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Home > Breaking News > Singapore > Story
Dec 3, 2009
Foreigners must clear English test
By Cassandra Chew
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SINGAPOREANS know too well the frustrations of not being understood by service staff from foreign lands when out for a meal or shopping in Orchard Road. New rules, however, are going to be introduced to help resolve the problem. From the third quarter of next year, new foreign workers have to clear an English proficiency test before they can get a work permit as a skilled worker. This will also lower their foreign worker levy, saving an employer $90 a month for each hire. The new requirement is part of a government move to raise standards in three industries where speaking English is key to delivering good service: retail, food and beverage (F&B), and hotels. Employers are delighted with the change, which was announced yesterday by the Minister of State for Manpower as well as Trade and Industry, Mr Lee Yi Shyan. Said Mr Lee: 'English is the working language in Singapore. This is particularly important in industries such as hotels, retail and F&B, where workers interact regularly with customers.'
Read the full story in Thursday's edition of The Straits Times.
[email protected]
Home > Breaking News > Singapore > Story
Dec 3, 2009
Foreigners must clear English test
By Cassandra Chew
<!-- end by line -->
SINGAPOREANS know too well the frustrations of not being understood by service staff from foreign lands when out for a meal or shopping in Orchard Road. New rules, however, are going to be introduced to help resolve the problem. From the third quarter of next year, new foreign workers have to clear an English proficiency test before they can get a work permit as a skilled worker. This will also lower their foreign worker levy, saving an employer $90 a month for each hire. The new requirement is part of a government move to raise standards in three industries where speaking English is key to delivering good service: retail, food and beverage (F&B), and hotels. Employers are delighted with the change, which was announced yesterday by the Minister of State for Manpower as well as Trade and Industry, Mr Lee Yi Shyan. Said Mr Lee: 'English is the working language in Singapore. This is particularly important in industries such as hotels, retail and F&B, where workers interact regularly with customers.'
Read the full story in Thursday's edition of The Straits Times.
[email protected]
