ILO and Singapore Extend Partnership to Advance Labour and Decent Work in ASEAN

The partnership aims to bolster the capabilities of ASEAN governments, employers, and workers in navigating the evolving world of work.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and Singapore have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting decent work within the ASEAN region through the signing of a "Partnership Agreement for Collaborative Programme on Labour and Decent Work." The agreement, inked at the ILO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, solidifies a joint effort to enhance occupational safety and health, skills development, and social dialogue capacities over the next two years.

Strengthening ASEAN's Labour Landscape

The partnership aims to bolster the capabilities of ASEAN governments, employers, and workers in navigating the evolving world of work. Key focal areas include fostering social dialogue, promoting progressive labour practices, and facilitating South-South cooperation. This initiative builds upon Singapore and ILO's longstanding cooperation, which has yielded tangible benefits across the Asia-Pacific region for many years.

Commitment and Collaboration

Chihoko Asada-Miyakawa, ILO Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, emphasized Singapore's pivotal role in advancing decent work and social justice throughout ASEAN. She highlighted the agreement's potential to deliver substantial advancements in labour standards and workplace conditions across the region.

Ng Chee Khern, Permanent Secretary of Singapore's Ministry of Manpower, expressed Singapore's enthusiasm for extending the partnership with ILO. He underscored Singapore's commitment to collaborating with ILO to promote progressive labour practices, knowledge sharing, and capacity building among ASEAN member states.

Past Successes and Future Initiatives

Since 2012, the collaboration between Singapore and ILO has yielded fruitful outcomes, focusing on human resource management and development to support ASEAN's regional integration efforts. Notable initiatives include partnerships with SkillsFuture Singapore to anticipate future skills needs and providing technical support to ASEAN countries in reskilling and upskilling efforts.

Regional Impact and Vision

Singapore's role as host of the ILO's Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting in 2022 underscored its leadership in addressing employment challenges across the region. The "Singapore Statement" emerged from the meeting, outlining strategic priorities to tackle both existing and emerging labour issues in Asia, the Pacific, and Arab States.

Future Prospects

The Partnership Agreement is slated to be effective from June 2024 to June 2026, marking a renewed commitment to fostering inclusive growth, social dialogue, and sustainable labour practices within ASEAN. With a focus on collaboration and capacity building, the agreement sets the stage for meaningful advancements in labour standards and workplace environments across the region.

 

Through collaborative efforts and shared expertise, the ILO and Singapore are poised to drive positive change in ASEAN's labour landscape. By leveraging their respective strengths in policy development, skills training, and social dialogue, the partnership aims to create a more resilient and equitable future of work for all stakeholders in ASEAN member states.