Singapore has just raised the mandatory retirement age to 65 and extended the re‑employment window to 70. The change matters because it directly alters job security and work options for older employees.

Channel News Asia reported that employers cannot dismiss employees on age grounds before they turn 65 and must offer re‑employment to eligible staff until they reach 70. The Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment – made up of the Ministry of Manpower, the National Trades Union Congress and the Singapore National Employers Federation – said this gives senior workers greater assurance.

A September government report classified Singapore as a super‑aged society, noting that 21.4% of citizens are aged 65 or older. This is up from 20.7% a year earlier and 13.7% a decade ago, highlighting a rapid ageing trend.

Manpower ministry survey data shows labor‑force participation drops sharply with age: 85.9% for those aged 50‑54, 68.4% for ages 60‑64, and only 50.2% for ages 65‑69. All three figures are well below the average of the top five OECD economies.

The workgroup’s analysis also notes that a 2022 increase in retirement and re‑employment ages already raised employment rates for older workers. Together, the new rules aim to give seniors more certainty and the chance to stay in the workforce, even though participation remains low.