ASEAN Labour Ministers Conclude 28th Meeting with Launch of 50th Anniversary Commemorative Initiatives
The 28th ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting (ALMM) was chaired and hosted by Singapore from 27 to 31 October 2024. Chaired by Minister for Manpower, Dr Tan See Leng, the meeting was attended by representatives from ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, and the ASEAN Secretariat, and marks 50 years since the first meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia in April 1975.
2 Singapore holds the ALMM Chair until 2026, and its Chairmanship theme, “Strengthening Resilience and Promoting Innovation”, focuses on supporting ASEAN Member States in working together to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities brought about by the rapidly changing world of work.
Commemorating 50 Years of ASEAN Labour Cooperation
3 To mark five decades of ASEAN labour cooperation, the Meeting launched a commemorative video and sealed a time capsule. The video highlights key milestones in regional labour cooperation, showcasing achievements such as enhanced workplace safety and health, the promotion of decent work standards, and the protection of migrant workers’ rights. Containing documents and memorabilia reflecting the challenges and progress made in building a better workforce over the last 50 years, the time capsule symbolises the enduring commitment of ASEAN Labour Ministers past and present to improve the lives and livelihoods of workers in ASEAN, and drive progressive and safe workplaces. It will be on display at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia until it is opened by future ASEAN Labour Ministers 25 years later, in 2049.
Key Agreements
4 ASEAN Labour Ministers discussed the following key agreements:
- ASEAN Guidelines on the Protection of Migrant Workers and Family Members in Crisis Situations: The ASEAN Labour Ministers reaffirmed the commitment to protect migrant workers and their family members during crises, such as COVID-19, and enhance their resilience in anticipation of possible future crises. This set of Guidelines strengthen the joint resolve to develop effective policies, strategies and action frameworks to help migrant works prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises.
- ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Statement on Improving Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) for Sustainable Economic Growth: The ASEAN Labour Ministers recognised that strong OSH standards are essential to sustainable economic growth. This joint statement underscores the commitment to creating safer work environments, prioritising worker well-being, and advancing policies that support long-term economic resilience across the region.
International Collaboration
5 The Meeting concluded with the commitment to continue deepening collaboration with key regional partners, including the Plus Three dialogue partners - China, Japan, and Korea - to build a resilient, people-centred ASEAN labour community. The ASEAN Labour Ministers underscored the importance of sustained cooperation on emerging labour issues such as platform work, gender equality, and occupational safety and health, particularly in the face of new technologies and evolving industries. The perspectives and participation of the Plus Three partners underscored the shared vision of a dynamic and adaptable regional workforce that supports sustainable growth.
6 “As ASEAN celebrates 50 years of labour cooperation, we reflected on our shared achievements and the progress made in building a resilient workforce across the region. Singapore is proud to be part of this journey and remains committed to strengthening regional cooperation to address the challenges of the future world of work. By enhancing skills development, protecting workers’ rights, and promoting decent work, we can ensure that ASEAN’s workforce is ready to seize the opportunities ahead.” said Dr Tan See Leng, Singapore’s Minister for Manpower, and Chair of ALMM.