The world of work is changing fast, and many workers in Singapore are feeling the pressure.
At the recent Parliamentary debate on the President’s Address, NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and Pioneer MP Patrick Tay spoke up strongly for workers, especially Professionals, Managers, and Executives (PMEs).
His message was clear: to protect workers and secure their future, Singapore must focus on the “3S”: supporting Singaporeans, strengthening the Singaporean Core, and building a Skills-First economy.
Supporting Singaporeans
Patrick Tay highlighted that artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming jobs more quickly than ever. Unlike past disruptions that mainly displaced manual work, AI now affects entry-level and knowledge-based roles. NTUC’s latest survey found one in three workers worried about losing their jobs in the next three months, reflecting the anxiety on the ground.
He called for a “Just Transition” to ensure workers are not left behind. This includes retraining, redeployment, and stronger safety nets for those who lose their jobs. While he welcomed government initiatives like the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme and the Jobseeker Support Scheme, he pressed for these to be extended to more PMEs, alongside tougher action against unfair retrenchment practices and incentives for companies that hire first-time jobseekers.
Strengthening the Singaporean Core
Since his first speech in Parliament in 2011, Patrick Tay has consistently called for strengthening the Singaporean Core, especially for PMEs facing competition from foreign talent. Many Singaporeans, he noted, still feel sidelined when locals are confined to junior positions while foreigners dominate leadership roles.
To address this, he urged companies to invest in grooming Singaporeans for senior positions, suggested factoring the proportion of locals in management into Employment Pass assessments, and pushed for higher standards in HR practices, including mandatory certification.
He stressed that building a Singaporean Core does not mean shutting out foreign talent. Instead, it means ensuring Singaporeans can rise fairly, progress in their careers, and provide for their families.
Building a Skills-First Singapore
The final part of his speech focused on building a Skills-First Singapore. Patrick Tay argued that degrees and diplomas should not be the only yardstick for employability. What should matter more are real skills, competencies, and proven performance.
This approach, he explained, opens up opportunities for workers across all backgrounds, from fresh graduates and freelancers to older workers and caregivers, by recognising their abilities beyond traditional qualifications.
To make this vision a reality, he called on government, employers, and schools to adopt skills-based hiring, progression, and education, so that every worker has the chance to succeed.
Work as dignity, purpose, and hope
At the close of his speech, Patrick Tay reminded Parliament that work is more than just a paycheck. It is also about dignity, purpose, and hope.
By focusing on the “3S”, he said, Singapore can ensure workers remain protected, empowered, and ready to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
