The world is changing, and so is the way we work. In his second National Day Rally as Prime Minister and the first since leading the People’s Action Party to a decisive victory in the May General Election, PM Lawrence Wong delivered a powerful message of reassurance. He affirmed that even in a volatile global economy, Singapore will prioritise your job and your career. This isn’t just a promise from the government—it’s a shared commitment being built with you, by Singapore, for Singapore.
A Resilient Economy Built for Your Job
Navigating a world of trade wars and economic uncertainty can feel daunting, but Singapore is not standing still. The new economic blueprint is more than a high-level plan; it is a pragmatic strategy designed to build a more resilient economy. The government and the labour movement are working hand-in-hand to ensure that as the global economy shifts, you will have a place and a purpose. This is why the labour movement, through its Company Training Committees (CTCs), is already on the ground, working directly with employers to transform businesses and ensure that as new technologies are adopted, your role is not replaced but redesigned for a better tomorrow.
Embrace AI and Upskill for an Edge
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can feel intimidating, but the message from the rally is clear: AI is a powerful tool for your career, not a threat. The government is committed to helping workers become proficient in these new technologies. This commitment is deeply embedded in national initiatives like AI Singapore (AISG), which aims to build our country’s capabilities in this area. To ensure you have a direct path to these opportunities, NTUC LearningHub also offers an array of courses in AI, data analytics, and digital skills. With every course you take, you are not just acquiring knowledge; you’re building a competitive edge for yourself and securing your future in the digital economy.
“Even as we embrace AI and technology, we will not lose sight of our key priority. Singaporeans will always be at the centre of everything we do.This means working closely with unions and workers and redesigning jobs to ensure a win-win for everyone.”
– Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Expanded Support for Mid-Career Workers to Cover Part-Time Courses
For Singaporeans aged 40 and above, the enhanced SkillsFuture Level Up Programme offers a powerful new way to invest in your career. The government has already provided a $4,000 top-up in SkillsFuture credits and offers a Training Allowance of up to $3,000 per month for those who take time off work to study full-time. Now, these efforts are being expanded to make upskilling even more accessible. You can now claim a portion of the Training Allowances for part-time courses, and the program will include more quality courses from industry leaders and private training providers.
And if you’re an NTUC member, don’t forget to leverage your Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) credits, too. In addition to government support, NTUC members aged 40 and above receives increased funding support from $250 to $500, providing you with even more financial aid to pursue the skills you need for the future.
A Launchpad to Your First Job, No Matter the Economy
To the many fresh graduates concerned about jobs in this period of economic uncertainty, the government’s message is clear: we will not let you navigate this alone. Beyond growing the economy to create good jobs for all, a new government-funded traineeship programme will be launched to give you a critical head start. This initiative, a continuation of the successful SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package, ensures you can gain valuable real-world experience and build your resume. The labour movement is a key partner in this, with the NTUC Youth Excel programme providing mentorship and guidance and the NTUC Starter Membership offering a “starter kit” for young workers with access to career support, financial literacy workshops, and exclusive student deals to help them transition smoothly from school to work.
Stepped-Up Job Matching Services
Finding your next role is now a more streamlined and supported journey. The government is leveraging technology through the MyCareersFuture portal to bring all jobs into one central place. Beyond the digital platform, a new town-level job-matching initiative will bring career fairs directly to schools. This national push is complemented by NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i), which has a proven track record of helping thousands of Singaporeans find new roles. In a recent example, e2i held its first-ever job fair specifically for university graduates, bringing employers and job seekers face-to-face to help them bypass the difficult first step of getting an interview. This concerted effort ensures every worker has the support they need to land a good job.
In a challenging world, the message is clear: Singapore will face the future with confidence, unity, and a firm commitment to put its people first.
Thanking Singaporeans for their support and mandate, Mr Wong said he and his team take this responsibility very seriously.
“We will take charge of our own destiny. We will shape the future we want – through our own actions, and our own choices.”
– Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, National Day Rally 2025.
