Singapore Manufacturing Federation gives a nod to 2012 budget

SMa however disagrees over the reduction of the ‘S’ pass holders from 25% to 20%.

Here’s more from SMa:

In general, the reduction of the Dependency Ratio Ceilings (DRCs) may be difficult to be replaced by locals in the near to mid-term as they may not be interested in many of these jobs. This impact on SMEs is probably not as significant as compared to the larger companies, considering that SMEs employ relatively fewer foreign workers.

However, the reduction of the ‘S’ pass holders from 25% to 20% may be rather drastic even with the two-year phasing in period. The skillsets of these workers may not be easily replaced in such a short period of time.
In addition, there may also be a gap between these jobs that are phased out because of the reduction of DRCs, versus the interest/mindset of Singaporeans to take up such jobs over the next few years.

To the SMEs, the enhanced PIC cash payout and the fact that this payout is paid within the quarter will help to improve productivity through automation and technology. The increase in training grant from 70% to 90%, coupled with the increase in absentee payroll will, in the mid to long-term, help improve productivity and reduce the dependency on foreign workers.