SINGAPORE: In a major step forward for Singapore’s public transport workforce, SMRT Corporation, NTUC Singapore, and the National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to uplift workers, boost safety, and drive transformation across the transport sector.
The signing ceremony, held at Bishan Depot, was graced by NTUC Secretary-General Mr Ng Chee Meng and SMRT Chairman Mr Seah Moon Ming. The MoU was formally signed by NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and NTWU Executive Secretary Ms Yeo Wan Ling, NTWU President Mr Sazali Bin Safiie, and SMRT Group CEO Mr Ngien Hoon Ping.
A “Queen Bee” leading industry transformation
Under the new partnership, SMRT will take on the role of “Queen Bee” — leading by example to guide over 200 contractors and their employees in embracing technology, improving workplace relations, and strengthening safety and reliability standards.
This initiative is made possible by the NTUC Company Training Committee (CTC) framework. They support companies in upgrading workforce capabilities and improving productivity. Further, through the NTUC CTC Grant, up to 70% of transformation and training costs will be co-funded, helping more than 20,000 workers to gain new skills, redesign their jobs, and advance their careers.
SMRT Chairman Mr Seah Moon Ming said the MoU marks a key milestone in the group’s ongoing efforts to build a safer and more resilient public transport system.
“This Memorandum of Understanding marks a key milestone in strengthening industry performance and safety standards across the sector. It builds on our Kaizen journey — sharing our commitment to safety and continuous improvement with our contractors. By empowering them to adopt new technologies and raise standards, we can further enhance the safety and overall performance of Singapore’s public transport,” he said in his speech during the event.
Why this matters for Singapore
For many Singaporeans, public transport isn’t just a way to get around, but it’s also a large part of daily life. The people who keep it running, from train technicians and bus captains to maintenance workers, are essential to the nation’s smooth and safe commutes.
This MoU represents more than just an industry collaboration. It’s about creating better work opportunities, raising safety awareness and all the while ensuring that every worker in the ecosystem — not just those directly employed by SMRT — benefits from fair growth and protection.
By empowering contractors and upskilling workers across the board, the initiative seeks to strengthen the foundation of Singapore’s transport network. This may help ensure that commuters can continue to enjoy reliable, safe, and efficient journeys.
In a world where technology is reshaping how people work, this partnership is a testament of how collaboration between employers, unions, and the government can make a real difference — for workers, commuters, and the nation alike.
