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From family fiestas in Singapore, to extended Golden Week celebrations in China, each market brings its own cultural and historical lens to the occasion.
Every year on 1 May, nations and cities across Asia pause to honour the people who keep their economies running — workers from all walks of life. While the spirit of Labour Day is rooted in solidarity and the pursuit of fair work conditions, the way it’s observed varies across the region.
From rallies in Jakarta, to family days in Singapore, each market adds its own cultural and historical flavour to this important day.
Singapore
Labour Day in Singapore is a public holiday dedicated to honouring the hard work and contributions of the nation's workforce and is spearheaded by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).
Some key highlights of Labour Day are:
- May Day Rally, typically attended by union leaders, government officials, and members of the NTUC. During this rally:
- The Prime Minister or Minister for Manpower often delivers a keynote address, and will focus on topics such as Singapore’s economic outlook, workforce policies, upskilling, and job security.
- Recent Labour Day messages have centred around
- Digital transformation
- Job resilience in a post-pandemic economy
- Fair employment practices
- Support for gig and freelance workers
- May Day Family Fiesta is a popular event organised by NTUC that features fun activities for union members and their families such as games, performances, and giveaways.
- These events emphasise community, wellbeing, and work-life balance.
Malaysia
Labour Day, or Hari Pekerja, is a public holiday in Malaysia to celebrate the contributions of workers to national development and honours the struggles and achievements of workers, particularly in securing fair wages, better working conditions, and social protections.
Here's how it's commemorated:
- Union rallies & demonstrations
- Labour unions and workers' groups often organise peaceful marches or assemblies, primarily in Kuala Lumpur and major cities.
- These gatherings raise awareness of ongoing labour issues — such as wage gaps, gig worker protections, workplace safety, and workers’ rights.
- Government events & speeches
- The Prime Minister or Minister of Human Resources may deliver a national Labour Day address, reflecting on economic progress, employment trends, and future workforce plans.
- Themes often revolve around
- Worker welfare during and post-COVID-19,
- Protection for gig economy and migrant workers,
- Skills development and automation readiness, and
- Fair wages and mental health in the workplace.
- Public holiday festivities
- For many Malaysians, it’s a time to rest, shop, or enjoy short trips with family, especially when it falls near the weekend.
Indonesia
In 2013, then President Yudhoyono designated Labour Day as a national holiday in Indonesia. Also known as Hari Burah, the day recognises the contributions of workers to the nation’s development. It’s a public holiday that has evolved from historical roots in worker movements and now serves as an important day for both celebration and activism.
Among the biggest events on Labour Day are the labour demonstrations. Each year, workers gather in Jakarta to march towards the Presidential Palace. They wear union uniforms and wave flags and posters.
In addition to political activism, some regions host more festive events like cultural performances, family gatherings, and community outreach activities. These provide a break from work and allow workers to come together to enjoy entertainment and leisure activities.
Philippines
Over in the Philippines, Labour Day celebrates hardworking Filipinos across the country. In Tagalog, it is known as ‘Araw ng mga Manggagawa’. People in the Philippines relax and spend the day with their family and friends.
At Malacañang (the former American-Governor’s residence, now Presidential palace) and in major cities like Manila, labour movements and parades are a part of the celebrations. This holiday became a platform for workers to demand better wages, benefits, and working conditions.
Today, Labour Day signifies an important date in the Philippines, with workers from all sectors and industries coming together to seek better conditions. In recent years, there have been protests against contractualisation (often referred to as “endo” or "end of contract:), a company’s workaround to hire on a short-term basis to avoid employer-employee relationships and the required benefits and job security.
Celebrations in the country typically include marches and rallies organised by trade unions and workers' organisations, often featuring speeches, music, and other forms of cultural expression. In some cases, there may also be protests or demonstrations calling for specific reforms or changes.
Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, most employees enjoy a day off for Labour Day, and it is common for locals to use the long weekend for rest, leisure, or family outings.
