Plans for workers and businesses

A new task force formed to support businesses and workers amid the uncertainty arising from US tariffs and a looming trade war has outlined its plans in three streams of work.

-  Timothy Goh

Who's on the task force and what it does

Five ministers and three leaders from the labour movement as well as business and employer groups will lead the new Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce, announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on April 8, to help local businesses and workers navigate uncertainties sparked by the sweeping tariffs recently imposed by the United States.

The task force, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, held its first meeting on April 16. Its members include:

• Minister for National Development Desmond Lee, who is also Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration;

• Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, who is also Second Minister for Home Affairs;

• Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng, who is also Second Minister for Trade and Industry; and

• Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance Chee Hong Tat.

The other members are:

• Singapore Business Federation (SBF) chairman Lim Ming Yan;

• National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) secretary-general Ng Chee Meng; and

• Singapore National Employers Federation president (SNEF) Tan Hee Teck.

The task force will leverage resources of the tripartite partners to deliver on three work streams.