Understanding the Legal Aspects of Employee Benefits in Singapore

Mak Khar FaiJanuary 15, 2025January 17, 2025Blog Posts, Featured 28 Comments

Understanding the Legal Aspects of Employee Benefits in Singapore

Employee health benefits are crucial in attracting and retaining top talent in Singapore’s competitive market. However, navigating the legal landscape surrounding benefits can be daunting for SMEs. Here are some essential statutory requirements and regulations you must understand as an employer in Singapore, along with additional details to ensure complete compliance.

Complying with the Law: Avoiding Pitfalls and Building Trust

Singapore has a robust legal framework governing employee benefits. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) enforces strict regulations to protect workers’ rights and ensure fair treatment. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in:

Penalties: The MOM can impose fines for non-compliance with various benefit-related laws. These fines can be significant and have a negative financial impact on your business. For example, non-payment of CPF contributions can lead to breach of Central Provident Fund Act 1953 that resulted in penalties.
Legal Disputes: Employees who believe they haven’t received proper benefits may pursue legal action against your company. Legal disputes can be costly and time-consuming; even a losing case can damage your employer’s brand.
Reputational Damage: Non-compliance with employee benefit regulations can quickly become public knowledge, especially in today’s digital age. This can negatively impact your employer’s brand, making attracting and retaining qualified personnel harder. Potential hires may hesitate to work for a company with a reputation for unfair labour practices.

Beyond Compliance: Building a Competitive Benefits Package

While complying with legal requirements is essential, building a competitive benefits package surpasses the minimum standards. Here are some additional tips to consider:

Conduct a Benefits Needs Assessment: Survey your employees to understand their needs and preferences before designing your benefits package. This will help you tailor your offerings to maximise employee satisfaction.
Offer Flexible Benefits Options: Consider offering a flexible benefits plan, allowing employees to choose from various benefits based on their needs. This can be a desirable option for a diverse workforce.
Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Employee benefits trend are constantly evolving. Regularly research what your competitors offer and adapt your package to stay competitive in the talent market.

Building a Compliant and Competitive Benefits Strategy

At MHC Asia Group, we understand the complexities of managing employee benefits in Singapore. We offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to simplify the process for SMEs and ensure you stay compliant with all legal regulations:

Compliance Specialist: Our team of experienced professionals stays up-to-date on the latest legal requirements and can guide you in developing a compliant benefits programme.
Customisable Solutions: We work closely with you to understand your company’s unique needs and budget. We will then design a customised benefits package that is attractive to your target talent pool and aligns with your overall business goals.
Benefits Administration Support: Managing employee benefits can be time-consuming and complex. MHC Asia is able to handle benefits administration for you, from claims processing to flexible benefits . This frees up your time and resources to focus on other core business functions.
Technology-Driven Solutions: We offer a user-friendly online platform that allows you to manage your benefits programme efficiently. Employees can also access the platform to view their benefits information, submit claims, and change their elections (if applicable, with a flexible benefits plan).
Ongoing Support: The legal landscape surrounding employee benefits can change frequently. MHC Asia will provide ongoing support to ensure your benefits programme complies with all current regulations.

Your Partner for a Streamlined and Successful Benefits Programme

By partnering with MHC Asia Group, you can gain peace of mind knowing your employee benefits administration is legally compliant, cost-effective, and attractive to top talent. We empower you to focus on running your business. At the same time, we handle the complexities of employee benefits management.

Benefits of Partnering with MHC Asia:

Reduced Risk of Non-Compliance: Our specialty helps you avoid costly penalties and legal disputes associated with non-compliance.
Improved Employee Satisfaction: A well-designed benefits package can significantly boost employee morale, engagement, and retention.
Enhanced Employer Brand: Offering health initiatives for employees portrays your company as a caring and responsible employer, making you more attractive to potential hires.
Cost Savings: MHC Asia can help you optimise your benefits programme to maximise value and minimise administrative costs.

Contact MHC Asia Group today for a free consultation. Let’s discuss your needs and explore how we can help you design a compliant, competitive, cost-effective benefits programme that empowers your workforce and drives your business success.

Why Thyroid disease Matters to your Cardiologist

Mak Khar FaiDecember 27, 2024December 27, 2024Featured, Health Articles 59 Comments

Why Thyroid Disease Matters to your Cardiologist

The thyroid gland regulates the body’s metabolism through the production of the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). While often associated with weight management and energy levels, thyroid health also has a significant impact on cardiovascular health. Thyroid function can easily be assessed with simple blood tests.

