C5 Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus: How Firms with National Projects Secure Extra Compass Points
The Strategic Economic Priorities (SEP) bonus is a 10‑point addition under Criterion 5 of Singapore’s COMPASS framework for Employment Pass applications. It rewards employers who are actively involved in government‑backed innovation or investment initiatives. As of 2026, a confirmed Letter of Support from a qualifying programme can push a candidate’s score above the 40‑point pass mark, even if other criteria are borderline. The 10 points are stackable with the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) bonus, giving firms a potential 30‑point boost from C4 and C5 alone.
Eligible Programmes in 2026
To claim the SEP bonus, an employer must be formally admitted into a recognised scheme. The current list includes:
- Scale‑up SG (EDB): Targets high‑growth companies building regional or global headquarters; partners receive dedicated account management and co‑funding for scaling activities.
- Enterprise Development Grant (ESG): Supports projects in core capabilities, innovation, and market access; government co‑funds up to 80% of qualifying costs.
- Tech@SG (EDB & ESG): Facilitates core team growth for tech startups with a Letter of Support, directly linked to SEP eligibility.
- Technology for Enterprise Capability Upgrading (T‑Up, A*STAR): Secondment of research scientists to local enterprises; the enterprise must demonstrate product or process innovation outcomes.
Each programme requires a Letter of Support from the sponsoring agency, dated within 12 months of the EP application. Without this letter, no points are awarded.
Stacking SEP with the SOL Bonus
The SOL bonus (up to 20 points) under C4 can be combined with the SEP 10 points. A single EP application may thus receive 30 bonus points from these two criteria. For example, a cybersecurity specialist on the SOL with an employer enrolled in Scale‑up SG would receive 20 SOL points + 10 SEP points = 30 points, easily meeting the threshold when combined with salary and qualification scores. This stacking significantly reduces dependency on the candidate’s university ranking or diversity quotas.
Obtaining the Letter of Support
Employers must request a Letter of Support directly from the agency managing the programme. The letter confirms the firm’s active participation, the project’s alignment with national priorities, and the specific role the EP candidate will play. It must be submitted alongside the EP application form. Agencies typically revalidate letters annually; a stale letter (over 12 months old) will be rejected.
Strategic Use for Firms
Companies that anchor their hiring to SEP‑eligible programmes gain a clear advantage in work pass approvals. This is especially useful for roles where the candidate’s fixed salary falls below the 90th percentile but still meets the EP minimum. For foreign professionals, targeting employers with SEP‑eligible projects can dramatically improve their chances of securing an EP, even if their alma mater is not a top‑tier institution.
2026 Outlook
MOM expanded the SEP list in late 2025 to include a new track for sustainability‑linked innovation projects under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, allowing firms deploying carbon accounting platforms or renewable energy pilots to claim points. As of Q1 2026, over 650 firms had utilised the SEP bonus, according to MOM’s COMPASS utilisation data. This number is expected to grow as more agencies formalise support‑letter processes.
FAQ
Q: Can a startup qualify for the 10‑point SEP bonus? A: Yes. Startups enrolled in Tech@SG or receiving the Startup SG Tech grant can request a Letter of Support from ESG. As of 2026, at least 120 startups have successfully used SEP points via Tech@SG.
Q: Is the SEP bonus available for S Pass applications? A: No. The SEP bonus applies only to Employment Pass applications under the COMPASS framework. S Passes are evaluated separately under quota and levy systems.
Q: What happens if the employer’s programme participation ends after the EP is issued? A: The EP remains valid for its duration, but the employer cannot claim SEP points for any renewal or new application after the programme ends. MOM may also audit the ongoing validity of the support letter at the point of renewal.
参考资料
- Ministry of Manpower, COMPASS framework updates, 2025–2026
- Economic Development Board, Scale‑up SG programme, 2026
- Enterprise Singapore, Enterprise Development Grant overview, 2026
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, T‑Up scheme details, 2025
This article does not constitute legal or migration advice.