Singapore to host new ASEAN office to exchange jobs data, better track labour market shifts

Singapore will host a new ASEAN Labour Statistics Office to enhance collaboration on jobs and skills data exchange. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) launched the ASEAN Labour Statisticians Network on Oct 27 in a bid to better track labour market shifts. The network, proposed by Singapore, aims to help ASEAN member states anticipate the impact of AI, green transition, and platform work on employment.

The network will support member states to better understand the implications of technological advancements on jobs and workers. Singapore, set to chair ASEAN in 2027, will serve as the network's convenor until 2030. The ASEAN Labour Statistics Office in Singapore will coordinate programs and advance work agreed upon by ASEAN member states.

The network's launch includes an ASEAN Labour Market Knowledge Portal for member states to share research, methodologies, and experiences for evidence-based policymaking. MOM highlighted AI and platform work as areas where the network can help countries better understand changing work dynamics and support workers.

Already, some data-based projects under the network include analyzing online job listings to identify emerging roles and an "AI exposure index" to assess how AI is changing job tasks. An ASEAN Green Jobs Report also launched on Tuesday, providing insights into green job supply and demand to guide workforce and skills planning.