The new Asean-Labor Statisticians Network was launched with the aim of helping member countries identify emerging workforce trends and improve personnel planning. This network, which is considered the first dedicated to labor statistics, will be led by the Ministry of Manpower’s Research and Statistics Department (MRSD), which will have as its direct responsibility holder Ang Boon Heng, the director of MRSD and head of artificial intelligence and data squads at MOM. The office of this network will be installed in Singapore and will be directed by Fang Shun Wu, who is also the secretary general of the network.

A new knowledge portal on labor goods will be available, allowing members to participate in the exchange of information on labor analysis, statistical methodologies, and practical tools, helping countries learn from the approaches developed in other regions and apply them to their own needs. The forum, which coincided with the publication of the Green Jobs Report of ASEAN, hosted over 150 representatives of ASEAN, including representatives of member states and international organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Permanent Secretary of MOM Stanley Loh stated during his initial speech that while many countries have different labor markets and statistical systems, they face similar problems in measuring workforce trends. 'With our collaboration, we can develop more rapid and better use of our resources,' he said. 'As Singapore prepares to assume the presidency of ASEAN in 2027, we will continue to support this action to improve our capacity to understand and respond to changes in workforce trends.' The forum has hosted over 150 representatives, including representatives of member states and international organizations such as the ILO and OECD.

Ang Boon Heng, director of MRSD and head of artificial intelligence and data squads at MOM, stated that the initiative aims to gather the assets of its members. 'Everyone can contribute something significant,' he added, noting that, like a city-state, Singapore may lack the experience or expertise that other nations in the region have in managing labor goods. The network's relevance is due to the variety of assets of its members. 'Each can contribute something significant,' he added, noting that, like a city-state, Singapore may lack the experience or expertise that other nations in the region have in managing labor goods. The announcement of the network coincided with the release of a Green Jobs Report of ASEAN, which provides a regional analysis of green jobs and the skills needed in all 11 member countries of ASEAN.