Singapore's SNTUC Automates Tasks with Microsoft Copilot, Sets Tone for AI-Ready Workforce

SINGAPORE - The Singapore National Trades Union Congress (SNTUC) is taking a significant step towards automating tasks and preparing its workforce for the age of artificial intelligence. At the forefront of this effort is Siow Shong Seng, chief transformation and technology officer at SNTUC, who has been actively exploring the capabilities of Microsoft Copilot 365.

Sioiw’s enthusiasm for AI tools is evident in his daily routine, where he receives updates on tech trends, labor movement appearances on social media, and economic indicators. He uses this information to inform his work, ensuring that SNTUC stays ahead of the curve when it comes to emerging technologies.

One of Siow’s key initiatives has been setting up Copilot Cowork to automate several tasks for him. This includes daily updates on tech trends, labor movement appearances on social media, and economic indicators. By automating these tasks, Siow can focus on more strategic work, such as driving digital transformation within SNTUC.

Sioiw’s use of AI tools is not limited to personal productivity; he has also built an agent in Copilot to test how AI can help industrial relations officers (IROs) find information on labor laws, guidelines, procedures, and review employment contracts. IROs manage relationships between employers and workers, representing groups of workers to handle employment and workplace disputes.

The agent Siow created is a template for his team to build upon, providing ideas for creating a production version that can support NTUC members more effectively. By leveraging AI tools in this way, SNTUC aims to streamline its operations and improve the services it provides to its members.

Sioiw’s efforts are part of a broader strategy by SNTUC to drive AI adoption within the organization. With over 1.4 million workers represented under Singapore’s unique tripartite system - where unions, employers, and government collaborate to develop labor policies balancing worker protection with economic competitiveness - Siow is an unofficial example-setter for workers navigating new ground in the AI-forward island state.

SNTUC represents a significant portion of Singapore’s workforce, making its adoption of AI tools a crucial step towards preparing its members for the changing job market. By embracing emerging technologies like Microsoft Copilot 365, SNTUC aims to make its workers more prepared for an AI-driven future.

Siow emphasizes that using AI tools is not just about personal productivity; it’s also about driving business value within the organization. He suggests starting with areas where friction can be reduced, responsiveness improved, or decision-making strengthened. By applying Copilot and agents in these areas first, organizations can unlock significant benefits from their adoption of AI.

The use of Microsoft 365 Copilot has been rolled out to SNTUC’s 1,300 employees after an initial test period with 50 staff members in January 2025. Siow was part of the initial group of users and notes that the AI assistant has rapidly evolved and improved since then.

Today, Siow lauds Copilot’s ability to create and integrate work across apps like Outlook and PowerPoint, streamlining his workflow significantly. He uses it to research issues, set frameworks for his team, prepare for meetings, summarize agendas, and gather intelligence for constructive discussions.

The AI assistant has also been adopted by Siow’s team, who use it to help translate technical solutions into layperson language or ideate visuals for presentations. While not perfect, Copilot provides a valuable first cut that can be reviewed and validated by human experts.

Siow acknowledges the importance of constant enablement and connection with staff when introducing new technology like AI tools. To ensure successful adoption, he has worked closely with Microsoft and his internal team to provide regular tips and tricks for getting the most out of Copilot.

The feedback from SNTUC’s employees has been overwhelmingly positive, with about 93% using Copilot and around 74% utilizing it on a weekly basis. Siow is now encouraging staff to experiment with agents, which he believes will help them unlock more value from their AI tools.

Siow offers advice for those still unsure where to begin with AI: focus on the business value rather than the technology itself. By identifying areas where friction can be reduced or decision-making strengthened, organizations can apply Copilot and agents in a way that drives tangible benefits.