With better protections, can platform work in Singapore now be a lifelong career? Mr. Kelvin Lee, a 50-year-old delivery rider, and Raj, a 33-year-old private-hire driver, shared their unique perspectives on the longevity of platform work in Singapore.
Mr. Lee, who has been a delivery rider for four years, highlighted his decision to embrace delivery work as a long-term job, adjusting to the paradigm shift in his priorities. He stated, “I see delivery work as a medium- to long-term job, and have accepted that I may be doing this until retirement.” On the other hand, Raj, a private-hire driver for nine months, expressed his intention of only driving for the short term, with aspirations of transitioning to a full-time job in digital marketing or business development, emphasizing, “I do worry about people who have studied, who could contribute in a much larger fashion to the economy, but are deciding to just continue driving private-hire [vehicles] because they enjoy the flexibility of this job.”
The recent legislation in Singapore recognizes platform workers as a distinct category and strengthens their rights, including greater contributions to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings plan and mandatory work injury insurance coverage, raising questions about the sustainability of platform work as a lifelong career option.
Dr. Mathew Mathews, principal research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) and head of its Social Lab, highlighted the varied perceptions of platform work, stating, “Sometimes because it has much lower barriers for entry, they find the earnings … comparable to other jobs, and they have a preference for work where you do not have to directly report to someone.”
Furthermore, the impacts of the new protections have elicited mixed responses from platform workers. While some, like Mr. Lee, acknowledge the benefits and are likely to opt in for higher CPF contributions to continue using it to pay off housing loans, others, like Raj, are inclined to prioritize maximizing their take-home pay.
The sustainability of platform work also hinges on whether it offers opportunities for upskilling and career development. Dr. Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Manpower, highlighted the government’s support for mid-career changes, emphasizing that platform workers can tap on career coaching and SkillsFuture support.
In conclusion, the article sheds light on the diverse perspectives of platform workers in Singapore, raising important questions about the potential transition of platform work into a lifelong career, and the implications of this for both individuals and the labor market.
