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Around 1,800 resident pest management workers — including licensed vector control technicians — will be covered by Singapore’s Progressive Wage Model, under plans now being developed by a new tripartite cluster.
Pest management workers in Singapore are set to benefit from clearer career pathways and sustainable wage increases, following an agreement to expand the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) to the sector.
The move, announced by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) on Wednesday (15 July 2026), will cover about 1,800 full-time and part-time resident workers, including licensed vector control technicians.
The model will link wage progression to enhanced skills, higher responsibilities and productivity outcomes — giving employers a structured approach to reward workers as they develop in their roles.
To develop and oversee its implementation, the tripartite partners have established the Tripartite Cluster for Pest Management (TCPM). The cluster will develop wage ladders, training requirements and progression pathways for the resident pest management workforce. It will also identify strategies to support workers’ advancement, improve productivity and service standards, enhance workforce professionalism, and monitor the PWM’s impact on the industry.
The TCPM will be chaired by Dr Wan Rizal, Director of Stakeholder Management, Career Services and Partnership Group at NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute). It will be co-chaired by Kung Teong Wah, SNEF representative and Cluster General Manager of PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering and PARKROYAL COLLECTION on Beach Road. Its members will include representatives from industry associations, unions and government agencies.
“Pest management work requires specialised skills, from detecting pest activities and applying pest control measures, to handling chemicals safely to reduce public health risks," said Dr Wan.
He added that with the PWM and the support of TCPM members, the sector can be further professionalised and enable pest management workers to progress with better skills and higher productivity.
Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash said the PWM expansion recognises the expertise and importance of pest management workers. MOM, he said, remains committed to working with tripartite partners to support workers while balancing businesses’ needs.
Melvin Yong, NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the NTUC Care Division highlighted that the PWM’s introduction would help uplift workers in an essential sector that helps maintain public hygiene and protect Singapore’s living environment. NTUC will continue working with tripartite partners to uplift wages, raise productivity, strengthen career progression and ensure workers receive the recognition they deserve, he said.
For employers, the focus will be on ensuring that wage requirements are sustainable and reflect business realities, including cost pressures, manpower constraints and productivity levels. Kung said this balance would help employers support meaningful wage progression while remaining competitive and continuing to deliver quality services.
Clement Tan, President of Singapore Pest Management Association also expressed his excitement, saying the introduction of the Pest Management PWM represents an important step towards strengthening workforce progression and enhancing professionalism within the industry.
"Its successful implementation will help establish a level playing field that supports fair competition across the sector. Collectively, these efforts will contribute to attracting skilled talent and elevating professional standards.”
The TCPM will consult and engage industry stakeholders in the coming months. The goal is to develop a model tailored to the conditions of the pest management sector — one that effectively uplifts workers while supporting business competitiveness.
Photo / NTUC
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