As AI advances rapidly, the valid concern arises: How soon will human-operated jobs be displaced?
In his National Day Rally speech on 17 August 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong recognised the prowess of artificial intelligence.
He spoke of how AI was unable to solve even basic math problems reliably just five years ago. As simple as the problem may be, AI would give a “strange response” in answer to it.
Just this year, however, AI took part in the International Math Olympiad. Unlike just five years ago, AI was able to solve an utterly complex question that had entire audiences stumped.
It even swept the gold medal in the Olympiad.
With that in mind, he acknowledged that this is the power of AI today. And he expects AI to only get better over time, not only with advanced math questions but also real world problems.
AI Takes Over Entire Roles
PM Wong then exemplified how AI was influencing our lives. In the past, call centre officers working in government agencies had to manually write down a summary of their conversation after every call. It was necessary, but “tedious and time-consuming”. Now, however, AI is able to transcribe the call, in all four official languages, no less. The summary can also be automatically generated in English.
He then spoke of how Changi Airport has successfully incorporated AI into its automated baggage handling operations, as well as other airside operations. He also talked about how Q&M Dental is using AI to great effect, assisting their dentists by analysing dental X-rays to uncover problems. Granted, the dentist would still need to check through the results and decide on the next course of action, but the effect is clearly there.
AI makes work “better and faster”.
As such, PM Wong admitted that many jobs will evolve as AI takes over tasks and even entire roles.
Yet, he stressed that new opportunities will emerge, and Singaporeans will remain at the heart of progress. The Government will work closely with NTUC and the unions to redesign jobs, and to equip and empower every worker through new training and transformation initiatives.
Successfully Retrained
A powerful example comes from PSA, where crane operators have been retrained to remotely supervise and manage multiple cranes and vehicles, a move that raised productivity and delivered safer, better-paying jobs.
In essence, it is a win-win outcome.
This strategy is supported by NTUC’s long-standing network of Company Training Committees (CTCs).
First announced in February 2019, CTCs are an initiative by the Labour Movement to help both workers and companies transform for the future. Union leaders collaborate with management to identify skills and training that workers would need to keep up with industry transformation, as well as coordinate efforts to communicate and incorporate relevant training plans.
CTCs aim to help workers become Worker 4.0, namely being proficient in working with machines, using technology and utilising digital resources to improve productivity at work. They also aim to help companies work towards Industry 4.0.
To date, over 3,300 CTCs have been set up to help businesses and workers transform and redesign jobs.
Ardi Amir of the Union of Security Employees (USE) welcomed this approach, stating:
“We welcome the Government’s commitment to working with unions to redesign jobs using AI.”
“Game-Changer”
AI is viewed as a game-changer to raise productivity and unlock new economic value across all sectors, particularly among SMEs. Still, the Government underscores that technological progress must not come at the expense of Singaporeans.
It must be measured and inclusive, ensuring that Singaporeans remain front and centre.
“Singaporeans will always be at the centre of everything we do,” said PM Wong.
“Ultimately, our economic strategy is about jobs, jobs, and jobs. That is our number one priority.”
