The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have launched the first Global Dialogue on Digital Platform Work in Singapore. The event, which began on 29 September, gathers over 150 participants, including policymakers, statisticians, and platform operators from more than 20 countries. The dialogue seeks to address data gaps in the platform economy and develop harmonised international statistical frameworks to inform policies that protect workers and promote economic growth.
Digital platform work, despite its rapid expansion, remains underrepresented in labour force data due to the absence of standardised statistical definitions. This lack of data complicates the assessment of its impact on workers’ arrangements and incomes. The diverse nature of platform work, ranging from transport to professional services, further complicates measurement efforts.
Singapore has been proactive in this area, conducting annual national surveys on platform work since 2016. These efforts have informed the introduction of the Platform Workers Act, aimed at enhancing worker protection. The number of platform workers in Singapore who prefer this work as their main job has grown by an average of 7% annually from 2016 to 2024. Concurrently, challenges faced by these workers have decreased significantly.
Ng Chee Khern, Permanent Secretary of MOM, emphasised the need for international measurement standards to keep pace with the growth of digital platform employment. “By preparing early, as we did with delivery and ride-hailing workers a decade ago, we can ensure timely data and policies for this next wave of platform work,” he stated.
The dialogue will contribute to the development of international standards, with discussions set to continue leading up to the 22nd International Conference of Labour Statisticians in 2028.
