[BCM] [MOM] [E1] [C10] Identifying Critical Business Functions

Chapter 10

What are Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower’s Critical Business Functions Concerning Business Continuity Management?

Introduction

Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) plays a pivotal role in shaping and sustaining the country’s economic resilience through progressive manpower policies, fair and inclusive employment practices, and robust workplace safety.

In times of crisis—whether a public health emergency, a cyberattack, or a natural disaster—the Ministry’s ability to ensure continuity of its operations is crucial not only for the government but for the stability of businesses, workers, and the national economy.

This chapter outlines the critical business functions of MOM in the context of Business Continuity Management (BCM), examining how these functions support Singapore’s broader continuity objectives, and identifying key areas where resilience planning is essential.

Purpose of the Chapter

In today’s volatile environment, the resilience of public sector agencies is crucial to national stability, especially during crises that disrupt social and economic systems.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) plays a central role in managing Singapore’s workforce and labour policies. Its ability to continue delivering critical services, such as work pass administration, workplace safety enforcement, and employment facilitation, is essential to safeguarding both livelihoods and business continuity across the country.

This chapter provides a comprehensive examination of MOM’s critical business functions through the lens of business continuity management (BCM), highlighting the operational areas that must remain functional under adverse conditions.

The purpose of this chapter is to equip readers—particularly those involved in public service continuity, risk management, and BCM planning—with a clear understanding of MOM’s essential services and the rationale for their prioritisation in continuity planning.

By examining each function’s role, operational importance, and continuity focus, readers will gain insights into how MOM integrates BCM into its governance, service delivery, and strategic planning.

This foundational knowledge will help public and private sector leaders alike appreciate the dependencies between government functions and national resilience outcomes.

CBF-1: Labour Market Regulation and Enforcement

Overview:

MOM is the principal authority for upholding Singapore’s employment standards, including the enforcement of the Employment Act, Work Injury Compensation Act, and other labour-related regulations.

Criticality in BCM:

During disruptions such as a pandemic or systemic IT failure, MOM must maintain the ability to resolve employment disputes, investigate workplace incidents, and enforce compliance.

This ensures social stability, protects workers’ rights, and maintains employer accountability.

Business Continuity Focus:

• Rapid deployment of remote work infrastructure for case handling
• Legal and enforcement continuity in digital formats
• Prioritisation of high-risk sector investigations

CBF-2: Foreign Workforce Management

Overview:

Singapore relies heavily on a well-regulated foreign workforce. MOM oversees the issuance of Work Permits, S Passes, and Employment Passes, as well as the housing and welfare conditions of migrant workers.

Criticality in BCM:

In crises, managing foreign workforce flows is crucial for maintaining operational continuity in essential sectors, such as construction, healthcare, and marine/offshore operations.

For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, MOM had to rapidly contain outbreaks in dormitories and coordinate with multiple agencies on quarantine and care.

Business Continuity Focus:

• Continuity in issuing and renewing work passes
• Emergency dormitory operations and communication protocols
• Crisis coordination with employers, embassies, and agencies

CBF-3: Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Oversight

Overview:

MOM governs WSH policies and practices through its division, the Occupational Safety and Health Division (OSHD). It ensures that Singapore maintains a safe work environment across industries.

Criticality in BCM:

Workplace safety risks often escalate during times of crisis. Whether it is a construction site after a flood, or fatigue-driven errors in a pandemic, MOM must be able to intervene quickly.

Business Continuity Focus:

• Sustaining safety audits and compliance inspections
• Ensuring the operation of the WSH reporting system
• Dissemination of emergency WSH advisories

CBF-4: Employment Facilitation and Labour Market Resilience

Overview:

Through strategic initiatives such as Workforce Singapore (WSG) and Career Conversion Programmes, MOM supports workforce transitions and skills upgrading.

Criticality in BCM:

Mass layoffs or rapid sectoral shifts in a crisis demand proactive employment facilitation. MOM’s role becomes central to managing unemployment, retraining, and redeployment efforts.

Business Continuity Focus:

• Maintaining online job matching and career advisory platforms
• Supporting virtual career fairs and online upskilling
• Mobilising redeployment schemes in impacted sectors

CBF-5: Policy Formulation and Strategic Manpower Planning

Overview:

MOM undertakes long-term manpower forecasting and policy formulation to strike a balance between economic growth and social cohesion.

Criticality in BCM:

Sound manpower policy is key to post-crisis recovery. MOM’s ability to assess labour market shocks, adapt policies quickly, and communicate them effectively underpins national resilience.

Business Continuity Focus:

• Business Intelligence continuity for labour market data
• Agile policy review and rollout capacity
• Stakeholder communication and feedback loops

CBF-6: Corporate Services and IT Infrastructure

Overview:

MOM's internal operations—HR, finance, procurement, facilities, and IT—enable the delivery of its public services.

Criticality in BCM:

These enabling functions must continue during disruptions to support core frontline services. Particular attention is needed for secure IT systems, which underpin digital services such as work pass applications and the MyMOM Portal.

Business Continuity Focus:

• Cybersecurity and system redundancy
• Remote access enablement for MOM staff
• Continuity of public-facing digital platforms

Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower’s Critical Business Functions Concerning Business Continuity Management

This table illustrates the Ministry of Manpower’s core operational pillars that are critical to national continuity and resilience.

In ensuring these functions remain uninterrupted during crises, MOM upholds its mission of creating a progressive workforce and a secure workplace.

Each function is a linchpin in the nation’s capability to withstand, respond to, and recover from disruptions.

Summing Up...

The Ministry of Manpower’s critical business functions form the foundation of Singapore’s economic and social resilience.

In the face of disruptions, these functions must be protected, adapted, and sustained to ensure that the labour market remains fair, inclusive, and competitive.

Business Continuity Management at MOM is not simply about internal operations—it is about protecting livelihoods, supporting employers, and securing national productivity.

As such, each business function discussed in this chapter is a vital cog in the broader machinery of national continuity and stability.

By embedding resilience in these functions through robust BCM frameworks, MOM exemplifies how public sector agencies can lead in continuity planning—not only to withstand disruption, but to emerge stronger from it.

More Information About Business Continuity Management Courses

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