Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s recent National Day Rally addressed a real concern for many Singaporeans: the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs. While the fear of being replaced is understandable, Singapore’s proactive approach to economic change is proving that AI can be a powerful complement to our work, not a replacement. Instead of losing jobs, we’re making them better.
The government is working closely with employers and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) to ensure that as companies adopt new technologies, workers are upskilled, not displaced. This close partnership is a key part of Singapore’s strength. A great example of this is the Company Training Committee (CTC) initiative, with more than 3,600 committees formed since 2019. Supported by government funding, these committees are actively helping businesses redesign jobs and retrain workers. NTUC recently shared that over 700 CTC Grant projects have been approved, benefiting nearly 10,000 workers with an average wage increase of 5% above their yearly increment. Importantly, over 70 of these projects involve AI, showing that more companies are responsibly using AI to support their workforce. NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng said, “We are committed to work with them to adopt AI responsibly—not to replace workers and jobs, but to augment workers in using AI tools.”
This effort builds on the SkillsFuture movement, which remains a crucial pillar for lifelong learning. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has also introduced the Enterprise Workforce Transformation Package to help businesses transform their operations while including their workers in the process.
Jobs Are Evolving, Not Vanishing
Looking at local industries shows how AI is already changing roles for the better. At Tuas Port, crane operators now work as remote supervisors, overseeing automated operations with improved safety and efficiency. In government call centres, AI handles tasks like transcribing and summarising calls, which frees up human staff to provide empathy and solve more complex problems. In healthcare, companies like Q&M Dental are using AI to analyse X-rays, helping dentists make quicker and more accurate diagnoses.
The pattern is clear: AI automates repetitive tasks, while people focus on higher-value work that requires uniquely human skills. Instead of taking over jobs, AI enhances them by allowing us to use our creativity, critical thinking, and empathy. The World Economic Forum predicts that while some jobs will be displaced by AI, new roles will emerge, potentially leading to a net gain of 78 million jobs globally by 2030, with 170 million new jobs created and 92 million displaced. The key is to be ready for these new opportunities.
A real-life example of this is SBS Transit, which used a CTC Grant to implement an automated tyre management system. This system uses AI to perform faster and more accurate checks, which frees up one technician per workshop. That technician can then take on a higher-value role under the new “Diagnostic Expert” career scheme. This new career path, with a clear skills roadmap and better pay, aims to attract and keep talent in the sector.
What Workers Can Do to Stay Ahead
While the government and partners provide the resources, our ability to adapt depends on us. Upskilling is the foundation of a resilient career. Just as past generations had to learn new skills as industries changed, today’s workers must accept that lifelong learning is a part of their career journey.
This doesn’t mean everyone has to become a software engineer. It means staying curious, being aware of digital tools, and being willing to use them instead of fearing them. Workers who learn to use AI for tasks like note-taking, research, or data analysis can significantly boost their productivity. Strengthening uniquely human skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving is more important than ever. These are the skills that machines cannot replicate, and they will be what makes a worker stand out in an AI-driven economy.
In the face of these changes, Singapore’s message is a strong one: AI isn’t a threat to our jobs. It’s a tool for us to do more. By embracing this technology and committing to continuous learning, we can not only adapt to the future but also lead it.
