Tan See Leng
| 陈诗龙 | |
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| Current Role | • Minister for Manpower • Second Minister for Trade and Industry • MP for Marine Parade GRC |
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| Personal details | |
| Party | PAP
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Tan See Leng (Chinese: 陈诗龙; pinyin: Chén Shīlóng; born 24 December 1964) is a Singaporean politician, former medical practitioner, and corporate leader who has served as Minister for Manpower since 2021.[1] A member of the governing People's Action Party (PAP), he is also the Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI).[2] Before entering politics in 2020, Dr. Tan had a distinguished three-decade career in the private sector, first as an entrepreneur who founded the Healthway Medical Group and later as the Group Chief Executive Officer of IHH Healthcare Berhad, one of the world's largest integrated private healthcare providers.[2]
His career represents a notable transition from the highest echelons of corporate leadership to a key cabinet position, a path that distinguishes him from many of his colleagues who have backgrounds in the public service or military.[3] This dual identity as a private-sector veteran and a public servant is a central theme of his political profile. Upon entering government, he was rapidly appointed to senior roles, reflecting the PAP's strategy of co-opting established business leaders to bring fresh perspectives to economic management and governance. In his ministerial capacity, Dr. Tan has focused on complex national issues such as workforce transformation, uplifting lower-wage workers, managing foreign manpower policies, and steering Singapore's critical energy transition. However, his political tenure has also been characterized by significant public debate and scrutiny, particularly concerning his communication style and his approach to sensitive economic and social issues.[2]
Early Life and Education
Tan See Leng was born in Singapore in 1964. He received his early education at Monk's Hill Primary School and Monk's Hill Secondary School. His academic path took a decisive turn during his pre-university studies. After securing a Promsho scholarship to study humanities at Hwa Chong Junior College, his life was upended by a family crisis. In his first year, his mother fell seriously ill and lapsed into a coma, a pivotal event that motivated him to abandon his scholarship and switch his academic focus to medicine. He subsequently transferred to National Junior College to pursue this new direction.[4][5]
This period of his life was marked by significant self-reliance. Dr. Tan funded his own university education at the National University of Singapore (NUS) entirely by himself. He worked as a private tutor for junior college students, teaching subjects like mathematics, biology, physics, and chemistry. By tutoring up to eight students at a time, he earned between S800andS1,000 per month, which was sufficient to cover his annual school fees of S$3,000. This experience instilled a strong sense of financial discipline and personal agency from a young age.[5]
Dr. Tan's academic and professional qualifications reflect a commitment to continuous learning, a theme he would later champion in his political career. He graduated from the NUS Faculty of Medicine in 1988 with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).[5] A decade later, in 1998, he completed a Master of Medicine (MMed) in Family Medicine, also at NUS.[6] Demonstrating a drive to complement his medical expertise with business acumen, he pursued and obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the prestigious University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2004. His standing in the medical community was further solidified by his appointments as a Fellow of the College of Family Physicians, Singapore, in 2003 and a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore, in 2014. This personal history of adapting to crises and continuously acquiring new skills provides an authentic foundation for his later political advocacy for "lifelong learning" and "career health" for Singaporean workers.[7][5]
Military Career
Unlike many of his cabinet colleagues whose careers in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) are a prominent part of their public profiles, such as former Chief of Army Chan Chun Sing, detailed information about Dr. Tan See Leng's personal National Service (NS) record is not publicly available. This absence reinforces the narrative that his primary identity and source of public standing are rooted in his extensive private sector achievements rather than a military background.[8]
Since entering politics, Dr. Tan has engaged with the SAF in his official capacity as a cabinet minister. He has been the guest-of-honour and delivered speeches at key military events, including the Officer Cadet Commissioning Ceremony and SAF Day Re-Dedication ceremonies. In these addresses, his focus is on articulating national policy and reinforcing the importance of a strong defence. He has described NS as the "backbone" of Singapore's sovereignty and has called upon employers to give their full support to NSmen, framing their service not just as a patriotic duty but as a "strategic investment in your business success". His engagement is that of a government leader reinforcing the state's position on Total Defence, rather than a former commander drawing on personal military experience. He has also highlighted his ministry's participation in national readiness drills, such as "Exercise SG Ready," to underscore the integration of civil and military defence efforts.[9][10]
Private Sector Career: From Entrepreneur to Corporate Titan (1992–2019)
Dr. Tan's career before politics spanned nearly three decades and is marked by two distinct and highly successful phases: first as a medical entrepreneur and second as a global healthcare corporate leader.