Thyroid hormones influence heart rate, cardiac output, and vascular resistance. When thyroid function is disrupted—either by hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)—it can lead to complications that increase the risk of heart disease.

In hypothyroidism, low levels of thyroid hormones slow the heart rate and reduce cardiac output. It also raises levels of LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”), which contributes to atherosclerosis, the disease process that results in coronary arteries becoming narrowed, thereby increasing the risk of heart attacks. Additionally, hypothyroidism may lead to diastolic dysfunction, where the heart has difficulty relaxing between beats.

Conversely, hyperthyroidism accelerates the heart rate and increases cardiac workload. This can result in conditions like atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that heightens the risk of blood clots and stroke. Persistent hyperthyroidism can also cause cardiomyopathy, weakening the heart muscle over time.

Recognizing the link between thyroid health and heart disease is essential for early detection and prevention. Symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight changes, palpitations, or swelling should prompt a discussion with your doctor. Early detection of thyroid imbalance and proper management whether through medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery, can significantly reduce cardiovascular risks.

Contributed by
Dr Rohit Khurana
Consultant Cardiologist

Harley Street Heart and Vascular Centre
Book Appointment
WhatsApp Us

Understanding the Complications of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)

Mak Khar FaiNovember 20, 2024November 20, 2024Blog Posts, Featured 102 Comments

Understanding the Complications of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)

Type 2 DM, or diabetes as it is commonly known in the community, is a significant health concern in Singapore, affecting approximately 1 in 11 Singaporeans (1). This chronic medical condition does not just impact one’s blood sugar levels. Rather, it can result in many complications if it is not effectively managed. Understanding these complications and their causes is crucial for prevention and early intervention. There are other forms of diabetes as well but they are comparatively less common and outside of the scope of this article.

What are some of the complications of T2DM?

Diabetes can lead to several serious health issues, including but not limited to the following:

Cardiovascular Disease: Individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of heart diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke (2) and vessel problems.
Kidney Damage (Diabetic Nephropathy): High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys’ filtering system, potentially leading to kidney damage and thereafter kidney failure eventually (3).
Eye Damage (Diabetic Retinopathy): Diabetes can harm the blood vessels in the retina, increasing the risk of blindness (4).
Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy): Excess glucose can injure the walls of tiny blood vessels that nourish nerves, leading to tingling, numbness, and pain (5).
Foot Problems: Nerve damage in the feet or poor blood flow increases the risk of foot ulcers and infections (6).
Compromised Immune System

What causes the complications associated with T2DM?

The main cause of diabetic complications is the poor control of diabetes. Over time, elevated glucose levels can result in damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body. Patients who have well controlled T2DM are still able to continue with their daily lives with minimal issues. Lifestyle factors such as sedentary habits and diets high in sugar and saturated fats significantly contribute to the rise in diabetes and its complications (7).

The Importance of Early Screening for T2DM

Early detection is vital in preventing or delaying complications. Here’s why screening is essential:

Timely Intervention: Early diagnosis allows for prompt management, reducing the risk of complications.
Lifestyle Modification: Identifying prediabetes or early-stage diabetes provides an opportunity to implement lifestyle changes that can reverse or control the condition.
Cost Savings: Managing diabetes early reduces long-term healthcare costs associated with treating complications.
Early Detection of Complications: If a diagnosis of T2DM is made, further and regular screenings help to monitor for disease control and complications. For example, in patients with known T2DM, kidney function tests, foot screenings and eye screenings are routinely performed.

Regular diabetes screening is crucial for early detection and effective management, particularly for individuals who fall into higher-risk categories such as (8) (9):

Individuals aged forty and above: As we age, the risk of developing T2DM increases, making T2DM blood test screening a key preventive measure.

Those with a family history of diabetes: Genetics are known risk factor in the likelihood of developing T2DM.

Overweight individuals: Being overweight is one of the major risk factors for diabetes, and managing your weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can significantly reduce your risk.

By taking proactive steps—such as regular screening and adopting a healthier lifestyle—you can detect diabetes early, manage it more effectively, and minimise the chances of severe complications. Take control of your health today!

