His speech was in response to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s decision to allocate an additional S$200 million to the NTUC Company Training Committee (CTC) Grant, a direct response to the Labour Movement’s call for further support in strengthening job security for workers.
At the Singapore Budget Debate 2025, NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Desmond Tan reinforced NTUC’s commitment to job security and upskilling. He highlighted the $200 million top-up to the CTC Grant, the importance of tripartism, and stronger support for mid-career workers through initiatives like the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance.
CTCs Strengthens Job Security and Upskilling
The CTC is one of NTUC’s key strategies in strengthening job security, which has played a transformative role in workforce upskilling since its launch in 2019. The initiative also ensures that workers enhance their skills in tandem with business transformation.
To date, NTUC has:
- Formed over 3,000 CTCs
- Approved over 480 transformation projects,
- Helped over 7,000 workers receive an average 5% wage increment above their annual increment, or benefit from career development plans or from skills allowances
In his speech, he also highlighted several success stories showcasing the initiative’s win-win impact — such as STMicroelectronics, where automation and robotic systems boosted productivity by 10%, while workers were upskilled and transitioned into higher-value roles, from technicians to assistant engineers.
Recognizing these successes, he commended the government’s decision to commit an additional $200 million to the CTC Grant, which will allow for further support in employer-led training and skills development.
Advancing Mid-Career Support and Lifelong Learning
Mr Tan reiterated NTUC’s commitment to supporting mid-career workers in navigating career transitions. He welcomed the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance, which provides up to S$3,000 per month for selected full-time courses. From early 2026, this allowance will be extended to part-time training, enabling more workers to upskill while remaining employed.
To further support career mobility, NTUC has significantly expanded employment facilitation, increasing career and job centers from 2 to 27 and successfully placing 110,000 jobseekers since 2020. These efforts, combined with AI-driven career matching platforms, help workers navigate career breaks, job transitions, and new employment opportunities, ensuring they stay competitive in an evolving job market.
Addressing Economic Uncertainty
Mr Tan also acknowledged the current economic unpredictability, where some companies continue hiring, while others face layoffs, and manufacturing sectors remain cautious amid global trade tensions. Although two-thirds of workers feel secure in their wages and job prospects, one in three fears job loss, with rising costs of food, housing, healthcare, and utilities adding to concerns.
The CTC initiative was the NTUC’s response in 2019 to navigate these rapidly changing landscapes – supporting enterprises by enhancing business productivity, which in turn benefit workers.
The Strength of Tripartism and Union Resilience In Advancing Workers’ Interests
Mr Tan’s speech was also a reminder of the effectiveness of Singapore’s tripartite model — the long-standing collaboration between unions, employers, and the government, which remains the cornerstone of economic stability.
Reflecting on NTUC’s journey since the 1960s, he highlighted how unions have played a pivotal role in securing industrial peace, economic resilience, and workers’ welfare.
He said, “while some labour negotiations are addressed publicly, the majority take place behind closed doors”, where union leaders and NTUC staff work tirelessly to advocate for workers’ interests.
A Vision For A Resilient Future
Mr Tan’s speech was a rallying call for all stakeholders to embrace continuous learning and proactive workforce transformation. Through tripartite partnerships and initiatives like CTCs, NTUC, the government, and employers are future-proofing businesses while empowering workers.
“NTUC and the Labour Movement remain steadfast in supporting all workers. Whether you are a delivery rider battling the storms, a mid-career professional adapting to AI, or a senior worker seeking renewed purpose, the Labour Movement fights tirelessly to uplift your voice, secure your livelihoods, and future-proof your potential.” – NTUC Deputy Secretary-General, Desmond Tan
With this commitment, NTUC continues to ensure that Singapore’s workforce remains resilient and prepared for the future.
In these challenging economic times, one message remains clear: investing in job security and upskilling today will create a stronger, more adaptable workforce for tomorrow.
