Singapore Leads New ASEAN Network to Track Emerging Labour Trends and Skills

Singapore announced the creation of the ASEAN Labour Statisticians Network (ALSN) during a three-day expert forum, positioning the city-state as convenor for the 2026-2030 period. Led by MRSD director Ang Boon Heng and executive secretary Fang Shun Wu, the network will establish an office in Singapore and a regional knowledge portal to exchange research, statistical methods and practical tools across the 11 ASEAN members.

Participants, including representatives from the ILO and OECD, highlighted common challenges in labour data collection, and Singapore will contribute AI-based instruments such as an AI Exposure Index. The initiative also aligns with the release of an ASEAN Green Jobs Report and aims to enable governments to anticipate skill demands, especially as AI reshapes occupations. Immediate steps involve member states nominating representatives and launching joint research projects through ALSN Co-Creation Incubator Projects. The effort is part of Singapore’s broader push to strengthen regional cooperation ahead of its ASEAN chairmanship in 2027.