 hrs |
Compliance tools, Inspection devices |
Enables tracking & compliance checks. |
|
2-5 |
Renewal / Transfer / Exit Management |
MOM’s Renewal & Transfer System, Exit Management Portal |
3 hrs |
5 hrs |
Digital forms, Automated email systems |
Key for maintaining accurate workforce records. |
|
2-6 |
Support Services & Well-being |
MOM’s Well-being Platform, Employee Support Portal |
2 hrs |
4 hrs |
Support hotlines, Digital counselling platforms |
Ensures worker welfare is addressed. |
|
3.1 |
Policy & Standards Development |
Policy Management System, Document Management System (DMS), Knowledge Repository, Intranet Portal |
24 hrs |
72 hrs |
Secure document servers, collaboration tools |
Non-transactional; short outages are manageable. |
|
3.2 |
Legislative & Regulatory Oversight |
Regulatory Management System, Legal Case Tracking System, Government Gazette Platform |
12 hrs |
48 hrs |
Secure legal databases, encryption tools |
Regulatory updates are time-sensitive. |
|
3.3 |
Risk-Based Inspections & Enforcement |
Inspection Management System (IMS), Mobile Inspection App, Enforcement Case System |
4 hrs |
24 hrs |
Mobile devices, inspection tablets, secure VPN |
High operational impact if unavailable. |
|
3.4 |
Monitoring & Surveillance Programmes |
Data Analytics Platform, WSH Surveillance System, IoT/Sensor Data Dashboards |
4 hrs |
24 hrs |
Data integration tools, analytics servers |
Supports early warning & trend analysis. |
|
3.5 |
Accident Reporting & Incident Investigation |
Online Accident Reporting System (e-Services), Incident Management System, Evidence Repository |
1 hr |
12 hrs |
Digital forensics tools, secure storage |
Critical during serious accidents or fatalities. |
|
3.6 |
Stakeholder Engagement & Education |
MOM Website, Learning Management System (LMS), Webinar & Outreach Platforms |
24 hrs |
72 hrs |
Video conferencing tools, content hosting |
Public awareness impact but lower immediacy. |
|
3.7 |
Competent Person Certification & Registration |
Licensing & Certification System, Practitioner Registry Database, Payment Gateway |
8 hrs |
24 hrs |
Secure payment processing, identity verification tools |
Revenue and compliance-related. |
|
3.8 |
Performance Monitoring & Reporting |
WSH Performance Dashboard, BI & Reporting Tools, Data Warehouse |
12 hrs |
48 hrs |
Reporting servers, data visualisation tools |
Supports management and national reporting. |
|
4.1 |
Labour Market Analysis & Forecasting |
Labour Market Data Analytics Platform, Forecasting Tools |
4 hrs |
8 hrs |
High-performance Servers, Data Backup Systems |
Requires regular updates for accuracy |
|
4.2 |
Job Matching & Placement Services |
Job Portal System, AI-powered Matching Algorithms |
2 hrs |
4 hrs |
Job Matching Database, User Interface for Employers and Jobseekers |
Integration with external job databases |
|
4.3 |
Work Pass & Foreign Talent Policy Services |
Work Pass Application Management System, E-Services Portal |
3 hrs |
6 hrs |
Secure Servers, Document Verification Tools |
High security standards for data integrity |
|
4.4 |
Skills Development & Transition Support |
Skills Certification Database, Learning Management System |
4 hrs |
8 hrs |
Training Content Repositories, Virtual Classrooms |
Integration with external training providers |
|
4.5 |
Incentives & Employment Support Schemes |
Incentive Application Platform, Automated Workflow Tools |
3 hrs |
6 hrs |
Secure Online Forms, Payment Gateway Systems |
Must ensure timely disbursement of funds |
|
4.6 |
Stakeholder Engagement & Tripartism |
Stakeholder Collaboration Portal, Communication Platforms |
4 hrs |
6 hrs |
Video Conferencing Equipment, Data Analytics Tools |
Supports real-time collaboration and feedback |
|
4.7 |
Monitoring & Rapid Response |
Crisis Management System, Real-time Data Analytics Tools |
1 hr |
3 hrs |
Remote Access Tools, Crisis Communication Equipment |
Instant access to live data for decision-making |
|
4.8 |
BCM Integration & Continuity Processes |
BCM Management Software, Continuity Testing Tools |
2 hrs |
4 hrs |
Backup Power Systems, Alternate Site Setups |
Ensures comprehensive continuity planning |
|
5.1 |
Environmental Scanning & Labour Market Analysis |
Labour Market Information System (LMIS), Data Analytics Platforms, Market Research Tools |
4 hrs |
8 hrs |
Market analysis software, external data feeds |
Crucial for real-time data aggregation. |
|
5.2 |
Policy Development & Formulation |