Entrepreneurial Beginnings: Healthway Medical Group (1992–2004)
In 1992, at the age of 27, Dr. Tan demonstrated his entrepreneurial drive by co-founding the Healthway Medical Group with a group of friends.[5] The venture was launched with a S90,000bankloanandaninitialcapitalinvestmentofjustS5,000 from each of the founding partners. After obtaining his medical degree, he reportedly borrowed money from friends to pay off the final two years of his service bond, enabling him to start the business.[11]
As the Chief Executive Officer from 1992 (or 1993) to 2003, he spearheaded the group's rapid expansion.[12] Under his leadership, Healthway grew from a small startup into a formidable network of over 40 general practitioner clinics, achieving an annual turnover of S$20 million and establishing itself as Singapore's second-largest private primary healthcare provider.[2] In 2004, he orchestrated a successful exit by divesting the group to the British United Provident Association (BUPA) Healthcare, capping his first major success in the business world.
Corporate Leadership: Parkway Pantai and IHH Healthcare (2010–2019)
Following his success with Healthway, Dr. Tan transitioned to the corporate healthcare sector, eventually taking the helm of one of the world's largest healthcare conglomerates. He served as the Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Parkway Pantai Limited from 2010 to 2019.[2] From 2014, he concurrently held the top position of Group CEO and Managing Director of its parent company, IHH Healthcare Berhad.[13]
His tenure was defined by an aggressive, M&A-driven growth strategy that transformed IHH into a global powerhouse. Key achievements include:
- Landmark IPO: In 2012, he led the dual listing of IHH Healthcare on the stock exchanges of Malaysia and Singapore. The initial public offering raised USD 2.1 billion, making it one of the largest IPOs in the world that year and a landmark event for the company.[2]
- Global Expansion: He oversaw a period of massive expansion, growing the group's portfolio from 15 hospitals in 2009 to 84 hospitals across 12 countries by the time he retired in 2019.[13] The group's employee base swelled to over 55,000 people.[14]
- Financial Growth: During his leadership as IHH CEO, the group's revenue doubled, growing from approximately RM 6 billion to over RM 11.5 billion.[15]
- Corporate Recognition: Under his stewardship, IHH garnered numerous accolades for corporate excellence, including "Best Managed" and "Best Overall Corporate Governance" awards from Asiamoney.[12] Dr. Tan himself was recognized with prestigious awards such as the CNBC Asia Innovator of the Year in 2015.[11]
The Fortis Healthcare Acquisition and Departure
The capstone of Dr. Tan's M&A strategy at IHH was the acquisition of a 31.1% controlling stake in India's Fortis Healthcare in 2018 for approximately INR 40 billion (US$584 million).[16] This "transformational investment" was designed to make IHH the leading private healthcare provider in the crucial Indian market.[17]
However, the deal soon became mired in controversy and legal challenges. The acquisition process, which would have triggered a mandatory open offer for IHH to acquire a majority stake, was halted by India's Supreme Court in December 2018. The court order followed a petition by Japanese drugmaker Daiichi Sankyo, which was pursuing legal action against Fortis's former owners over an unrelated arbitration award. The situation was further complicated when India's Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) widened its probe into alleged financial irregularities at Fortis to include the IHH acquisition deal itself, questioning Fortis board members about the transaction.[16]
The legal uncertainty had direct financial reporting consequences. In its annual report for the 2019 financial year, IHH's auditor, KPMG, issued a "Qualified Opinion" on the company's financial statements. This is a significant red flag from an auditor, indicating that they could not obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence about a particular matter. KPMG stated that due to the ongoing investigations, it could not determine the potential financial impact of any regulatory non-compliance on Fortis and, by extension, on IHH's consolidated financial statements.[16]
Against this backdrop, Dr. Tan announced his retirement as CEO and MD of IHH, effective 31 December 2019, upon the completion of his contract. He was succeeded by Dr. Kelvin Loh.[15] While his departure was officially a retirement, its timing—at the height of the Fortis legal crisis and just as the auditor's qualified opinion was being issued—was publicly questioned. This created a narrative, particularly in online media, that he was leaving his successor to "deal with the problems," a perception that would follow him into his political career.[16]
Political Career (2020–Present)
Dr. Tan made his political debut in the 2020 General Election, marking a significant pivot from his long and successful career in the private sector. His entry into politics and subsequent rapid rise through the cabinet ranks underscore the PAP's confidence in his corporate experience and leadership capabilities.
