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 offers unprecedented opportunities to raise productivity, create better jobs and unlock new sources of growth. Yet, it also presents real challenges for businesses and workers. The question before us is how we can shape the AI transformation in a way that is inclusive, responsible and beneficial to all.

3. For SNEF, the report’s emphasis on dialogue and trust resonates deeply. These principles have long guided Singapore’s tripartite approach. As AI transforms industries and jobs, tripartism becomes even more important in ensuring that employers, workers and the government move forward together.

4. Across Singapore, employers are already exploring how AI can enhance competitiveness, improve operational efficiency, and create better jobs. Yet, many small and medium enterprises face practical challenges. These include high implementation costs, capability gaps and uncertainty over how best to integrate AI effectively into their businesses. Workers, too, have understandable concerns about how they can adapt in a rapidly changing environment.

5. In navigating this transformation, tripartite partners should work together to support businesses and workers.

6. This is why SNEF is proud to play a role in Singapore’s newly formed Tripartite Jobs Council. Working closely with our tripartite partners, we are supporting employers to embark on enterprise and workforce transformation in tandem with AI adoption. SNEF provides a one-stop touchpoint to help employers diagnose business needs, redesign jobs and upskill their workers to achieve business goals and improve productivity.

7. We believe AI should augment human capability and empower workers to focus on higher-value, more meaningful work. This requires employers to invest not only in technology, but also in people. Employers must support workers in developing new skills and adapting to changing job demands. At the same time, workers must embrace continuous learning and remain open to change.

8. To help employers prepare their workforce for change, we are also actively pushing through structured career planning, to focus on developing the workforce for the long term. Our goal is to see this as an opportunity to create better outcomes for businesses and workers alike.

9. Ultimately, businesses succeed well when workers are upskilled. Workers benefit when businesses remain competitive and are able to continually innovate and transform through adoption of AI.

10. Singapore’s experience has shown that strong tripartite partnership is the foundation for navigating change and delivering meaningful outcomes. From our early industrialisation, to computerisation with advent of the Internet, to automation with Industry 4.0 – each transition saw some business closure and skills obsolescence. Yet each time, our tripartite partnership enabled businesses and workers to adapt and thrive. As we navigate the AI transition, we will do the same once again.

11. SNEF looks forward to strengthening collaboration with the ILO, the International Organisation of Employers and our counterparts around the world to ensure that AI serves as a force for opportunity, productivity and decent work for all.

12. Thank you.