In AIRINC’s latest quarterly Singapore roundtable, we brought together global mobility professionals across a diverse set of industries. The session combined insights from our latest benchmark research with peer-led discussions on current challenges and emerging practices.

Key Insights from Benchmark Sharing

The session opened with a review of recent long-term assignment trends, highlighting areas of stability alongside evolving practices. Download AIRINC's latest LTA survey highlights here.

Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)

Participants showed strong interest in COLA design and governance, particularly:

  • Frequency and maintenance of data updates

  • Managing cost exposure through structured approaches (e.g., applying caps via salary thresholds)

  • Balancing data integrity with stakeholder expectations

There was general alignment on the importance of maintaining a consistent and disciplined framework, even when facing challenges from business stakeholders or assignees regarding cost or data validity.

Education Support

Approaches to education assistance continue to vary depending on location and availability of schooling options:

  • More structured caps are commonly applied in locations with sufficient schooling availability

  • Greater flexibility may be applied in more constrained locations

  • Some organizations are also exploring limits based on the number of dependents supported 

Roundtable Discussion Highlights

Geopolitical Risk and Assignee Support (Conflicts in the Middle East)

Participants discussed responses to ongoing geopolitical developments. The prevailing approach is one of close monitoring and case-by-case support, rather than broad policy changes.

Organizations emphasized flexibility in addressing individual assignee concerns while maintaining overall policy consistency. Read more from our recent pulse survey here.

COLA Strategy and Communication

The group further explored practical challenges in managing COLA, including:

  • Navigating trade-offs between affordability and accuracy

  • Communicating changes effectively to stakeholders

  • Reinforcing governance to avoid ad hoc adjustments

There was also discussion on approaches for employees without a clear “home” location, including the use of blended or global reference points.

AI in Global Mobility

Adoption of AI remains at an early stage across most organizations:

  • Current usage is focused on productivity tools that improve access to information and streamline routine tasks (e.g., Copilot)

  • Broader implementation is still under evaluation, with considerations around governance, risk, and organizational readiness

Permanent Residency During Assignment

A common approach discussed was transitioning employees to local terms upon obtaining permanent residency, with assignment-related benefits typically ceasing at that point.

Immigration Delays (e.g., H-1B Visa Extensions)

Participants shared experiences navigating delays in visa processes. A key takeaway was the importance of working closely with tax and immigration advisors to assess implications and explore potential mitigation strategies (e.g., possibility of expediting the renewal process). Read more on the H-1B visas here.

Closing Remarks

The session was marked by open and practical exchange, reflecting the value of peer dialogue in navigating complex global mobility topics. We appreciate the continued engagement from participants and look forward to the next roundtable session.

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