What HR Professionals Need to Know in September 2025?
Posted on 06 October 2025 in Business | Suki Bajaj
In September 2025, HR professionals in Singapore are navigating several key updates — including CPF interest rate extensions, a new IHRP certification subsidy, and the growing impact of AI on hiring and payroll trends. This month’s HR news roundup highlights the top developments shaping compliance, workforce planning, and employee engagement as the year heads into its final quarter.
HR Highlights for September 2025
Singapore Extends 4% CPF Interest Floor on Special, Medisave and Retirement Accounts
The government has extended the 4% CPF interest rate floor for interest earned on all Special, MediSave, and Retirement Account (SMRA) monies for an additional year, from January 1 to December 31, 2026. This extension provides CPF members with certainty on returns despite the falling interest rate environment.
From October 1 to December 31, 2025, the Ordinary Account (OA) interest rate will remain at the floor rate of 2.5% per annum.
Read OnNew Singapore HR Certification Subsidy
Starting from October 2025, eligible HR professionals in Singapore may receive a flat-rate subsidy of S$100 on IHRP certifications under the new Enhanced Subsidy for HR Certification programme.
This one-year initiative aims to encourage HR professionals to invest in their professional development. Earning the IHRP certification provides key benefits such professional credibility, career advancement, continuous growth, networking, and employer confidence.
Read OnHiring GRIT Trainees Earns Firms Continued Subsidies
To incentivize the creation of permanent roles, the Graduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT) scheme offers allowance subsidies to host organisations that convert trainees to full-time staff after at least three months.
GRIT's goal is to provide fresh graduates with industry experience and priority for full-time employment, while MOM monitors its effectiveness through employment and economic data, with safeguards in place against employer misuse or worker displacement.
Read OnGrowing Interest in Pay Flexibility in Singapore
A new report found that 69% of employees in Singapore are open to non-cash compensation, and 18% want more frequent pay cycles, with weekly or fortnightly being the most desired. This growing employee demand, however, presents new challenges for payroll teams.
Read OnAI Appears In 1 In 10 Job Ads Across Half of All Occupations
Based on Indeed’s recent survey, over 10% of job postings in Singapore across roughly half of all occupations now mention artificial intelligence (AI).
While a strong post-pandemic hiring surge has kept unemployment low despite three years of declining postings, Indeed warns that if job postings don't stabilise soon, the continued decline could negatively impact the broader labour market.
Read OnWorkplace Safety Obligations Under Scrutiny in Singapore Court
A recent Singapore District Court case examined an employer's workplace safety obligations after a construction accident. An injured employee brought a negligence claim, arguing his employer failed to provide mandatory safety briefings and necessary equipment for his duties at the worksite.
Read OnFrequently Asked Questions – HR News September 2025
The top HR developments this month include the extension of the CPF interest rate floor until 2026, the launch of a new S$100 IHRP certification subsidy, and rising use of AI in job postings across multiple industries.
Eligible HR professionals can receive a flat-rate subsidy of S$100 when enrolling for IHRP certification under the Enhanced Subsidy for HR Certification Programme. The goal is to encourage continuous learning and professional credibility in the HR sector.
A growing number of employers are exploring flexible pay cycles and digital payroll systems to meet employee demand for faster, more transparent compensation. AI tools are also being integrated to streamline recruitment and performance tracking.
The CPF rate affects long-term employee savings, retirement planning, and employer contributions. Knowing the latest CPF changes helps HR teams adjust payroll calculations accurately and communicate financial benefits clearly to employees.
Recent legal updates include workplace safety rulings from Singapore’s District Court, reminding employers to maintain proper safety training, briefings, and equipment to avoid liability.