What is the Diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management (DHRM) useful for?

It supports foundational knowledge and operational capability for hotel and restaurant environments, especially for students who want a stronger structure in operations and people management.

Can working professionals study DHRM part-time?

Yes. The student story featured by TMC highlights a working F&B leader who is using part-time study to strengthen her operational leadership while continuing her career.

What does the Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Management prepare students for?

It supports employability across hospitality and tourism contexts where customer handling, operational coordination, and service standards are required.

Why is internship experience necessary in hospitality education?

Internship experience provides real exposure to operational expectations, workplace standards, and team coordination. It often builds confidence and clarifies career direction.

Are these diplomas suitable for international students in Singapore?

Yes. The featured graduate story highlights an international student who used the programme to build routine, capability, and direction while studying in Singapore.

Why an MBA Still Matters in Today’s Job Market, Especially in Singapore

tmcacademy
4 hours ago
3 min read

In a time of general job insecurity, frequent corporate restructuring, an unstable geopolitical climate and evolving work visa rules, professionals are asking the question: Is investing time and money in an MBA worth it? The short answer: Yes, and increasingly so.

While Singapore’s position as a global business hub remains undisputed, the job market remains lukewarm (Ministry of Manpower, 2025) and employers are increasingly selective when it comes to hiring (Robert Walters Singapore, 2025). Employers are priorising professionals who can lead strategically, innovate solutions, and drive growth in uncertain times.

At the same time, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has implemented policy changes that underscore the importance of formal qualifications for foreign professionals applying for an Employment Pass (EP) — making qualifications like an MBA even more crucial.

In this article we unpack Singapore’s current employment landscape, what it means for job seekers and why a higher degree like an MBA can be a career accelerator.

The Current Economic & Employment Landscape

New year, same economic landscape. Global economic uncertainty remains a reality. Organisations are more selective, looking for professionals who bring not just experience but critical thinking and strategic leadership – there is also a shift towards skills-based hiring.

Singapore’s position as a regional and international hub means employers require candidates with both local market understanding and global business acumen — something that MBA courses in Singapore are designed to deliver.

Students, graduates and employees looking to upskill can also consider credentials such as finance courses or management courses in Singapore to retain an edge, hone strategic thinking and build a robust network in these competitive industries.

What Does This Mean for Singaporean Job Seekers?

Employers must practise fair hiring practices that are merit-based and non-discriminatory. However, in a competitive job market such as Singapore’s, a strong academic credential such as an MBA — whether full-time or part-time — helps differentiate candidates. Those who upskill with an MBA in Singapore will be in a better position to negotiate for more benefits and responsibilities; elements that may not have been accessible without postgraduate training.

Additionally for those with existing commitments, flexible learning pathways such as a part time business degree in Singapore enables working professionals to study without taking a full career break, consolidating experience and education.

What Does This Mean for Non-Singaporean Job Seekers?

Singapore remains attractive to international talent, but dynamics have shifted. With MOM’s regulatory frameworks like the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) governing Employment Pass approvals, academic qualifications are now critical in application outcomes (Ministry of Manpower, 2026).

Under COMPASS, EP applicants and companies are assessed in multiple areas. Specifically for applicants, they must achieve a qualifying salary benchmark (benchmarked against local PMET salary norms for the relevant sector).

Applicants also earn points through proof of degree-equivalent qualifications (e.g. a recognised bachelor’s degree, MBA etc). More points are awarded to qualifications from top 100 universities based on QS World University Rankings, other highly-reputed universities in Asia, Singapore’s autonomous universities and institutions that are highly-recognised in a particular field and endorsed by a relevant agency.

While candidates without degree-equivalent qualifications can still pass COMPASS by earning a total score of at least 40 points from other criteria, having such credentials could go a long way in clearing the EP evaluation.

Why an MBA Singapore Makes Sense

Whether you’re a Singaporean aiming for career progression or a professional pivot, or an international talent considering making Singapore home, a Master of Business Administration degree remains a powerful differentiator in the job hunt.

The value of an MBA remains strong:

Honing leadership skills and strategic thinking
Most MBAs also have a global focus and provide exposure to different business practices and cultures, advantageous for international mobility in our interconnected world
Growing one’s professional network through networking with members from other industries and companies
Potential competitive edge during job applications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need an MBA to work in Singapore?

Not necessarily; this depends on the role you are looking for. However, for EP applications, strong academic qualifications are increasingly expected for professional roles.

Can a part-time MBA in Singapore help with my career?

Yes. A part time MBA in Singapore lets you work while studying, adding credentials without pausing your career.

References

Ministry of Manpower. (2025). Labour Market Report 3Q 2025. Ministry of Manpower. https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/2025/1211-labour-market-report-3q-2025

Robert Walters Singapore. (2025). Hiring in Singapore: Guide and trends in 2026. Robert Walters Singapore. https://www.robertwalters.com.sg/insights/hiring-advice/blog/hiring-in-singapore-guide-and-trends-2026.html

Ministry of Manpower. (2026). Eligibility for Employment Pass. Ministry of Manpower. https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/eligibility