| Position | Ministry / Constituency | Term of Office | Sources |
| Member of Parliament | Marine Parade GRC | 10 July 2020 – 15 April 2025 | [5] |
| Minister in the Prime Minister's Office | Prime Minister's Office | 27 July 2020 – 14 May 2021 | [2] |
| Second Minister for Manpower | Ministry of Manpower | 27 July 2020 – 14 May 2021 | [5] |
| Second Minister for Trade and Industry | Ministry of Trade and Industry | 27 July 2020 – 23 May 2025 | [5] |
| Minister for Manpower | Ministry of Manpower | 15 May 2021 – Present | [1] |
| Member of Parliament | Chua Chu Kang GRC | 4 May 2025 – Present | [1] |
| Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology | Ministry of Trade and Industry | 24 May 2025 – Present | [1] |
Entry into Politics and Elections
Dr. Tan was introduced as a PAP candidate for the 2020 General Election. He was handpicked by Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong to be part of the five-member PAP team to succeed him in Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency (GRC). The team successfully contested the GRC, winning with 57.76% of the vote.[7][5]
In the lead-up to the 2025 General Election, Dr. Tan was announced as the anchor minister for the newly-formed Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC. However, in a surprise move on Nomination Day, he was redeployed to anchor the PAP's team in Chua Chu Kang GRC.[18]
Ministerial Contributions and Key Policies
Dr. Tan's ministerial career is characterized by the application of a systematic, framework-driven approach—reminiscent of corporate strategic planning—to complex socio-economic issues. His policies often feature clear structures, measurable criteria, and distinct branding.
As Minister for Manpower (MOM)
Upon taking the helm at MOM, Dr. Tan articulated his ministry's priorities through the mantra of "Upgrade, Uplift, and Uphold". This framework guided his key initiatives:[19]
- Uplifting Lower-Wage Workers: He championed the significant expansion of the Progressive Wage Model (PWM), a sector-based wage ladder that ties wage increases to skills upgrading and productivity improvements. The PWM was extended to new sectors like Retail and Food Services, and to occupations such as administrators and drivers. These moves, combined with the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) requirements, brought up to 9 in 10 full-time lower-wage workers under the coverage of progressive wage policies.[20]
- Reforming Foreign Manpower Frameworks: He oversaw major reforms to Singapore's work pass system to manage the inflow of foreign professionals and ensure they complement the local workforce. This included progressively raising the minimum qualifying salaries for Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass holders to keep pace with local wage growth. His most significant reform was the introduction of the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), a transparent, points-based system that evaluates EP applicants on both individual attributes (e.g., salary, qualifications) and firm-related attributes (e.g., commitment to hiring locals, diversity). This system was designed to provide businesses with more predictability and to level the playing field for local professionals.[19]
- Strengthening Workplace Fairness: Dr. Tan was a key advocate for enshrining fair employment principles into law. He led the landmark Workplace Fairness Act through Parliament, which strengthens protections for workers against discrimination based on age, race, gender, and other factors, while establishing processes for redress.[2]
- Supporting Vulnerable and Mature Workers: He introduced stronger legislative protections for platform workers, covering areas like work injury compensation and retirement adequacy through CPF contributions.[20] He also launched initiatives to support senior employment, such as the Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment, aimed at promoting age-friendly jobs and multi-stage careers.[21]
- Promoting Career Health: In 2025, he launched Career Health SG, a national initiative to help Singaporeans with career planning, skills development, and navigating the job market. This included expanding the use of SkillsFuture Credits to cover career guidance services.[21]
At the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI)
As Second Minister and later Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, Dr. Tan has been at the forefront of shaping Singapore's long-term economic and resource strategy.
- Energy Security and Transition: He has played a pivotal role in navigating Singapore through the global energy crisis, leading efforts to stabilize the electricity market, which included establishing a Standby Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Facility. Looking ahead, he is a key architect of Singapore's energy transition, championing a multi-pronged strategy that includes importing low-carbon electricity, maximizing domestic solar energy deployment, and actively exploring future options like low-carbon hydrogen and advanced nuclear energy.[2]
- Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE): He has overseen significant investments under the RIE2025 plan, which aims to bolster Singapore's R&D capabilities and translate research into enterprise. Key focus areas under his charge include strengthening the biomedical R&D ecosystem and driving innovation in advanced manufacturing and deep tech.[22]
- Enhancing Land Productivity: To address Singapore's land constraints, he announced the extension and enhancement of the Land Intensification Allowance (LIA) scheme, designed to incentivize businesses to optimize their use of industrial space.[22]
This systematic approach, while providing policy clarity, has also contributed to public friction. The technocratic nature of frameworks like COMPASS can be perceived by some as disconnected from the on-the-ground realities of the job market, feeding into the controversies that have marked his political tenure.
