At this year’s National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong addressed one of the biggest concerns many Singaporeans have today: artificial intelligence (AI) and what it means for jobs.
Acknowledging that technology will lead to some roles evolving and others disappearing, PM Wong also assured that Singapore will not rush to adopt technology without ensuring support for workers.
He made it clear that no matter how technology changes the economy, Singaporeans remain the government’s top priority.
The government would work closely with unions and workers and redesign jobs to ensure a win-win for everyone, he said.
AI will change work, but also create new opportunities
PM Wong said that AI and other new technologies will definitely disrupt the workplace. Some jobs may change, and some may even disappear.
But at the same time, new roles and opportunities will be created. What matters is making sure Singaporeans are ready and equipped to take on these new roles.
To ensure that workers do not get left behind as companies adopt new technologies, PM Wong said that the government will work closely with NTUC and the unions, with union leaders and workers, to redesign jobs and equip and empower workers.
This aligns with the Company Training Committees (CTCs), an initiative set up by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), to help drive business success by transforming and enhancing employees’ hard and soft skills across various industries.
Earlier this year, during Budget 2025, it was announced that a $200 million top-up will be given to the NTUC CTC Grant to scale up this effort.
New job-matching initiative through CDCs
To help workers adjust, a new job-matching initiative will be rolled out by the five Community Development Councils (CDCs).
This programme will use the CDCs’ network of SMEs, local merchants and community partners to connect jobseekers with suitable opportunities. It will also focus on matching people to jobs close to where they live.
Investing in future technologies
PM Wong highlighted that Singapore has always invested early in areas like research and development (R&D). For example, past investments in biomedical sciences proved vital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, the government is moving into frontier technologies such as AI and quantum computing to keep Singapore competitive in the long run.
AI is already in use in Singapore
AI is not just a concept for the future – it is already being used in many industries here:
- Transcribing meetings in the civil service
- Automating operations at Tuas Port
- Handling baggage at Changi Airport
- Detecting equipment faults at GE Vernova
- Analysing X-rays at dental clinics like Q&M
Supporting workers, not just adopting technology
PM Wong stressed that Singapore will not rush into automation for the sake of it. The government will continue to work with unions and businesses to redesign jobs so that workers are supported.
He said clearly:
“Our economic strategy is about jobs, jobs, jobs – that’s our number one priority.”
More support for mid-career workers
The SkillsFuture Level Up programme, launched last year for those aged 40 and above, is also being enhanced.
Currently, it provides:
- $4,000 in SkillsFuture credits
- Training allowances of up to $3,000 per month (for up to 24 months) if someone takes time off work for full-time study
Now, the scheme will expand further:
- A portion of training allowances can also be used for part-time courses
- More course options will be made available, including those from industry leaders and private training providers
PM Wong: Singaporeans will always be at the centre of everything we do
The message from PM Wong is clear. Singaporeans will not be left behind as AI reshapes the economy.
The government’s focus is to prepare every worker through job-matching, training and skills upgrading, so that no one is left out in the age of technology.