References

Roystonn K, Lau JH, AshaRani PV, Kumar FDS, Wang P, Sum CF, et al. Recognition of diabetes and sociodemographic predictors: results of a cross-sectional nationwide population-based survey in Singapore. BMJ Open [Internet]. 2022 Mar 1;12(3):e050425. Available from: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/3/e050425
CDC. Your Heart and Diabetes [Internet]. Diabetes. 2024. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-complications/diabetes-and-your-heart.html
Kumar M, Dev S, Muhammad Usman Khalid, Sowmya Manjari Siddenthi, Muhammad Zaeem Noman, C. Lieske John, et al. The Bidirectional Link Between Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Mechanisms and Management. Cureus [Internet]. 2023 Sep 20;15(9). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10588295/
CDC. Vision Loss and Diabetes [Internet]. Diabetes. 2024. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-complications/diabetes-and-vision-loss.html
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. What Is Diabetic Neuropathy? | NIDDK [Internet]. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. 2018. Available from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies/what-is-diabetic-neuropathy
CDC. Your Feet and Diabetes [Internet]. Diabetes. 2024. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-complications/diabetes-and-your-feet.html
Kolb H, Martin S. Environmental/lifestyle Factors in the Pathogenesis and Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes. BMC Medicine [Internet]. 2017 Jul 19;15(1). Available from: https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-017-0901-x
Pippitt K, Li M, Gurgle HE. Diabetes Mellitus: Screening and Diagnosis. American Family Physician [Internet]. 2016 Jan 15;93(2):103–9. Available from: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2016/0115/p103.html
HealthHub. Diabetes Mellitus Risk Factors [Internet]. Health Promotion Board. Available from: https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/diabetes-mellitus#riskfactors

HR Vendors of the Year Awards 2023 – Silver Award for Best Corporate Healthcare Provider

Mak Khar FaiNovember 30, 2023January 12, 2024Featured, News 106 Comments

HR Vendors of the Year Awards 2023 – Silver Award for Best Corporate Healthcare Provider

MHC is honored to have received the Silver Award for Best Corporate Healthcare Provider at the HR Vendors of the Year Awards on November 24. With a rich history spanning 29 years, our commitment to Corporate Healthcare has made us a trusted partner, delivering affordable, high-quality solutions to over 1 million customers, through a network of over 1,500 clinics across Singapore.

Our vision revolves around integrating People, Process, and Technology for exceptional healthcare outcomes. We would like to use this opportunity to thank all our partners and staff in helping us develop and strengthen our Corporate Healthcare programme covering Health & Wellness services, GP and SP panel services, telemedicine, in-house clinics, and flexible benefits.

This award is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our incredible team, marking a significant milestone in our journey to positively impact lives and empower individuals to take control of their health. We remain committed to our vision to simplify healthcare and connect stakeholders in the delivery chain using information technology and big data analytics.

We’re a health technology company, but our business is about 𝗣𝗘𝗢𝗣𝗟𝗘. Thank you once again to all our clients and partners for supporting us all these years.

HRM Asia Readers Choice Award 2023 for the Best HR Tech – Employee Benefits Solution

Mak Khar FaiNovember 3, 2023January 12, 2024Featured, Press Releases 17,749 Comments

HRM Asia Readers Choice Award 2023 for the Best HR Tech – Employee Benefits Solution

MHC Asia Group was delighted to receive the Gold Award for the Best HR Tech – Employee Benefits Solution at HRM Asia Readers Choice Award 2023 on 3^rd November. The awards are presented to HR partners and solution providers to recognise their efforts in the HR industry, and we are honoured to be recognised for our contributions to the Employee Benefits sector.

We believe in making healthcare more affordable for everyone while also ensuring more accountability and ownership in managing individual and corporate healthcare outcomes, with the main goal of creating a healthier and more productive Singapore.

With this award, we would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to all the voters who supported us, and we would like to congratulate all of the other recipients who also received awards during this ceremony.

Find out more about HRM Asia Readers Choice Awards here https://hrmreaderschoice.com/.

Wish to find out more about our wide range of Employee Benefits solutions? Visit https://mhcasia.com/why-mhc/ or contact sales@mhcasiagroup.com for more information.

