Politics · Singapore Bureau
ASEAN launches labour statistics network ahead of Singapore's 2027 chair
Southeast Asian nations have established a dedicated statistician network to strengthen labour data collection and sharing. The initiative aims to equip governments with better insights into workforce trends as Singapore prepares to assume the ASEAN chair in 2027.
LSN Singapore ·
Regional labour ministers and statistics officials have formally launched a collaborative network focused on enhancing labour statistics across ASEAN member states. The framework is designed to improve the quality, consistency and timeliness of labour market data collected by participating countries.
The network will facilitate the exchange of methodologies, best practices and technical expertise among national statistical agencies. By establishing standardised approaches to data collection and analysis, member nations aim to develop a more comprehensive understanding of employment patterns, skills gaps and emerging occupational trends across the region.
Stronger cooperation in labour statistics is expected to enable policymakers to identify workforce shifts and labour market challenges more promptly. This enhanced visibility into regional labour dynamics will support governments in formulating more responsive and evidence-based employment and skills development policies.
The initiative coincides with Singapore's preparation for its 2027 chairmanship of ASEAN. Officials view the network as a key institutional mechanism for deepening economic cooperation within the bloc and addressing the evolving needs of the region's diverse labour markets during a period of rapid technological and structural change.