James Kon
Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman shared measures and initiatives of the Government of Brunei Darussalam to counter the adverse impacts of the pandemic. He shared these comments attending the 17th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (17th APRM) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) at Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore from December 6 to yesterday.
He also focussed on ensuring the human-centred recovery to safeguard the well-being of the people, towards a gradual return to economic stability for enterprises, MSMEs and the self-employed, as well as on nurturing and sustaining business and innovation in the area of lifelong learning and skill for all.
The meeting brought together the ILO’s tripartite constituents throughout Asia, the Pacific and Arab states once every four years to discuss programmes and implementation of the ILO’s activities in the region through knowledge sharing and exchange of best practices.
This year’s meeting discussed on how ILO can better support workers, enterprises and households in the regions to adapt to the new challenges and opportunities in the world of work; reinforce labour market resilience; promote decent work in the region; and bring positive environmental, economic and social impacts.
The discussion covered four key thematic areas – integrated policy agenda for a human-centred recovery that is inclusive, sustainable and resilient; Institutional framework to support transitions towards formality and decent work; strong foundations for social and employment protection and resilience; and revitalising productivity growth and skills for more and better jobs.
The meeting began with a special opening address by Singaporean President Halimah Yacob followed by opening remarks by Singaporean Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng as Chairperson of the 17th APRM; ILO Director-General F Houngbo; Employers’ representative Hiroyuki Matsui; and workers’ representative Felix Anthony.
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Laws, International and Research) at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) Haji Ahmad Nizam bin Dato Paduka Haji Ismail; Head of Manpower Planning and Employment Council Secretariat at the Prime Minister’s Office Dr Hajah Siti Haziah binti Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin; Commissioner of Labour Muhammad Saufi bin Haji Ibrahim and officers from the MoHA; President of National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Brunei Darussalam as employer’s representative Haji Abdul Saman bin Haji Ahmad; and Strategic HR Business Partner of Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam as worker’s representative Lim Chui Hian also attended.
