1 July 1999
Media Statement
For Immediate Release
NZ AND SINGAPORE ANNOUNCE WORK EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
New Zealand tertiary students and graduates will be able to live and work in Singapore for up to six months under a new
”Work Exchange Programme” announced today by Foreign Minister Don McKinnon and visiting Singapore Minister for Trade and
Industry, George Yeo. Young Singaporeans will have similar eligibility for New Zealand.
“This agreement will reinforce the close relationship New Zealand and Singapore enjoy. It will give our young people the
opportunity to get to know each other?s country better and strengthen the people-to-people links between us.” Mr
McKinnon and Mr Yeo said.
Under the scheme, students and graduates will be eligible to gain work experience in Singapore by applying for a
Training Visit Pass, valid for up to six months. New Zealanders wishing to take part in the scheme may apply through New
Zealand universities and polytechnics which have links with tertiary institutions in Singapore.
Alternatively, they may apply directly to Singapore employers, and should refer to the Contact Singapore Homepage at
http://www.contactsingapore.org.sg. Singapore citizens should contact the New Zealand Immigration Service, at the New
Zealand High Commission in Singapore.
The Programme starts on 1 November (1 July for Singaporean participants) and is open to students and graduates of all
New Zealand’s universities and polytechnics.
ENDS