KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia and Singapore are set to enhance cooperation in the labour sector, including efforts to improve the welfare and protection of gig workers, as both countries respond to evolving employment trends.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the issue was among key matters discussed during his meeting with Singapore’s Acting Minister for Manpower Jasmin Lau during his official working visit to the republic today.
He said the discussions also involved the latest developments in the labour market and the challenges faced by both countries in preparing their workforce for the demands of the future economy.
“Malaysia and Singapore are facing rapid changes in the employment landscape. We therefore need to ensure that labour policies and worker protection continue to evolve in tandem with changing work arrangements and the needs of the economy,” he said in a statement today.
Ramanan said both sides also exchanged views on talent development, upskilling programmes, and the importance of equipping workers with the necessary skills to adapt to technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI).
He added that sharing experiences and best practices between the two countries would be crucial in developing a progressive and inclusive employment ecosystem while safeguarding workers’ interests and welfare.
According to Ramanan, Malaysia and Singapore have a distinctive and longstanding labour relationship, providing opportunities for both nations to explore further collaboration in talent and skills development.
“The relationship between Malaysia and Singapore extends beyond that of two neighbouring countries. Labour mobility, economic ties and people-to-people relations between our two nations are also very close.
“That is why we see significant opportunities to strengthen cooperation, share expertise and jointly address the workforce challenges that lie ahead,” he said.
Also present at the meeting were Singapore Ministry of Manpower Planning and Finance Programme Department director Pung Wan Qing, Employment Standards and Inclusive Workplaces director Gan Su Yi, SkillsFuture Singapore Agency (SSG) Corporate Planning Division director Kevin Lee, and Singapore Ministry of Manpower Strategy and Ecosystem Development deputy director Lock Hong Quan.
Earlier, Ramanan visited Grab’s headquarters in Singapore as part of his official working visit. – August 7, 2026