HMI Group Expands Specialist Offering with Majority Stake Acquisition of Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre

Marketing MHCNovember 1, 2023January 12, 2024Featured, Press Releases 1,974 Comments

HMI Group Expands Specialist Offering with Majority Stake Acquisition of Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre

This acquisition reinforces HMI Group’s ambition to provide one-stop healthcare services and capabilities to patients in Singapore and the region

The partnership is a step towards building a leading cardiology group in Southeast Asia, leveraging HMI Group’s integrated healthcare network, growing patient base and regional presence

Singapore – 1 November 2023 – Health Management International Pte Ltd (“HMI Group”), a regional private healthcare provider with presence in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, continues its expansion by acquiring a majority stake in The Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre (“Harley Street”), a leading private cardiovascular group in Singapore.

Founded in 2012, Harley Street is the first combined heart and vascular group in Singapore offering multidisciplinary specialist care for patients with cardiovascular diseases (“CVDs”). Today, Harley Street operates four centres in Singapore and one in Cambodia together with a team of 5 cardiology and vascular surgery specialists. Harley Street offers a comprehensive range of subspecialities including advanced cardiovascular imaging, cardiac electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, heart failure and preventive cardiology, and vascular surgery.

CVDs remain the top cause of mortality in Singapore, accounting for 1 in 3 deaths in 2020.[i] The increasing prevalence of common risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia also contributes to this trend. Harley Street’s specialists will work closely with HMI Group’s primary care network to address the growing need for more accessible and comprehensive cardiovascular care, and support patients at every stage of their cardiovascular health journey.

This partnership complements HMI Group’s strategy of developing an integrated healthcare platform and broaden its specialist services portfolio in South East Asia. Ms. Chin Wei Jia, Group Chief Executive Officer of HMI Group, said, “Investing in Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre is a significant step in broadening HMI Group’s portfolio to offer comprehensive healthcare solutions within and beyond hospital settings. This partnership aligns well with our mission to building healthier communities, and we are excited to welcome Harley Street into the HMI family. With the collective experience and track record of Dr Reginald Liew, Dr Rohit Khurana and Harley Street’s team of highly skilled and sub-specialised cardiology and vascular specialists, we look forward to supporting Harley Street’s growth aspirations to provide comprehensive cardiology and vascular care to local and regional communities.”

Dr Reginald Liew, Director and Senior Consultant Cardiologist at Harley Street expressed his optimism about the partnership and said, “Joining forces with HMI Group opens up new horizons for us to extend our cardiovascular expertise and specialist network in Singapore and across Southeast Asia. Through HMI Group’s strong network, we hope to elevate the standard of heart and vascular care and enable more patients to benefit from our commitment to excellence.”

Dr Rohit Khurana, Director and Senior Consultant General and Interventional Cardiologist added, “As the detection of heart problems often begins in the primary care physician’s office, HMI Group’s network of primary care doctors can refer patients for early specialist evaluation, allowing patients to be seen and treated more quickly while reducing their number of appointments. By forging a strong specialist-primary care partnership with the support of HMI Group, we can improve access to quality care, supporting different aspects of patients’ cardiovascular health.”

Tardis Capital advised Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre in this transaction.

About HMI Group

Founded in 1998, HMI Group is a fast-growing regional healthcare provider committed to advancing healthcare and changing lives for communities across Southeast Asia. In Singapore, the Group owns StarMed Specialist Centre, an 11-storey one-stop ambulatory care centre, Eagle Eye Centre, the largest private ophthalmology group, OneCare Medical, a nationwide primary care chain, MHC Asia Group, a leading medical benefits administrator, and HMI Institute, the Group’s social enterprise providing healthcare education. In Malaysia, it owns two tertiary hospitals, Mahkota Medical Centre in Melaka and Regency Specialist Hospital in Johor. HMI also has a network of representative offices in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

For more information, please visit: www.hmi.com.sg

About Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre

Established in 2012, Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre is one of the leading private cardiology and vascular service provider in Singapore. Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre operates a chain of four centres in Singapore and one in Cambodia together with five specialist doctors.

Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre offers a wide range of cardiovascular subspecialties, such as coronary angiography and intervention, implantation of cardiac pacemakers and devices, catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias and peripheral vascular intervention.

In addition to general check-up the group offers screening packages and management plans tailored to patient’s cardiovascular needs.

