The judicious engagement with Singapore's government bodies offers a comprehensive platform for businesses to align with the regulatory framework and take advantage of the extensive support system designed to foster innovation, efficiency, and global competitiveness.
Therefore, the strategic alliance with these agencies is not merely an exercise in statutory adherence but a significant catalyst for business advancement and sustained success in the dynamic economic landscape of Singapore.
List of Government Agencies supporting businesses in Singapore
Ministry of Manpower (MOM): Ensuring Compliance and Employee Rights
The Ministry of Manpower in Singapore is a regulator and facilitator in the business environment that ensures the employment practices are fair and equitable, oversees the safety and health of workers, manages the influx of foreign labor, assists in the development of the workforce, and provides support and guidance to maintain a stable and productive labor market.
Businesses in Singapore need to stay up-to-date on MOM's regulations and policies to remain compliant and to take advantage of the programs and support provided.
Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS): Navigating Taxes Efficiently
IRAS is vital in maintaining the integrity of Singapore’s tax ecosystem, ensuring that businesses fulfill their legal obligations, and facilitating a favorable business environment through efficient tax services and administration.
The taxes business needs to register include:
Enterprise Singapore: Your partner in Business Growth
Enterprise Singapore is a government agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Singapore. Its main objective is to support Singaporean companies of all sizes to grow and internationalize.
Enterprise Singapore serves as a central hub for businesses to obtain assistance, be it financial, informational, or operational, as they navigate the complexities of starting, running, and growing a business in a competitive global landscape.
Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) Explained
The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is the statutory board under the Ministry of Finance of the Singapore Government responsible for the regulation of business entities and public accountants in Singapore.
ACRA's role is essential in underpinning the competitiveness of Singapore's business environment, ensuring that the regulatory framework supports business growth while maintaining high standards of corporate conduct and reporting.
The Role of the Central Provident Fund Board (CPF) in Your Business
The Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board plays a crucial role in Singapore's social security system, which extends to businesses and their employees. Established as a mandatory savings scheme, it is primarily designed to address the retirement, healthcare, and housing needs of the workforce in Singapore.
It also imposes specific responsibilities and provides benefits for businesses in Singapore. By ensuring that their workforce has a measure of financial security, CPF helps create a stable, productive, and competitive business environment.
Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB): Leveraging Incentives for Expansion
The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) operates under the purview of the Ministry of Trade and Industry. It is instrumental in cultivating an attractive and competitive business environment for both local and international businesses.
They ensure the planning and execution of strategies to enhance Singapore's position as a global business hub.
SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG): Investing in Human Capital
SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) is a government agency under the Ministry of Education (MOE) of Singapore, established to drive and coordinate the implementation of the national SkillsFuture movement, which aims to provide Singaporeans with the opportunities to develop their fullest potential throughout life, regardless of their starting points.
SkillsFuture Singapore also acts as a strategic partner for businesses in developing a robust and future-ready workforce, aligning skills development with industry needs, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. Through its many initiatives, SSG helps ensure that the Singapore workforce remains one of the country’s key competitive advantages.
Monetary Authority of Singapore
As the country's central bank and integrated financial regulator, The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has a broad range of responsibilities that directly and indirectly impact businesses operating within the city-state.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore ensures that the financial aspects of doing business in Singapore are stable, secure, and conducive to growth. Through its multi-faceted approach, MAS supports the development of a vibrant business ecosystem that can attract and sustain local and international companies, fostering prosperity and innovation in the Singaporean economy.
Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants
The Singapore Institute of Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is an entity within Singapore's economic framework tasked with establishing professional benchmarks and fostering expansion in the accounting field.
Its role extends to various facets of business and finance, including but not limited to the following areas:
- Professional Development:
- Education and Training.
- Qualification and Certification.
- Standard Setting:
- Accounting Standards.
- Auditing Standards.
- Regulation and Compliance:
- Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics.
- Quality Assurance.
- Advocacy and Thought Leadership:
- Representation.
- Research and Insights.
- Networking and Community:
- Events and Forums.
- Member Support.
- Global Reach and Mobility:
- International Alliances.
- Cross-border Opportunities.
- Public Interest:
- Public Education.
- SME Support.
ISCA is instrumental in ensuring that the accounting profession in Singapore remains robust, respected, and aligned with global practices.
Beyond Registration: Ongoing Compliance and Opportunities
To thrive in Singapore’s competitive marketplace, merely registering a business is insufficient. Ensuring ongoing compliance with the city-state’s regulatory requirements is essential for maintaining good standing and seizing growth opportunities.
By emphasizing ongoing compliance as a foundation of their operations, businesses in Singapore can ensure not only that they avoid the pitfalls of non-compliance but also position themselves to take full advantage of the opportunities that compliance presents.
