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It is expected to play a key role in the lead-up to the 22nd International Conference of Labour Statisticians in 2028, where new global standards on digital platform employment will be presented.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) opened the first-ever Global Dialogue on Digital Platform Work on 29 September 2025 in Singapore, bringing together more than 150 policymakers, statisticians, social partners, platform operators, and researchers from more than 20 countries.
Hosted by MOM’s Manpower Research and Statistics Department (MRSD) and the ILO, the two-day dialogue aims to close critical data gaps in the digital platform economy (DPE) and drive global action towards more inclusive and evidence-based policymaking.
Why better data matters
Digital platform work is growing worldwide but remains poorly captured in labour statistics. This is because of the absence of agreed international standards and the varied nature of the work, which ranges from delivery and transport to professional services such as design, coding, design and consulting.
As acknowledged by the ministry and ILO, without robust and consistent data, it is difficult to fully understand the impact of platform work on workers’ income and wellbeing. This makes it harder for governments to design policies on issues such as workplace injury compensation, housing, retirement adequacy and career mobility.
Ng Chee Khern, Permanent Secretary, MOM said that international measurement standards must keep pace with the growth of digital platform employment. "Since 2016, Singapore has conducted dedicated national surveys to better understand this evolving segment, and this was critical to the introduction of the Platform Workers Act earlier this year.
"Looking ahead, we must also track higher-skilled platform roles, not just lower-income segments.
"By preparing early – as we did with delivery and ride-hailing workers a decade ago – we can ensure timely data and policies for this next wave of platform work."
While Singapore has focused on lower-income segments such as delivery and ride-hailing workers, it will also be important to track higher-skilled freelancers and professionals to ensure policies are ready as this segment expands, it was affirmed.
Singapore’s national experience
Singapore has been conducting annual surveys on platform work since 2016, making it one of the first countries in the world to do so. The number of platform workers increased from 56,000 in 2016 to 67,600 in 2024.
Those who preferred platform work as their main job grew by an average of 7% a year, rising from 31,000 to 54,000 over the same period. Flexibility was the top reason cited (59%), followed by freedom in choosing work (31%) and more time with family (13%).
The proportion of workers facing challenges has dropped significantly, from 71% in 2017 to 18% in 2024. Concerns about finding enough work, healthcare and retirement have all seen steep declines.
These measurement efforts supported the introduction of the Platform Workers Act earlier this year, developed through Singapore’s tripartite approach with unions and employers. The Act strengthens protection and representation for workers in the platform economy.
A step towards global standards
At the 21st International Conference of Labour Statisticians in 2023, MOM and the ILO produced a paper highlighting the challenges of measuring digital platform work and calling for standardised methods. This led to the formation of an expert group, with today’s dialogue marking the next step in advancing common standards.
The Global Dialogue on digital platform work will convene diverse stakeholders for cross-border dialogue, knowledge sharing and multilateral collaboration. It is guided by three objectives:
- To emphasise the importance of better data and analysis to strengthen protection through legislation for the growing group of platform workers impacted by DPE.
- To support the development of harmonised statistics on DPE, which are essential for international comparison, learning and seizing opportunities in the platform economy.
- To drive global collaboration that advances the future of DPE through dialogue.
Gilbert F. Houngbo , Director-General, ILO stated: "As digital platforms scale globally, so must our measurements. Now is the time for international statistical standards, so we have comparable data evidence needed to uphold rights and extend social protection – advancing decent work whilst promoting its economic potential."
Looking ahead
The Global Dialogue will focus on improving data and analysis, supporting the development of harmonised statistics and driving international collaboration.
It is expected to play a key role in the lead-up to the 22nd International Conference of Labour Statisticians in 2028, where new global standards on DPE will be presented.
For more details on the statistics, click here.
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