The Singapore MOM team with Mr Ritash Sarna, Deputy Director, ILO Statistics (fourth from left), Mr Anil Anora, Chief Statistician, Statistics Canada and Chair of the 21st ICLS (fourth from right), and Mr Rafael Diez De Medina, Chief Statistician, ILO (first from right)

Singapore’s contributions to international labor statistics standards acknowledged at historic ICLS centenary event

SINGAPORE played a pivotal role in the historic 100th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (ICLS), held in Geneva from 11th to 20th October 2023. The ICLS, convened by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) every five years, serves as a crucial platform for establishing standards in labour statistics. Representatives from 184 countries attended, collectively influencing labour statistics decisions and setting global benchmarks for vital indicators like unemployment, income, and employment conditions.

Notably, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) received global recognition for its collaborative projects with the ILO, presented at the ICLS. The ILO, a United Nations specialized agency, holds the mandate to set international labour standards. MOM and ILO jointly developed preliminary recommendations to enhance the quality of data on Digital Platform Employment (DPE), a significant aspect of the contemporary labour market. Additionally, a joint project was presented to facilitate more timely updates to occupational classifications in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO).

Mr Ang Boon Heng, Director of the Manpower Research & Statistics Department in MOM Singapore (first from right and on the top screen)

Despite the rapid growth of DPE in many countries, a lack of internationally agreed-upon concepts, definitions, and data collection standards poses challenges for cross-country comparisons. Recognizing the imperative for high-quality data in this domain, MOM and ILO collaborated to translate global research on DPE into international statistical and methodological recommendations.

Representatives from participating countries at ICLS endorsed MOM-ILO recommendations, signaling a pivotal stride in DPE research. Standardized measures for DPE will be instrumental in formulating policies aimed at improving social protection and working conditions for this expanding segment of the workforce.

Furthermore, MOM and ILO statisticians introduced a joint project aimed at enabling more frequent updates to ISCO. As new occupations emerge globally at an accelerated pace, the need for updated classifications becomes evident. Leveraging advanced technologies like natural language processing and machine learning, MOM and ILO outlined methods to swiftly identify new and emerging occupations. This ensures more regular updates to international classifications, empowering data producers and labour agencies with the most current and precise information.

The speakers for the presentation on Machine Learning & Occupational Classifications
[From L to R] Mr David Niculcar from Chile Department of Statistics, Mr Daniel Sim, Deputy
Director, Ministry of Manpower Singapore, Ms Lara Badre, ILO Statistics, Mr Shutong Ding,
ILO Statistics

Singapore’s delegate at the conference, Mr. Ang Boon Heng, Director of the Manpower Research & Statistics Department in MOM, received a nomination and election by the international community as the conference Rapporteur for a second consecutive term. This reflects global acknowledgment of Singapore’s technical prowess in official labour market statistics. During the conference’s closing ceremony, Mr. Ang lauded the delegates for their robust technical discussions and close tripartite approach in endorsing various resolutions and guidelines on labour statistics.

Mr. Ang’s re-election bears testimony to the ILO’s recognition of MOM as a globally trusted and credible organization in the realm of manpower research and statistics. MOM’s alignment with the ILO’s mission and Decent Work agenda reinforces its commitment to advancing economic and working conditions for the betterment of workers, employers, and governments globally.

For media inquiries, please contact: Lee Jo-Lea (Communications and Engagement Department) HP: 8575 8242 Email: lee_jo_lea@mom.gov.sg