28–29 August 2026 | Colombo, Sri Lanka
UPUS attended the 5th UNI Apro Professionals & Managers Conference 2026 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, themed “Skills, Solidarity, Agency: Bargaining AI for a Digital Asia-Pacific.” The conference focused on AI, the future of work, collective bargaining, skills development, equal opportunities, as well as the role of trade unions in facing digital transformation.
The opening ceremony of the conference began with a welcoming address by Channa Dissanayake, President of UNI Sri Lanka Affiliates Council, followed by solidarity addresses by Rajendra Acharya, Regional Secretary UNI Apro and Dr. Daniel Valtakari, President UNI Professionals & Managers. The opening remarks were delivered by Mrs. Nadeeka Wataliyadda, Commissioner General of Labour, Sri Lanka, while the conference was officially opened by John De Payva, President UNI Apro Professionals & Managers, through the Presidential Address entitled “Future of Work with a Human Centered Approach.”
Malaysia was led by YBhg. Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal, President of UNI MLC, together with the Deputy President of UNI MLC, Hj. Ismail Ali, and Assistant General Secretary (AGS) UNI MLC, Sdra. Nikmatullah Bin Abu Baka Citi.
In the session “How Trade Unions can Shape the Age of AI”, YBhg. Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal delivered an intervention on the impact of AI developments on workers and industries, including changes in employment patterns and skills, job protection, reskilling, human oversight, as well as the importance of collective bargaining and the union voice in the implementation of AI.
The conference also discussed “Equal Opportunities in Workplace” as well as the role of the South Asia Professional Women’s Network (SAPWN). In this session, YBhg. Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal delivered an intervention emphasizing equal opportunities, women’s career development and leadership, as well as the role of collective bargaining, social dialogue and training in strengthening women’s participation in the workplace and in trade unions.
On the second day, 29 August 2026, the conference continued with The Engineers Summit “Engineering Sustainable Communities”, followed by discussions on the UNI Apro Professionals & Managers Strategic Action Program 2027–2031 as well as the election of the UNI Apro P&M President and Deputy President.
Prepared By,
Haji Nikmatullah bin Abu Baka Citi
GS UPUS SM
