The government evaluates AI’s impact on hiring and promotion processes, ensuring regulations remain fair.
SINGAPORE – The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in human resources (HR) processes has not yet sparked complaints of discrimination, according to Manpower Minister Tan See Leng. However, the government is closely monitoring developments to safeguard fair employment practices.
Speaking in Parliament on November 13, Dr. Tan confirmed that the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (Tafep) has yet to receive grievances linked to AI tools. “Tafep will collaborate with employers to resolve any issues should AI use result in discriminatory practices,” he stated, emphasizing adherence to fair employment guidelines.
AI and Bias Concerns
Labour MP Patrick Tay expressed concerns that AI could inadvertently introduce bias in hiring or promotion decisions, especially when replacing human discretion. He called for transparency in how companies use AI to rank candidates or evaluate employees.
Dr. Tan acknowledged the risks but highlighted the government’s model AI governance framework, designed to promote responsible AI adoption. He stressed that overly strict regulations could stifle innovation, suggesting a “nuanced approach” to balance AI advancements with ethical concerns.
New Legislation on Workplace Discrimination
On November 12, a Bill was introduced to combat workplace discrimination, targeting biases in hiring, appraisals, and terminations. The legislation identifies five protected categories:
Nationality
Age
Gender, marital status, pregnancy, and caregiving responsibilities
Race, religion, and language
Disability and mental health conditions
Employers breaching these rules could face fines or civil lawsuits from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). If passed, the law may take effect in 2026 or 2027.
Addressing AI Bias and Employee Concerns
Dr. Tan Wu Meng raised questions about AI’s potential biases, which may stem from flawed datasets rather than intentional discrimination. The Manpower Ministry is working to identify and address these biases.
Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh highlighted the power imbalance between employers and employees, urging the ministry to adopt new approaches to encourage workers to report concerns. Dr. Tan reassured Parliament of the government’s commitment to handling every complaint transparently and expeditiously.
A complaint database is also being developed to track patterns and improve employee protections while maintaining a balanced employer-employee relationship.
