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Speech by Mr Bob Tan, Chairperson, Tripartite Alliance Limited, at the TAA 2025 Presentation Ceremony

14 Nov 2025Speeches

Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology in the Ministry of Trade and Industry,

Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Manpower,

Ms K Thanaletchimi, President, National Trades Union Congress,

Mr Ng Chee Meng, Secretary-General, National Trades Union Congress,

Mr Tan Hee Teck, President, Singapore National Employers Federation,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

  1. Good evening, and welcome to the Tripartite Alliance Award Presentation Ceremony 2025. This event is organised by TAFEP, a department under the Tripartite Alliance Limited or TAL. TAL is a tripartite organisation established in 2017 by the tripartite partners, MOM, NTUC and SNEF to champion safe, harmonious, and progressive workplaces across Singapore.
  2. Our tripartite model, as seen in the close collaboration among our national tripartite partners, MOM, NTUC and SNEF, is the cornerstone of Singapore’s harmonious and resilient labour landscape. It enables us to address complex issues not by imposing rigid solutions, but through constructive dialogue and a shared commitment to finding what works best for both businesses and workers. To ensure tripartism remains a competitive advantage for Singapore, TAL has been promoting tripartism to raise awareness of its values and importance, encouraging collaboration, mutual trust, and shared responsibility among employers, workers, and the Government. It is important for more people to understand these values, as they form the foundation of Singapore’s labour harmony and economic resilience.
  3. Building on this foundation, the Tripartite Alliance Award was started in 2018 to recognise organisations and individuals who exemplify fair, responsible, and progressive employment practices. The Award is a reflection of how the tripartite partners continue to support and encourage employers in their journey to improve workplace standards. It highlights the collective effort of government, unions, and employers to nurture workplaces where employees are treated fairly, support the growth of businesses, and help Singapore’s workforce to remain strong and future-ready.
  4. For this year’s Award, we saw a 50% jump in the number of organisations who applied compared to 2023. This has contributed to the largest group of winners in the Award's history, a record 43 organisations and 5 individuals. Our previous record was 31 organisations and 3 Individuals. The increasing number of applications and winners is a good sign. It shows that more employers are recognising the importance of putting in place good HR practices and policies to create win-win outcomes. It is a win for the workers because they get to work in a place where they feel valued, respected, and motivated to contribute their very best every day. Employers win too because an engaged and motivated workforce is likely to be more productive and will help to grow the business. I am especially heartened that a significant proportion of our winners, close to 30%, are SMEs. This shows that progressive employment practices are attainable for businesses of every size and from every sector.
  5. Looking at our winners tonight, one thing is clear. Like the national tripartite partners, the winners and their people are stronger because they work together. You too can find what works best to create win-win solutions for your organisation and your workforce. When you invest in your people, you build stronger teams, foster innovation, and achieve sustainable business success.
  6. As we celebrate these achievements, I hope that the winners’ success stories will inspire more organisations to embark on their own journeys toward building better workplaces.
  7. Finally, my deepest appreciation goes to the Judging Panel, which includes representatives from the Tripartite Partners as well as all those involved in helping to make this event successful.
  8. Thank you all, and have a good evening.