SNEF president resigns due to 'governance procedural lapse'

The Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) has announced that its president Robert Yap will be stepping down from his role after a "governance procedural lapse."

Yap will also be stepping down as council member of the federation, according to the SNEF's statement.

The resignation comes after the council was informed of a "governance procedural lapse" during a routine internal review. According to the SNEF, it promptly engaged with an external consultant to carry out a review of its internal processes.

"The independent review is currently underway. At this point, the Council is not aware of any financial implications arising from this lapse," it said in a statement.

"The Council takes seriously the Federation's responsibility in upholding governance ideals expected by all our stakeholders and will be directly overseeing this independent review."

Amid the review, the SNEF said it will continue working closely with all employers, members, and partners to enhance labour market flexibility for employers to implement responsible employment practices in Singapore.

'Time to hand over the reins'

In a separate statement, Yap said he understood the council's decision to engage with an external consultant to pursue an independent review.

"It is always good to review governance procedures so that organisations can continue to improve and learn from any organisational weaknesses," he said.

No further details were provided by both parties about the lapse that took place, but the SNEF expressed gratitude to Yap for his decade-long leadership at the SNEF.

Yap also said it has been an honour to serve the federation.

"I thank the SNEF Council, SNEF members, and tripartite stakeholders for their years of support," Yap said. "I have worked hard to advance the interests of my members and tripartism in Singapore. It is never easy, but I have done what I can. It is also time to hand over the reins of leadership."

Tripartite members' statements

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said it has been notified of the Yap's resignation from the SNEF, as well as the ongoing review of its internal processes.

"While there is no indication of any financial implications arising from this lapse thus far, MOM has requested SNEF to provide us with an update on the outcome of their review and to share key documentation with MOM as soon as it is completed," the ministry said in a statement.

"MOM will assess our next course of action thereafter."

The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) also said that its tripartite relationship with MOM and SNEF will not change with Yap's resignation.

"Tripartism has been and continues to be one of the cornerstones of Singapore's success," the NTUC said in a statement.

The NTUC also expressed appreciation to Yap's leadership and his contributions to the labour movement and workers.

"Under his leadership, SNEF contributed to numerous tripartite councils and workgroups, advocating businesses' interest in improving the lives and livelihoods of workers, including lower-wage workers, older workers, and Professionals, Managers, and Executives," the NTUC said.