Singapore’s creative industry has long thrived on weddings, product launches, and lifestyle campaigns that demand skilled photographers, videographers, and make-up artists. But companies are now being warned: foreign freelancers without valid work passes are no longer allowed to take on such jobs.
The Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association (Vicpa) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) issued a joint advisory last month reminding businesses that foreigners on tourist or student visas cannot provide creative services in Singapore. Companies are equally prohibited from engaging or promoting them.
The move comes after MOM received reports of wedding and event firms hiring overseas freelancers as a cheaper option (e.g., make-up artists, on-site painters, photographers, or graphic artists). While often advertised on social media as budget-friendly, such arrangements breach the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. Offenders face fines of up to S$20,000, jail terms of up to two years, or both. They may also be permanently banned from working in Singapore.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
For local creatives, this is seen as overdue protection. Vicpa’s executive secretary, Jagathishwaran Rajo, said the association has heard growing complaints from professionals who feel undercut by foreign freelancers working without permits. “Our objective is not to stifle competition, but to uphold a fair and level playing field where Singapore’s creative talent is respected, valued and supported,” he said.
The rise of platforms such as Instagram and TikTok has made the issue more urgent as overseas freelancers can now market directly to clients here. In response, Vicpa, an affiliate of the NTUC, has been stepping up monitoring of these channels, providing tip-offs to MOM and running awareness efforts to encourage ethical hiring practices.
For businesses, short-term savings from hiring unlicensed freelancers can quickly turn into heavy fines and strained ties with Singapore’s local creative workforce.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
As enforcement tightens, the bigger question is whether these measures will strengthen the long-term sustainability of the creative industry, or create a bottleneck that limits global collaboration. What is certain is that the rules of engagement in Singapore’s creative economy have changed, and both companies and freelancers must now play by the book.
Though the authorities announced the easing of the work-from-home arrangement in December last year and up to 50% of employees who can work from home will be allowed to return to the office, the other half of us are still stuck with the default.
It’s not a bad idea to wake up late, not having to squeeze with a bunch of people on buses and trains, and drawing up reports in one’s favorite PJs. But too much of something is never too good. If you agree and need a change of environment, try these lesser-known co-working spaces that are ever-ready to welcome you to their premises.
Location: *SCAPE, The Rise @ Oxley, and Assemblage @ 362 Holland
Mox is a collaborative workspace and network for creative people to meet, engage, exchange, and invent. The diversity of events, work areas, social spaces, and folks in Mox help creatives develop and produce excellent works, whether they are enthusiasts, creative-preneurs, or established businesses.
The name derives from the word “moxie,” which denotes bravery, boldness, and audaciousness. It was created by the same folks that developed Artbox Singapore. The team thinks that their community demonstrates the guts to be unconventional and their shared spaces can physically connect people and allow individuals to produce extraordinary results via immersive experiences. Want to learn more about Mox and how having a creative workstation can help you succeed? They would be delighted to tour you around.
The Co. is a community-run facility for the public. It’s a refreshing take on the neighborhood community center, and its mission is to bring people from all walks of life together in a welcoming and supportive environment while instilling new viewpoints via art, wellbeing, food, and beverages.
The community, which is housed in a heritage shophouse in the core of the culturally fascinating Duxton neighborhood, creates, curates, and hosts contextual, betterment, and social programs. They provide individual workplaces and a friendly and suitable shared work atmosphere with passionate hearts and brilliant minds, as well as being a communal area for your unique functions.
Location: Amoy, Tanjong Pagar, and High Street Centre
Found8’s private offices are completely customizable, allowing you and your staff to work in an environment that satisfactorily suits you. Simply submit a request, and the team will do all the necessary to make your dream office a reality to the best of their abilities.
There are also choices for hot desks and dedicated workstations that are versatile and tailored to your working style. It provides opportunities to chat with fellow entrepreneurs across all of their center areas. Who knows you might find yourself sitting next to a prospective business partner or valuable investor the next time you’re clocking in at Found8? You can also engage with the community by attending periodic member-only events, which feature fascinating topics that are conducted on a rotating basis across their co-working spaces.
Location: Trehaus @ City Hall, 109 North Bridge Road, #07-21 to #07-33, Singapore 179097 (via Lift Lobby A)
In this contemporary village, you won’t ever have to face a dilemma between work and family. Whether it’s a seat you can readily plug into a few afternoons a week or a room to get work meetings done, Trehaus Business Club could very well be the ideal space for you. It was founded by working parents who desire to concentrate on their careers without forsaking their families.
The brand is Singapore’s first flexible office with an adjacent preschool operated by kind and supportive caretakers, allowing you to work in peace while your child is tended to only steps away. And when your infant is ready for kindergarten, Trehaus School, which is located next door, will provide them with an elite education syllabus you can trust.
Location: 22 Martin Road, Level 3, Singapore 239058
Gather Cowork is a present-day coworking site that provides a variety of workplace alternatives, from S$750/month fixed desks with a view to S$900/month customizable and fully-furnished private offices, and meeting spaces for seminars, networking opportunities, and community engagements. There are also a variety of business services available.
The team strives to develop a tribe of like-minded folks that bring continual enthusiasm to their work tasks every day. They are located near the Central Business District (CBD) and are surrounded by a variety of fitness and lifestyle enterprises. Time to gather if you want to flourish together as a community at Gather Cowork. Did we mention that they are pet-friendly too?
Location: Afro Asia, Raffles Arcade, Ngee Ann City, Centennial Tower, and One George Street
The Great Room was founded in 2016 to revolutionize the way people want to work, socialize, and exchange ideas. It’s a space that’s perfect for serious conversations, deep reflection, and thorough research, but it’s also great for mingling and socializing. Trust us when we say it’s a fantastic place for both work and pleasure.
The team recognizes that a diverse workforce has a wide variety of demands and that meeting those needs necessitates flexibility. Their dedicated office solution is ideal for both established businesses and startup companies looking for a place to call home for the short or long term. The new age self-starters will be able to swiftly link up with the finest and brightest thanks to their well-structured common spaces. Each venue is sited in a bustling neighborhood in the heart of the city for the convenience you need.
