The gig economy has skyrocketed over the past few years owing to the surge of digital platforms that allow the exchanges of goods, services, and the sharing of assets, which is creating on-demand or temporary work arrangements for the so-called “gig” or independent workers with jobs ranging from food delivery to ride-sharing.

The Financial Innovation Lab (FinLab) is now running the the “Gig Economy Challenge” to seek viable solutions for improving the financial health of gig workers in APEC's 21 member economies. Funded by MetLife Foundation, the Gig Economy Challenge is launched by APEC Malaysia, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), and UNCDF under the i3 program.