Govt monitoring AI use in HR to ensure regulations stay adequate

No complaints to Tafep of discrimination arising from use of AI tools so far: Minister

- Toh Yong Chuan

Singapore's fair employment watchdog has not received any complaint of discrimination against workers by employers who use human resources (HR) tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI), but the Government is closely monitoring the trend to ensure that guidelines and regulations remain adequate to protect the workforce.

"If certain AI use results in discriminatory employment practices, workers or job applicants can approach the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (Tafep) for assistance," Manpower Minister Tan See Leng said on Nov 13.

He told Parliament: "Tafep will work with the employer to address the grievances of the workers or the job applicants and ensure that the employer's recruitment or performance appraisal processes adhere to the principles of fair employment.

"To date, Tafep has not received complaints of discrimination arising from the use of AI tools.

"The Government will continue to closely monitor the trends in AI adoption and work with our tripartite partners, the Institute for Human Resource Professionals and the broader HR community to regularly assess if the existing guidelines and regulations are adequate."