The gig economy has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by a pandemic-induced demand for swift and convenient access to goods and services. This economy is dominated by the provision of assistance requested via digital platforms such as food delivery, repairs and care work (eg babysitting) provided by temporary workers termed ‘independent contractors.’ Despite its growing importance, the gig economy is characterised by variable hours, limited job security and minimal opportunities for career development.

Platform workers (PWs) are individuals engaged in platform work agreements with operators for services such as ride-hailing or delivery. Over the past decade, the gig economy has grown rapidly in Singapore, with 70,000 PWs accounting for roughly 3% of the country’s workforce in 2023. Yet, platform work is inherently high-risk, with PWs often facing precarious working conditions, limited workplace protections and financial insecurity. The Platform Workers Act (PW Act), formulated based on recommendations provided by the Advisory Committee on Platform Workers, was enacted in January 2025 to reduce the vulnerabilities of PWs and improve assistance mechanisms.

Steady efforts will be needed to build on Singapore’s first steps to evolve the compact around platform work

The platform economy can provide good jobs for Singaporeans, notwithstanding concerns of overwork, lack of retirement savings and limited career mobility.