Guest-of-Honour, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Brother Gan Kim Yong,
Minister for Manpower, Brother Tan See Leng,
President of the Singapore National Employers Federation, Brother Tan Hee Teck,
Tripartite Partners,
Sisters and Brothers,
Good morning, and a very warm welcome to NTUC Ordinary Delegates’ Conference 2025!
It is indeed a true honour to stand before all 1,400 of you— including our union leaders, who form the beating heart of our Labour Movement. Today, we are not just reflecting on our journey in helping union members and workers. We are here to shape the future that every worker in Singapore deserves.
Since NTUC’s founding on 6 September 1961, we have stood firm in our mission to uplift the lives of workers. Today, that mission continues with even greater urgency and clarity—because #EveryWorkerMatters. Our NTUC ODC’s theme — “Towards a More Representative Labour Movement: Championing workers’ interests, bettering jobs and lives for all” — reflects the essence of what NTUC and our affiliated unions and associations must strive for in the years ahead. To be truly representative, we must ensure that no worker is left behind—whether they are PMEs, gig workers, mature workers, or young workers.
Sisters and Brothers, crises in the last few years have tested our resolve, but our solidarity endures and our fight for workers’ interests prevails! This unwavering spirit is built upon more than six decades of NTUC's journey deeply woven into the nation's success story. From our turbulent beginnings to becoming a globally respected model of labour harmony, NTUC has grown alongside Singapore, adapting to the needs of every generation of workers. Witnessed in our nation’s history, we have stayed strong and stood together through ongoing global uncertainties and crises. With your dedication and unity, we continue to emerge stronger.
Stocktake and the Challenge Ahead
This NTUC Ordinary Delegates’ Conference marks the midpoint since our National Delegates’ Conference in 2023. We need to take stock—of what we have achieved, what we have learnt, and where we must go next.
Over the next two days, we will review our progress, refine our strategies, that will strengthen the employment, employability, and welfare of our workers. This is how we ensure our workers remain resilient, our companies competitive, and our nation future-ready.
Momentum from Pre-ODC
Just last month, close to 400 of our union delegates came together for a two-day Pre-ODC. We had rich conversations on the issues that matter most to our union members and workers. We explored bold, innovative ideas—not just to support workers, but to uplift companies too.
We reminded ourselves of the need to Dream, Dare, and Do—and to Deliver the transformation of our Labour Movement. Thank you to each and every one of you for your contributions. You are paving the way for a more representative, inclusive and progressive Labour Movement.
Our Strategic Priorities
At Pre-ODC, our NTUC Central Committee members led three key workshops focused on innovating our membership, business, and leadership. These align with our three strategic pillars for the next term:
To be truly representative, we must stay deeply connected to our members. We will explore how initiatives like W.I.N. (whole-of-integrated NTUC) and Digital Transformation can be better leveraged. Digitalisation is not just a tool—it is the engine that drives engagement, enhances value, and attracts new, diverse members. A representative movement is, by nature, a growing one.
Championing workers means securing better jobs, wages, and work prospects. We must not only respond to change—we must lead it. By deepening our collaboration with the Jobs Security Council, we will drive innovation in how we engage companies, ensuring that transformation leads to win-win-win outcomes for workers, businesses, and the nation.
A strong movement needs strong leaders. We must grow our leadership bench, uplift the quality of our union leaders, and position the Labour Movement as a key Agent of Influence in national conversations. We need leaders who can mentor, inspire, and act with unity and purpose to meet the evolving needs of our workforce.
Tripartism: Our Enduring Strength
Sisters and Brothers, these pillars rest on the foundation of our Labour Movement and Singapore’s unique brand of Tripartism.
Singapore’s socio-economic success is of no coincidence. It was built on decades of trust, mutual respect, and shared purpose among unions, employers, and the Government. To our tripartite partners—those here today and those who work with us every day—thank you for your unwavering support.
Because of this partnership, we have safeguarded workers’ livelihoods, strengthened businesses, and ensured Singapore’s continued progress.
Yet, we must not take this partnership for granted. The world around us is changing rapidly— geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, technological disruptions, and shifting workforce expectations are testing the resilience of our tripartite model. These pressures will not ease; they will intensify. Navigating them will demand difficult conversations, trade-offs, and a renewed commitment to collaboration. Let us stay anchored in trust, keep our channels open, and work through these complexities together—because only through unity can we continue to secure good jobs, competitive businesses, and a fair society.
Conclusion
As we begin this NTUC ODC, let us remember the responsibility we carry.
Our work is never finished. The profile of our workforce continues to change: more PMEs, a growing gig economy, and an ageing workforce with diverse aspirations for flexible work. If we are to meet these challenges, our Labour Movement must evolve at pace.
We are at a pivotal moment. Let us engage in robust discussions, align with conviction, and emerge from this ODC united and ready to act.
To all delegates:
Because for over 60 years, NTUC has stood for one unwavering belief: #EveryWorkerMatters.
Let’s keep that fire burning strong. Together, we can and will build a more representative Labour Movement—one that truly champions workers’ interests and better jobs and lives for all.
With that, I wish everyone a meaningful and successful NTUC Ordinary Delegates’ Conference!
It is now my great pleasure and honour to invite our Guest-of-Honour, Deputy Prime Minister, Brother Gan Kim Yong, to address us.
Brother Gan Kim Yong, please.
Thank you.
