SNEF president Robert Yap resigns after routine review finds governance procedural lapse

SINGAPORE – Dr Robert Yap, president of the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), will step down from his position after 10 years of service.

In a statement on June 11, the federation said its council was informed of a governance procedural lapse during a routine internal review.

“The council promptly engaged an external consultant to conduct a thorough review of our internal processes,” SNEF said. It added that the independent review is currently under way, and that SNEF’s council holds itself and the employer body’s management to the highest standards of governance.

SNEF said: “At this point, the council is not aware of any financial implications arising from this lapse. 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.”

Dr Yap, who is also an SNEF council member and executive chairman of logistics provider YCH Group, said it had been an honour to serve the federation over the past decade.

“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.”

He added: “I understand the council’s decision to engage 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.”

SNEF also said its council will continue building on the strengths of the federation, working closely with all employers, members and partners to advance tripartism and enhance labour market flexibility for employers to implement responsible employment practices in Singapore.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said: “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.

“MOM will assess our next course of action thereafter.”

The ministry added that there will be no change to the tripartite process, referring to the three-way partnership between the Government, employers and the labour movement.

“MOM will continue to work with SNEF as our tripartite partner to advance our economic and social goals for Singapore.”

Responding to queries from The Straits Times, SNEF said its council does not believe that a police report is warranted at this point.

It also said Dr Yap’s resignation was effective immediately, as agreed upon between him and the council.

“In the interim, the president’s duties will be undertaken by council members until (the annual general meeting) where the new council will be elected by members, and where, subsequently, the council members will vote for the office-bearers including the president.”

This is scheduled for later in the year, the federation added. SNEF’s last annual general meeting was held in September 2022, during which the council elections were held.

It said: “Beyond this, we are not able to comment further as the independent review is currently under way.

“The council will discuss and make further decisions on actions to be taken after going through results of the independent review.”

Meanwhile, the National Trades Union Congress expressed appreciation to Dr Yap and SNEF for their contributions to workers and the labour movement.

The labour movement noted that under Dr Yap’s leadership, SNEF contributed to numerous tripartite councils and work groups by advocating businesses’ interest in improving the lives and livelihoods of workers, including lower-wage workers and older workers as well as professionals, managers and executives.

“NTUC will continue to uphold tripartism with SNEF and the Ministry of Manpower. Tripartism has been and continues to be one of the cornerstones of Singapore’s success.”