In addition to reflecting on labour-related issues, the city also anticipates a boost in tourism by welcoming an influx of mainland visitors during the Labour Day Golden Week, which takes place from 1 May to 5 May.
Coinciding with the Labour Day holiday, the annual Cheung Chau Bun Festival often takes place around this time in May. The event allows both locals and visitors to conclude the holiday with festive activities, including Piu Sik Parade and Bun Scrambling Final held on one of the city’s popular secluded islands.
Taiwan
In Taiwan, Labour Day is known as “勞動節” (Láodòng Jié) and is a recognised public holiday, but only for private-sector workers.
Here’s how it’s observed:
Day off for the private sector
- Most government offices, schools, and public institutions remain open, but private-sector employees are granted a day off.
- Many use the occasion to travel, rest, or spend time with family.
Labour rallies and union activity
- Worker groups and unions in cities such as Taipei and Kaohsiung organise marches and rallies to raise awareness about worker rights, wages, pension reforms, and workplace protections.
- In recent years, issues like the treatment of migrant workers, minimum wage levels, and working hour limits have taken centre stage.
Political engagement
- Labour Day often becomes a platform for engaging with politicians and candidates ahead of elections, where union leaders present their demands and concerns.
China
In Mainland China, Labour Day (劳动节 or Láodòng Jié) is a major public holiday and one of the country's Golden Week holidays — though the length of the break varies year to year.
Key highlights include:
Extended public holiday
- Typically a three to five-day break, adjusted by the government through weekend shifts to maximise travel and economic activity.
- Millions take advantage of the time off for domestic tourism, shopping, and family gatherings, making it one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Recognition of workers: The All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU), the sole legally recognised union, may host ceremonies or media campaigns highlighting exemplary workers and promoting national labour policies.
Commercial and cultural events
- Labour Day is heavily commercialised, with retailers launching major sales and promotions.
- Cultural performances, museum exhibitions, and televised programming may also focus on workers’ contributions to China's development.
Vietnam
In Vietnam, Labour Day (called Ngày Quốc tế Lao động, or International Workers' Day) is a day of rest, reflection, and recognition for the country’s hardworking citizens, especially those contributing to Vietnam’s rapid economic development.
Here's some key highlights during the national holiday:
- Long holiday break
- This year, the Vietnam government announced that citizens will be able to enjoy a five-day holiday from 30 April (Wednesday) to 4 May 2025 (Sunday), for the Reunification Day and International Workers' Day celebrations.
- Public events and cultural activities
- In major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, Labour Day is marked by flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances.
- Trade unions and government bodies may host festivals, sports competitions, and recognition programmes for outstanding workers.
- This year, one of the activities expected to attract many tourists during this holiday season is the "Aloha Summer" programme, the opening of New Farm and Water Park, from 29 April to 3 May, at Bao Son Paradise Park.
- Work advocacy and union support
- While large-scale protests are uncommon in Vietnam, workers' rights discussions and policy updates are often highlighted during this time.
- The Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) plays a key role in advocating for workers, particularly around wages, safety, and welfare improvements.
Thailand
In Thailand, Labour Day is known as “Wan Raeng Ngan Haeng Chat” (National Labour Day). It is a public holiday, primarily for employees in the formal sector, and serves as a platform for trade unions and worker groups to advocate for better wages, social welfare, and improved working conditions, often through peaceful rallies and marches in Bangkok and other major cities.
A key highlight is the formal petitioning of the Prime Minister or Ministry of Labour, where union leaders submit workers’ demands. The government often takes this opportunity to announce new labour policies or wage adjustments. While the day is not celebrated with much festivity, it holds deep significance as a time for worker recognition and dialogue. Informal sector workers, including those in agriculture and daily wage roles, may continue working, highlighting ongoing disparities in labour protections across the country.
READ MORE: List of public holidays across APAC for 2025
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