SNEF Survey on Wage and Employment Outlook 2026/2027: Labour Market Tightness Ease but Employers Remain Cautious on Wage Growth Amid Global Uncertainty and Rising Manpower Costs
1 The Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF)’s Survey on Wage and Employment Outlook 2026/2027 found that employers continue to take a measured approach to wage increases and hiring, even as business outlook for 2027 has improved modestly compared to a year ago. Employers also continue to report rising manpower costs as the […]
1,800 Workers will be Covered by the New Progressive Wage Model for the Pest Management Sector
15 July 2026 The Ministry of Manpower (MOM), National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), and Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), together with Pest Management industry stakeholders, have agreed to expand the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) to the Pest Management sector. 2 About 1,800 full-time and part-time resident pest management workers, including licenced vector control technicians and […]
Plenary Speech by SNEF President Mr Tan Hee Teck at the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference
9 June 2026, Geneva Conference Chair, Distinguished Delegates, 1. I am pleased to speak on behalf of the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) at this year’s International Labour Conference. 2. We commend the Director-General for his important report. This report is extremely timely, as artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping economies, jobs and skills. It […]
Forum: Most employers go beyond legal requirements for migrant workers’ fair treatment
We refer to the recent Opinion piece on migrant workers (S’pore depends on migrant workers. Why do we accept conditions we would never tolerate ourselves?, May 19) and the Forum letters in response to it. For many employers, migrant workers are indispensable to core business operations. They help to augment our limited local labour market and […]
Response by the Singapore National Employers Federation to the Economic Strategy Review Committees’ Recommendations
13 May 2026 The Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) welcomes the Economic Strategy Review (ESR) Committees’ recommendations, which are a timely response to a global economic environment increasingly shaped by geopolitical and technological disruptions. The strategic imperatives that guide the recommendations will also be helpful to businesses that are looking to pivot and transform for the future. With a thriving ecosystem that fuels business growth, we can create good jobs […]
SNEF’s Response to SWDA Act and Motion on “An Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transition with No Jobless Growth”
6 May 2026 The Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) supports both the formation of the Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA) and the motion on “An Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transition with No Jobless Growth”. These are timely and important moves to strengthen Singapore’s workforce and enterprise resilience amid the rapid and far-reaching impact of AI on jobs, businesses and the economy. 2 By bringing skills development, […]
SNEF’s May Day Message 2026
As we celebrate May Day 2026, we recognise the invaluable contributions of workers across all sectors who have kept Singapore’s economy strong. Employers and workers alike have had to navigate an increasingly uncertain global environment, marked by geopolitical tensions, rising trade pressures, and rapid technological change. Amid these challenges, employers and workers have demonstrated remarkable […]
MOM, NTUC, SNEF to Form Tripartite Jobs Council To Address AI’s Impact on Workers, Jobs and Businesses
29 April 2026 The Ministry of Manpower (MOM), National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), and Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) announced their intent to form a Tripartite Jobs Council (TJC). The TJC is our tripartite commitment to support workers and businesses through the artificial intelligence (AI) transition with concrete actions. 2 As AI continues to reshape industries, […]
SNEF Poll: Most Employers Face Higher Operating Costs, with More Than Half Concerned About Manpower Cost Pressures Amid Higher Energy Prices
20 April 2026 A snap poll conducted by the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) from 10 to 16 April 2026 found that 96% of respondents are facing higher operating costs amid higher energy prices, and more than half (53%) are concerned about rising manpower cost pressures. The poll drew responses from 210 companies across the […]
Commentary: Singapore should professionalise HR to stay agile amid disruption
Employers today are operating in a much more volatile environment, marked by economic uncertainties. Meanwhile, advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping how work is organised and redefining the skills that matter. Businesses increasingly need strong human resources (HR) management capabilities as a competitive advantage to navigate changes. Architecting organisational resilience As stewards of human […]
