Singapore is offering 400 more fully subsidised places to train employees as workplace well-being first responders, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower Shawn Huang said on 20 October. He was speaking at a gathering of the Well-being Champions Network.
- The 400 half-day places are free, with up to two nominees per company.
- Companies that missed the first round get priority.
- A longer course with up to 90% SkillsFuture funding is due in early 2027.
What this means for you
- Ask HR to nominate you: the half-day training is free, and up to two employees per company can attend.
- You will learn to notice distress, start a supportive conversation and point colleagues to help.
- Need time away for your health? Use the leave application email.
- Nominate up to two staff. Companies that did not take part in the first round get priority.
- Plan for the longer course in early 2027, with up to 90% SkillsFuture funding.
- MOM asks employers to review how they spot and manage psychosocial risks at work.
The training
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| New places | 400, fully subsidised, half a day each |
| Earlier round | 500 places, all taken up |
| Nominees | Up to two employees per company |
| Priority | Companies that did not take part in the earlier round |
| Network | More than 2,000 well-being champions across 800 organisations |
A first responder is a colleague trained to notice when someone is struggling, start a supportive conversation, and point them to help. They do not replace professional care.
A longer course in 2027
"Workplace Well-being First Response: Mental Health Literacy & Early Intervention" is due in the first quarter of 2027.
It was developed by Kaleidoscope Labs and Ngee Ann Polytechnic and is accredited by the Institute for Human Resource Professionals. Kaleidoscope Labs will also work with the Singapore Psychological Society on referrals to registered psychologists.
Your numbers
| Figure | Value |
|---|---|
| New places | 400 |
| Most per company | 2 |
| Companies the round can reach | At least 200 |
| SkillsFuture funding for the 2027 course | Up to 90% of the fee |
Foundific calculation: 400 places at up to two per company.
What to do next
- Employers: nominate up to two staff while places last; firms new to the scheme get priority.
- Staff: ask HR whether your company is in the Well-being Champions Network.
- Time off: the leave application email covers sick and emergency leave, and the annual leave calculator shows your entitlement.
- Pay: see the Singapore salary guide.
