We’ve all heard it: the world is changing faster than ever, and technology like AI is set to transform our jobs. For many of us, this brings a lot of questions. Will my skills still be relevant? How do I stay ahead? President Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s recent address at the opening of the 15th Parliament acknowledged these very real anxieties. The message is clear: Singapore’s old ways won’t be enough. What’s needed now is a refreshed economic strategy to help every Singaporean worker, no matter their age or career stage, feel secure and ready for the future.
Today, in the Addendum to the President’s Address, various ministries such as Ministry of Trade & Industry (MTI), Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Prime Minister’s Office (Monetary Authority of Singapore) and Prime Minister’s Office (National Research Foundation) have laid out the government’s efforts to restructure our economy and ensure that as we progress, everyone benefits. The focus is clear: building a strong, inclusive economy that works for all, by:
- Navigating the Future of Work: Empowering Our Workforce to be Future-ready and AI-ready
- Ensuring Inclusive Growth: Building Fairer, Safer, and More Inclusive Workplaces
- Supporting Career Longevity: Enabling Longer, Multi-stage Career Pathways and More Flexible Forms of Work
- Expanding Opportunities: Supporting Businesses to Grow Talent and Stay Competitive
A strong and resilient economy is the very foundation of good job progress and better wages for Singaporeans. To secure these opportunities, the government is redoubling efforts to keep Singapore’s economy strong and resilient amidst global uncertainties. A key part of this strategy is enhancing Singapore’s connectivity to the global economy. This involves deepening relationships with major economies, managing global uncertainties, and unlocking new opportunities for local companies, especially by expanding trade links with emerging markets. This proactive approach ensures that our businesses have the opportunities to grow and innovate, which in turn creates a steady pipeline of good jobs for all workers.
How NTUC’s Labour MPs are Driving Change for Workers
The NTUC’s labour MPs play a critical role in shaping policies that directly impact workers’ lives. Their work extends beyond parliamentary debate and into direct engagement with unions, companies, and the community. As President Tharman has stated, the successful adaptation to this new era is “not inevitable – it must be actively fostered.” The strong trust built through years of tripartism—the partnership between employers, unions, and the Government—gives Singapore a unique edge. It allows the city-state to move faster in deploying new technologies and managing disruptions, ultimately generating new and better jobs. Here are some of the key areas where they are driving change.
Learning to Work with AI, Not Against It
The thought of AI taking over jobs can be scary, but NTUC’s focus is on making sure AI works for you, not against you. NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng has said it himself: the goal is to “augment workers,” not replace them. Labour MP Desmond Tan, who is also the Deputy Secretary-General, has been a strong advocate for this, stressing that we must lead the change and the importance of equipping workers with adaptive and technical skills to stay relevant. As he stated, the question is “not if we should adopt them, but how well we can harness them to serve our people better,” highlighting that AI, data analytics, and robotic process automation are tools that will define the future of work.
This is where the Company Training Committees (CTCs) come in. Formed in partnership between unions and companies, CTCs are on a mission to transform businesses and, more importantly, to future-proof your job. They use a special framework called the AI Readiness Index (AIRI) to help companies see where AI can improve things, and then they train workers to use these new tools. Since 2019, NTUC has formed over 3,600 CTCs, with approved projects benefiting nearly 10,000 workers. For instance, through a CTC grant, SBS Transit introduced an automated system for checking bus tyres. Instead of replacing technicians, this system frees them up for higher-value roles, and the company has introduced a new “Diagnostic Expert” career scheme for more than 50 workers, with a structured career progression and enhanced wages.
Building a Fair and Inclusive Culture
A big worry is being treated unfairly, especially when competition is tight. For PMEs (Professionals, Managers, and Executives),this anxiety can be particularly sharp. Since 2011, NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Patrick Tay has been a strong and consistent voice on this, championing the cause of a level playing field for all. His tireless advocacy has led to the landmark Workplace Fairness Act (WFA) 2025.
This new law is a huge step forward, formalising protections against discrimination based on key characteristics like age, nationality, and gender. The Act is the result of extensive consultations with over 2,000 individuals and is designed to ensure a more equitable environment where an individual’s skills and performance are what truly matter. As Patrick Tay has noted, the law will not only safeguard workers through tougher penalties but will also empower them, giving them the courage to surface discriminatory practices. For NTUC, this legislation provides a firmer ground to work with employers and tripartite partners to build a culture of fairness and inclusion across all workplaces.
This video shows NTUC’s advocacy for workplace fairness and the empowerment of its union members. Patrick Tay: Workplace Fairness Law Empowers Unions
Support for Caregiving Workers
Beyond skills and technology, NTUC recognizes that many workers are also juggling significant caregiving responsibilities. As our population ages, this challenge will become even more common. NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Yeo Wan Ling has been a leading voice on this issue, advocating for better support for caregivers. A key focus of her advocacy is the promotion of flexible work arrangements (FWAs). NTUC believes that FWAs are a sustainable way for caregivers to balance their family duties and their careers, ensuring that caregiving does not come at the cost of a worker’s livelihood and well-being.
Support for Workers at Every Stage
The commitment to inclusive growth extends to every worker, from those on the frontlines to those in the gig economy.
- Lifting Up Lower-Wage Workers: For those in essential services, the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) continues to be expanded to more sectors. This ensures sustained wage increases and clear career progression pathways. Under new PWM recommendations for the retail sector, over 53,000 retail workers will see their wages increase from September 1, 2025, over three years. Entry-level retail assistants and cashiers will get a monthly gross salary of at least $2,305, up from $2,175, with yearly increases of about $130 until 2028. To help employers manage these higher costs, the government will provide transitional support through the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme (PWCS), co-funding up to 40% of the wage increases in 2025 and 20% in 2026. These workers also receive added support via Workfare Skills Support, which provides a $6 per hour training allowance for lower-wage workers who attend relevant courses, helping them upskill and stay relevant.
- Safeguarding Platform Workers: With more Singaporeans taking on gig work, NTUC is dedicated to ensuring their welfare. Through the Platform Workers Trilateral Group, they advocate for better protections, including retirement and injury compensation, and fair practices. Recently, this group released 10 recommendations to tackle issues like illegal undercutting and unsafe work practices, with NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng noting that some drivers have seen a 10 to 15 per cent increase in income following stepped-up enforcement.
- Helping Jobseekers: For those who have lost their jobs, the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme provides a temporary financial safety net. This programme helps those who are involuntarily unemployed get back on their feet by providing financial support as they actively search for a new job and attend training.
Ensuring an Inclusive and Secure Future for All Singaporean Workers
In a rapidly changing world, feeling secure about your career is a top priority. The refreshed national game plan, backed by the strong partnership between the government and NTUC, is designed to give you that confidence. The renewed focus on “Ensuring Inclusive Growth: Building Fairer, Safer, and More Inclusive Workplaces” is not just a government slogan; it is a commitment to you. The strong partnership between the government and NTUC is designed to give you the confidence and support needed to thrive in the future of work. By investing in our people through skills development, safeguarding their rights, and providing a strong safety net, Singapore is ensuring that as the economy transforms, the benefits are felt by every worker, making our collective future a truly inclusive one. The goal is to ensure that every Singaporean has the tools and opportunities to not just survive, but to thrive.