Controversies and Public Scrutiny
Dr. Tan See Leng's political career has been accompanied by significant public scrutiny and several high-profile controversies, often stemming from his corporate past, his policy communications, and the government's stance on foreign manpower.
Departure from IHH Healthcare
Dr. Tan's entry into politics was immediately shadowed by questions surrounding his departure from IHH Healthcare. His retirement in December 2019 coincided with the company facing major legal hurdles in India over its acquisition of Fortis Healthcare and, crucially, receiving a "Qualified Opinion" from its auditor, KPMG, on its annual financial statements.[16]
During the 2020 General Election campaign, the online news platform The Online Citizen (TOC) published an article that brought this issue to the forefront. The article, titled "PAP candidate Tan See Leng leaves IHH at a time when KPMG issues 'qualified opinion' on its financial statement," explicitly questioned the timing of his retirement. TOC noted that it was "not known why Tan would want to leave IHH... instead of extending his contract to help sort out IHH's acquisition problems with Fortis". This created a public narrative suggesting that he had left his successor to manage a crisis while he embarked on a political career, a line of criticism that has persisted in online discourse.[16]
Defamation Lawsuit against Bloomberg
In December 2024, Dr. Tan became embroiled in a legal battle with the global financial news agency Bloomberg. The dispute arose from a Bloomberg article titled "Singapore Mansion Deals Are Increasingly Shrouded in Secrecy," which discussed the market for Good Class Bungalows (GCBs). The article mentioned Dr. Tan's purchase of a GCB in Brizay Park as an example of a "non-caveated" transaction, which the article described as being harder to track publicly.[23]
In January 2025, Dr. Tan and fellow minister K. Shanmugam, who was also mentioned in the article, filed separate defamation lawsuits against Bloomberg and the journalist, Low De Wei.[24] In their statements of claim, the ministers argued that the article was "false, baseless and calculated to disparage" them. They contended that it falsely implied they had exploited a lack of disclosure requirements to conduct their property transactions in a "non-transparent manner" to avoid scrutiny, including for potential money laundering.[23]
Bloomberg defended its reporting, denying that the article was defamatory and arguing that it was factual and in the public interest. The organization stated that any suggestion of impropriety by Dr. Tan was implausible, given that he was publicly known as a "man of means" from his highly paid corporate career. Despite receiving a correction direction under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA), Bloomberg posted the required notice but added that it "respectfully disagrees" with the government's position and stood by its reporting.[23]
Discourse on Foreign Manpower Policy
As Minister for Manpower, Dr. Tan has been the government's primary spokesperson on the sensitive issue of foreign manpower, a role that has placed him at the center of a contentious national debate. He has consistently defended the government's policy of remaining open to foreign talent, arguing that it is essential for Singapore's economic survival and not a "zero-sum game".[25] He frequently cites Singapore's declining old-age support ratio—the number of working-age residents per elderly person to justify the need to supplement the local workforce and maintain economic dynamism.[26]
His data-driven arguments, however, have often met with strong public backlash, particularly on online platforms. A recurring criticism, highlighted by TOC, is that the government uses Singapore's low birthrate as a convenient justification for its reliance on foreign labor. Critics and citizens online have persistently called for greater transparency in employment data, specifically demanding a clear statistical breakdown between Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) in PMET (Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians) roles. They argue that lumping these two groups together as "locals" or "residents" masks the true employment situation for citizens.[26]
This statistical debate is fueled by anecdotal evidence from Singaporeans who report feeling like a "minority at work" in certain industries, such as engineering and technology, and facing discriminatory attitudes from supervisors who allegedly favor foreign hires. Dr. Tan's use of statistics has been directly challenged as "misleading." For instance, when he cites the ratio of job vacancies to local jobseekers, critics on platforms like Reddit argue that this figure is meaningless without accounting for the vast pool of global applicants competing for the same roles.[8][27]
Public Reception of Policy Communications
Dr. Tan's communication style has, at times, exacerbated public friction. In July 2025, during a period of economic uncertainty, his advice to fresh graduates to "keep an open mind" in their job search was widely criticized online. Netizens on TOC and Reddit forums perceived the message as vague, out of touch, and dismissive of their struggles. They questioned whether "keeping an open mind" was a euphemism for accepting underemployment or taking on gig economy jobs unrelated to their qualifications, placing the onus of adaptation entirely on graduates rather than on employers or policymakers.[28][27]
Another instance that drew criticism was his use of a Cantonese movie anecdote during a parliamentary debate. In response to an opposition MP's questions about economic data, Dr. Tan's choice to reply with a movie quote was seen by some online commentators as arrogant and dismissive of a serious query, further fueling perceptions of a disconnect between the minister and the public.[29][30]
These controversies highlight a central challenge of Dr. Tan's political role. The data-driven, technocratic communication style that may have served him well as a corporate CEO often clashes with the emotionally charged, lived experiences of citizens, particularly on sensitive issues like job security and national identity. This gap between his logical policy justifications and the personal anxieties of the populace remains a defining feature of his public and political life.
