Concerns about AI-driven discrimination spark government vigilance and legislative measures
AI in HR: Growing Use and Potential Bias
Singapore’s fair employment watchdog, the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (Tafep), has not yet received complaints about discrimination from AI-powered human resources tools. However, the government is closely monitoring their use to ensure guidelines remain sufficient to protect workers, said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng on November 13.
He addressed Parliament following concerns raised by MP Patrick Tay (Pioneer), who emphasized transparency in using AI for hiring or promotions. AI tools, if improperly implemented, could perpetuate biases, Tay warned.
Government Response and Framework
Dr. Tan highlighted the government’s commitment to the responsible use of AI, citing Singapore’s model AI governance framework. He explained that while rapid advancements in AI make overly tight regulations impractical, vigilance is necessary to prevent discrimination.
The framework aligns with broader measures introduced in a new workplace anti-discrimination bill, which aims to protect workers in five key areas:
Nationality
Age
Gender, marital and pregnancy status, caregiving responsibilities
Race, religion, language
Disability and mental health
Employers violating these provisions may face fines, civil lawsuits, or other punitive actions. If passed, the legislation could take effect by 2026 or 2027.
MPs Raise Broader Concerns
Additional MPs expressed worries about the implications of AI on employment. Dr. Tan Wu Meng (Jurong GRC) noted that AI cannot provide testimony or context in investigations, potentially obscuring the root causes of biased outcomes.
Leader of the Opposition, Pritam Singh (Aljunied GRC), emphasized the power imbalance in employer-employee relationships. He called for mechanisms that encourage employees to report grievances without fear of retaliation.
Database to Enhance Protection
To bolster workplace fairness, the ministry plans to build a complaint database, helping identify recurring issues and ensuring a balanced approach to protecting workers while supporting responsible employers.
Dr. Tan reassured Parliament that all complaints are treated with urgency and transparency, reinforcing the importance of tripartism—a collaborative effort among the government, employers, and unions—to maintain Singapore’s harmonious work ecosystem.
