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While the Asia Pacific region is one of vast diversity and dynamism, many challenges remain. Income inequality has increased. Many still live in extreme poverty and over a billion workers are in vulnerable employment.
There is a need to address decent work deficits in a holistic manner. Policies need to respond to megatrends such as demographic shifts, technological advances, enhanced integration through trade and investment, migration as well as climate change.
These were the issues that surfaced at the 16th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Bali, Indonesia, from 6 to 9 December 2016.
The quadrennial meeting was attended by over 300 participants from 37 tripartite delegations throughout Asia, the Pacific and the Gulf and Arab states. Singapore was represented by a 13–member tripartite delegation: Mr Sam Tan, Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Manpower (MOM) led the Singapore government; Mr Edwin Lye, Director of Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) fronted the employers’ group; and NTUC President Mary Liew represented the workers in the credentials committee and was also part of the committee on conclusions.
Delivering her plenary speech at the discussion of the ILO Director-General’s Report, Ms Liew shared about the new NTUC Future Jobs, Skills and Training capability which will identify skill sets needed in the future economy.
NTUC’s work will complement the Singapore government’s efforts in driving SkillsFuture. She also called for the need to put in place robust labour market institutions that would promote productivity and create decent jobs.
Tripartism’s Role
The Singapore delegation also emphasised the importance of tripartism in overcoming challenges such as keeping the workforce inclusive and identifying skills to impart to workers for the future.
“Singapore was mentioned a few times on how tripartism was successful and brought many positive outcomes. It is indeed our competitive advantage and we should not take it for granted,” highlighted NTUC Director of International Affairs Sylvia Choo.
Fair Practices, Future Skills
During the plenary discussion on decent work, two union leaders with the NTUC delegation also voiced their views.
On the subject of skills for the future, Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) Deputy General Secretary Lim Wen Sheng spoke about the need to build an ecosystem to support apprenticeship for the young and the mature, and ensure that youth are trained just in time for the labour market so that they remain relevant for the industries.
Source: NTUC This Week