Personal Life, Awards, and Accolades
Dr. Tan is married and has three children. He has a personal interest in singing and was a member of his school choir during his junior college years.[5]
Throughout his career in medicine, business, and public service, Dr. Tan has received numerous awards and accolades recognizing his contributions.
Corporate and Medical Awards
- Albert and Mary Lim Award (2007), College of Family Physicians Singapore: The highest accolade from the college for contributions to family medicine.[12]
- Asia Innovator of the Year (2015), 14th CNBC Asia Business Leaders Awards (ABLA).[11]
- Best CEO of the Year (2015), National Award for Management Accounting, Malaysia.[11]
- Asiamoney Best Executive in Malaysia (2016).[5]
- ABLA Corporate Social Responsibility Award (2017).[11]
- Merit Award (2019), Singapore Medical Association.[12]
Public Service Awards
- Long Service Award (2004), People's Association.[11]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q72409737
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 https://www.mti.gov.sg/About-Us/People-at-MTI/Dr-Tan-See-Leng
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chan_Chun_Sing
- ↑ https://unscrambled.sg/2022/04/25/7-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-manpower-minister-tan-see-leng/
- ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tan_See_Leng
- ↑ https://wikipedia.nucleos.com/viewer/wikipedia_en_all/A/Tan_See_Leng
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/tan-see-leng-its-a-steep-learning-curve-but-fear-of-mediocrity-motivates-me
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/05/01/reddit-user-raises-concerns-to-tan-see-leng-over-growing-foreign-presence-in-singapores-engineering-sector/
- ↑ https://www.mindef.gov.sg/news-and-events/latest-releases/09mar22_speech
- ↑ https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/speeches/2024/0701-speech-by-minister-tan-at-saf-day-re-dedication-ceremony-west-zone
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 https://www.tatlerasia.com/people/tan-see-leng
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 https://investopia.ae/speakers/dr-tan-see-leng/
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 https://www.semiconsea.org/Dr-Tan-See-Leng-MTI
- ↑ https://www.ihhhealthcare.com/my/news-and-media/stories/invigorate
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2019/05/ihhs-rm34m-ceo-to-retire-by-year-end/
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2020/07/01/pap-candidate-tan-see-leng-leaves-ihh-at-a-time-when-kpmg-issues-qualified-opinion-on-its-financial-statement/
- ↑ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/ihh-acquires-controlling-31-1-stake-in-fortis-for-rs-4000-cr/articleshow/66606584.cms
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/marine-parade-mps-told-about-tan-see-leng-leaving-later-rather-than-sooner-seah-kian-peng
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/speeches/2022/0304-speech-by-minister-for-manpower-dr-tan-see-leng-at-committee-of-supply-2022
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/speeches/2025/0306-minister-speech-for-cos-2025
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 https://www.humanresourcesonline.net/mom-committee-of-supply-2025-measures-announced-to-strengthen-the-pipeline-of-singaporean-leaders
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 https://www.mti.gov.sg/Newsroom/Speeches/2025/03/Speech-by-2M-Tan-See-Leng-at-MTIs-Committee-of-Supply-Debate-2025
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/ministers-shanmugam-tan-see-leng-say-parts-of-bloomberg-article-calculated-to-disparage-them
- ↑ https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/k-shanmugam-tan-see-leng-file-defamation-suits-against-bloomberg-and-reporter-over-article-4960776
- ↑ https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/speeches/2021/0914-speech-by-minister-for-manpower-dr-tan-see-leng-on-parliament-motion
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/01/24/tan-see-lengs-defense-of-foreign-worker-reliance-faces-backlash-urged-to-experience-jobseeker-struggles/
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 https://www.reddit.com/r/SingaporeRaw/comments/1lx55kx/tan_see_lengs_call_for_grads_to_keep_open_mind/
- ↑ https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/07/11/tan-see-lengs-call-for-grads-to-keep-open-mind-draws-public-pushback-amid-job-market-worries/
- ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/singapore/comments/1j67jm1/manpower_minister_tan_see_leng_quotes_andy_lau_in/
- ↑ https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/648-ft-dr-tan-see-leng-foreign-talent-economic-anxieties/id1359672301?i=1000704277439
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