SINGAPORE – Jobs on Demand (Jod), Singapore’s pioneering multi-industry gig work platform, has appointed Sebastian San as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chesca Figueroa as Country Manager for Singapore and the Philippines. The appointments are effective as of 1 September 2024, and come at a critical time as the nation’s gig economy prepares for upcoming legislative changes.

The leadership shift positions Jod to effectively respond to the Platform Workers’ Bill, set to be tabled on 9 September in Parliament. The bill will recognise gig workers as a distinct category, separate from employees and self-employed individuals, marking a significant regulatory milestone for the industry. With these strategic appointments, Jod aims to bolster its operations in Singapore and the Philippines, ensuring the company stays at the forefront of this evolving landscape.

Sebastian San, who played a key role in launching Jod in 2023 and introducing the company’s loyalty programme, JodRewards, earlier this year, will now focus on guiding the platform through its next phase of growth. His mandate includes optimising resources, expanding partnerships, and navigating new regulatory frameworks to ensure Jod remains a trusted advocate for gig workers across industries.

Chesca Figueroa, the newly appointed Country Manager for Singapore and the Philippines, brings with her a wealth of experience in technology and societal impact. Figueroa’s leadership will focus on sustaining and expanding Jod’s influence across these key markets, furthering the platform’s mission to provide flexible work opportunities while supporting the welfare of gig workers.

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The Platform Workers’ Bill: Impact on Singapore's gig economy

The forthcoming Platform Workers’ Bill represents a watershed moment for Singapore’s gig economy, which has seen rapid expansion due to rising demand for flexible work and greater autonomy. By formally recognising gig workers as a distinct category, the bill acknowledges the unique needs and challenges faced by this workforce, offering them a greater degree of protection while preserving the flexible nature of gig work.

A major implication of the bill is the potential shift in how benefits, such as healthcare and retirement savings, are structured for gig workers. Unlike traditional employees, gig workers currently lack access to many employment benefits. The new bill could pave the way for enhanced protection mechanisms, ensuring that platform workers are not left behind in terms of social security. This shift could create a more sustainable gig economy, reducing burnout and ensuring long-term participation.

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Another key aspect of the bill is its impact on worker classification, which is particularly important in addressing the grey areas between employment and freelance work. By defining gig workers as a separate category, the legislation aims to provide clearer guidelines on rights and responsibilities, both for workers and platforms. This move is expected to increase transparency and reduce the potential for worker exploitation, an issue that has long been debated in the context of the global gig economy.

For companies like Jod, which depend on gig workers to fuel their platforms, the Platform Workers’ Bill is both a challenge and an opportunity. Navigating this new regulatory environment will require significant adjustments, but it also presents a chance to demonstrate leadership in supporting gig workers through innovative solutions and sustainable business practices. The bill is poised to reshape the gig economy in Singapore, positioning it for long-term growth and worker welfare.