Tripartism is a key competitive advantage for Singapore, underpinning its economic edge, harmonious labour-management relations, and overall economic and social development and progress.
The tripartite partners – National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) – work in cooperation to shape Singapore’s future, forging consensus in developing strategies and taking collective action to achieve sustainable national growth and development for the employers, workers and society.
To broaden, deepen, and strengthen the spirit of tripartism through discussions within a structured framework, the tripartite partners set up the Singapore Tripartite Forum (STF) in 2007.
In 2015, the STF went global with the inaugural International Forum on Tripartism. Organised by the tripartite partners to commemorate Singapore’s 50 years of independence and membership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), more than 800 delegates from over 300 countries and regions attended the forum. The theme was "Tripartism for Sustainable Growth and Development".
The tripartite partners recently set up the Tripartite Collective and officially launched it in May 2022. Past tripartite leaders, Mr Lim Swee Say, Mr Stephen Lee and Ms Diana Chia have been appointed as advisors for the Tripartite Collective.
The Tripartite Collective aims to strengthen the spirit of tripartism in the community by fostering trust and socialising stakeholders to the values and benefits of tripartism. It will bring together members from the tripartite community, academic, legal and media communities to exchange views and ideas on issues faced by employees and employers. Through the exchanges, the Tripartite Collective seeks to build relationships and develop capabilities within the community to further the development of progressive workplaces.
To achieve the above outcomes, the Tripartite Collective will commission research studies, conduct open dialogues and sharing sessions, and organise capability development programmes.
