Younger researchers studying pressing labour issues get more support from NTUC
The new Associate Researchers Circle will look at workforce realities in Singapore.
The National Trades Congress Union (NTUC) has launched a new research network, the Associate Researchers Circle (ARC), to bolster support for younger researchers focusing on pressing labour issues, such as the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and the ageing workforce. The ARC, comprising eight initial members, was established on October 1, building upon the NTUC Labour Alliance co-laB (Lab) launched in 2024.
The initiative aims to influence labour policies and practices, enhancing worker wages, welfare, and career prospects, particularly in the face of rapid workforce changes driven by AI. The insights from Lab and ARC members will help NTUC identify emerging opportunities and risks earlier, shaping its advocacy and interventions. This, in turn, will strengthen efforts within the Tripartite Jobs Council.
NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng emphasized the importance of good research in providing trusted market intelligence grounded in Singapore's economic and workforce realities. He noted concerns about higher retrenchment numbers and reduced entry-level hiring, highlighting how sectors like manufacturing, ICT, and financial services are experiencing significant workforce shifts due to AI.
The eight initial members of the ARC were nominated by Lab members to gain greater exposure and contribute their expertise to the network. One of the group's inaugural members, Sarah Chan, 33, a research fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities at Singapore University of Technology and Design, emphasized the value of bringing research closer to workers' everyday realities and turning behavioural insights into real-world change.
NTUC hopes to bring in five to 10 new young members into the network annually, with Lab members acting as mentors to nurture the next generation of emerging researchers. The Labour Alliance currently boasts over 60 members, including overseas labour experts, and has engaged more than 5,000 workers and 1,000 employers through various research methodologies.
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