Policy Management Software, Document Management Systems, Collaborative Tools |
4 hrs |
12 hrs |
Cloud storage, collaboration platforms |
Enables drafting & approval of policy documents. |
|
5.3 |
Strategic Workforce Planning & Scenario Modelling |
Workforce Planning Tools, Predictive Analytics Software, HR Data Systems |
6 hrs |
12 hrs |
Predictive analytics software, HR database |
Essential for scenario modelling and projections. |
|
5.4 |
Stakeholder Engagement & Consultation |
CRM Systems, Survey Tools, Virtual Meeting Platforms |
6 hrs |
8 hrs |
Video conferencing platforms, email systems |
Ensures efficient communication with stakeholders. |
|
5.5 |
Policy Implementation Planning |
Project Management Software, Task Scheduling Tools, Resource Allocation Systems |
4 hrs |
6 hrs |
Task management tools |
Facilitates execution of policy initiatives. |
|
5.6 |
Monitoring, Evaluation & Feedback Loops |
Monitoring & Evaluation Systems, Performance Tracking Tools, Feedback Mechanisms |
4 hrs |
6 hrs |
Feedback platforms, data visualisation tools |
Helps assess policy effectiveness. |
|
5.7 |
BCM Integration and Contingency Policies |
BCM Software, Incident Management Systems, Risk Assessment Tools |
8 hrs |
24 hrs |
Risk management software, incident logs |
Critical for planning and responding to crises. |
|
6.1 |
Governance & Strategic Planning |
MOM’s strategic IT systems for organisational planning and governance |
4 hrs |
8 hrs |
Servers, ERP system |
Key to strategic decision-making. |
|
6.2 |
Financial Management & Resource Allocation |
Financial management software and resource tracking systems |
2 hrs |
4 hrs |
Accounting software, secure data storage |
Essential for budgeting & reporting. |
|
6.3 |
Human Resource Continuity |
HR management systems, payroll, and workforce tracking tools |
4 hrs |
8 hrs |
HR management software |
Supports staffing, payroll, and compliance. |
|
6.4 |
Procurement & Contract Management |
E-Procurement system, contract management tools |
6 hrs |
12 hrs |
Procurement management system |
Ensures smooth execution of procurement processes. |
|
6.5 |
IT Infrastructure & Digital Services Continuity |
Core IT infrastructure systems, data centres, and network services |
1 hr |
2 hrs |
Data centres, network routers, backup systems |
Vital for all IT services; downtime impacts all operations. |
|
6.6 |
Internal Administration & Facilities Management |
Facilities management and administrative support software systems |
8 hrs |
24 hrs |
Facilities management software |
Important for the maintenance of premises & operational systems. |
This chapter has highlighted the pivotal role of supporting IT systems and applications in ensuring the continuity of MOM’s Critical Business Functions across all six CBFs.
By consolidating and standardising information on system dependencies, recovery objectives, and supporting resources, the chapter provides a structured view of how technology resilience directly influences MOM’s ability to maintain essential public services during disruptions.
It reinforces the principle that effective business continuity planning must be tightly integrated with IT disaster recovery and digital service continuity.
In conclusion, the outputs of this chapter serve as a practical reference for both business and IT stakeholders in planning, prioritisation, and response activities. The documented recovery requirements form an essential input into downstream BCM activities, including recovery strategy selection, IT disaster recovery planning, testing, and exercising.
Ultimately, this chapter strengthens MOM’s organisational resilience by ensuring that critical systems supporting policy, enforcement, service delivery, and corporate operations are clearly understood, appropriately prioritised, and prepared for timely recovery in the face of disruption.
| Resilient Support: Implementing Business Continuity Management at the Ministry of Manpower | |||
| eBook 4: Consolidate and Report Your BCM Implementation | |||
| Consolidated Report for BIAQ (Part 1 to Part 6) for CBF-1 to CBF-6 | |||
| PM: BIA | BIAQ T1 P1 | BIAQ T1 P2 | BIAQ T2 P3-1 |
| Consolidated Report for BIAQ (Part 1 to Part 6) | |||
| BIAQ T2 P3-2 | BIAQ T2 P4 | BIAQ T3 P5 | BIAQ T3 P6 |
To learn more about the course and schedule, click the buttons below for the BCM-300 Business Continuity Management Implementer [BCM-3] and the BCM-5000 Business Continuity Management Expert Implementer [BCM-5].
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