For more information, please visit: www.harleystreet.sg/heart/

[i] https://www.moh.gov.sg/resources-statistics/singapore-health-facts/principal-causes-of-death

Business Solution Series: Fostering Business Resilience Through Workplace Wellness

Mak Khar FaiOctober 18, 2023January 12, 2024Featured, Press Releases 19 Comments

Business Solution Series: Fostering Business Resilience Through Workplace Wellness

In conjunction with World Mental Wellness Day, MHC hosted an exclusive seminar with Singapore Business Federation (SBF), Fostering Business Resilience Through Workplace, on 11 October. This seminar featured Mr. Rui Savio Dass as the keynote speaker, who delivered an insightful speech on how business leaders plays a part in supporting their employee’s well-being during crisis. Additionally, Mr. Rui along with other panel speakers, Ms. Alyssa Stark and Dr. Maleena Suppiah Cavert, engaged in a fireside chat discussing the role of mental wellness in driving employee workplace performance with the session expertly moderated by our CEO, Ms Kabita Karthigeyan.

Members of SBF also had a fruitful session from the important key takeaways. The fireside chat highlighted the need for business leaders to actively foster a culture of mental wellness and coaching, promote diversity and inclusion, building empathetic connections and focus on meeting employee’s needs and wants beyond just pantries and gyms.

At MHC, we understand the importance of your employee’s well-being and your organisation’s health. Speak to us today on how we can help your organisation remain at the forefront of workplace wellness!

Find out more about MHC’s Mental Wellness Programme here https://mhcasia.com/mhc-mental-wellness-programme or contact us via mentalwellness@mhcasiagroup.com.

FWD HealthFirst provides free medical teleconsultations for customers

Mak Khar FaiSeptember 6, 2023September 6, 2023Featured, Press Releases 210 Comments

FWD HealthFirst provides free medical teleconsultations for customers

The service also entails healthcare services at affordable prices.

FWD Singapore has introduced a new value-added service named FWD HealthFirst, developed in collaboration with MHC Asia.

This service grants FWD protection plan policyholders and their families access to primary healthcare services at preferential rates and offers free teleconsultations.

The partnership aims to ease the 4.2% year-on-year price hike in healthcare, referencing Singapore’s consumer price index figures.

FWD HealthFirst is available to both new and existing customers of FWD protection plans, with no extra charges. Notably, this benefit extends to family members, encompassing spouses, children, parents, and grandparents.

By including family members, FWD intends to safeguard the overall well-being and financial security of customers and their dependents, attending to their insurance needs and beyond.

Through FWD HealthFirst, FWD introduces free medical teleconsultations, enhancing healthcare accessibility.

These virtual appointments, accessible around the clock, connect individuals with experienced healthcare professionals, eliminating the need for physical visits and lengthy waiting times. Additionally, medicine delivery is accessible at preferential rates.

Further, the program offers customers preferred rates for general practitioner (GP) and dental services at over 600 MHC GP and dental clinics. This ensures that healthcare expenses remain manageable.

For instance, a standard GP consultation, typically costing between S$20 and S$55, would be reduced to S$13 through FWD HealthFirst.

By substantially reducing healthcare costs, FWD aims to assist individuals and families to prioritise their well-being without compromising financial stability.

View SBR’s original article here: https://sbr.com.sg/insurance/news/fwd-healthfirst-provides-free-medical-teleconsultations-customers

President’s Certificate of Commendation for Covid-19

Marketing MHCJuly 26, 2023September 6, 2023Featured, Press Releases 449 Comments

President’s Certificate of Commendation for Covid-19

On 18 June 2023, we were delighted to receive The President’s Certificate of Commendation for Covid-19, recognising our significant contributions alongside government agencies and private organizations that played vital roles during the pandemic.

Our efforts were praised for the positive impact we made, and we are proud to have contributed to our nation’s response to Covid-19. Congratulations to all the other recipients who also received this prestigious award!

The President’s Certificate of Commendation for Covid-19 is an award part of the National Awards (COVID-19). These awards acknowledge exceptional public spirit and remarkable contributions to Singapore’s efforts in combating the Covid-19 pandemic.

Find out more about the National Awards for Covid-19 here: https://www.pmo.gov.sg/National-Awards and the investiture here https://www.pmo.gov.sg/Newsroom/Investiture-of-the-National-Awards-COVID-19.

HMI Group and MHC join forces to advance healthcare and change lives

Mak Khar FaiMay 15, 2023September 5, 2023Featured, Press Releases 13 Comments

Category: Featured