In his maiden parliamentary speech this term of Government, Ng Chee Meng, Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), highlighted two key priorities of the Labour Movement for the 15th Parliament. He stated that as Singapore confronts rising caregiving demands and accelerating Artificial Intelligence (AI) disruption, the Labour Movement is calling on the Government and tripartite partners to:
- Equip every worker with the skills to adapt to AI, through a “AI-Ready SG” initiative that supports businesses and workers to transform.
- Strengthen caregiver support, so no one is forced to choose between their career and caring for their loved ones.
These, he stressed, are key moves needed in the coming term to ensure that in the midst of changing dynamics, our workers can adapt and thrive at work and at home.
Ng, who returned to Parliament as the newly-elected Member of Parliament for Jalan Kayu SMC, began his speech by thanking the government of the 14th Parliament and tripartite partners for their collective efforts, which have led to tangible improvements in wages, welfare, and work prospects. He highlighted the Progressive Wage Model, new protections for Platform Workers, the Workplace Fairness Act, and schemes to support the unemployed and caregivers as key achievements
Addressing the Anxieties of Every Generation
Ng explained that his calls are grounded in the anxieties he heard directly from Singaporeans. During his block visits, union events and community gatherings, he noted that the concerns of workers were not abstract but were the daily worries of people trying to secure a better future. He highlighted that young graduates are worried about finding good jobs, while mid-career and older professionals (PMEs) fear being displaced by AI and economic restructuring. Families, he added, feel the financial, physical, and emotional strain of caregiving.In response, the Labour Movement fully supports the direction laid out by the President—to transform Singapore’s economy amidst AI disruption, whilst ensuring that no Singaporean is left to journey alone. Ng called on the government to work with tripartite partners on three fronts:
- Good jobs for every generation, ensuring young graduates, mid-career workers, PMEs, and older workers all have opportunities.
- Uplifting vulnerable workers like lower-wage workers, platform workers, and freelancers.
- Stronger support for caregivers, so they do not have to choose between caring for their loved ones and keeping their job.
Empowering Workers for the AI Economy
Ng Chee Meng focused his address first on AI disruption, acknowledging its dual nature as both a threat and an opportunity. While it can enhance productivity and drive business competitiveness, he noted that many workers, including PMEs, see AI as a threat.
“Big companies – such as Amazon and Microsoft – are cutting jobs,” he said. “Drivers worry about being replaced by Autonomous vehicles. They don’t know what AI will mean for them and their jobs.”
He fully understood these concerns, calling it daunting not knowing what to expect or how to keep up. “Many workers say, ‘I know AI is here, but I don’t know what I can do’,” he shared. “This is why we must do more to equip our workers to meet AI disruption head-on: bring the right tools and know-how to businesses and workers, so they can take proactive steps to seize AI-driven opportunities.”
To this end, he called for the establishment of a National AI Adoption and Training Initiative, or “AI-Ready SG,” as a one-stop platform for upskilling workers and helping employers adopt AI. Ng cited the successful model of the Company Training Committees (CTCs), which have already been used to drive such projects. As of September 2025, over 3,600 CTCs have been formed, with over 500 companies utilizing the $300 million CTC Grant to transform their businesses. These projects have benefited nearly 10,000 workers, who have seen an average pay increase of 5% above their annual increment. As an example, Ng highlighted BSL Unify, a manufacturing company that used CTC to implement an AI-powered service portal, saving over 2,500 man-hours annually, with a 40% efficiency improvement through streamlined processes and smart data management. and providing staff with a monthly skills allowance of $150. He added that over $7.4 million in CTC Grants have already been committed to AI-related projects.
Strengthening the Caregiving Ecosystem
Turning to the internal challenge of Singapore’s rapidly aging population, Ng Chee Meng emphasised the need for enhanced caregiver support. He shared the story of Mr. Goh, a 45-year-old freelancer and beneficiary of NTUC’s Care Fund, struggling to care for his four children, two with special needs. Mr. Goh’s story highlighted the financial and emotional strain on families and his worry for the future.
Ng called on the government to strengthen the support for caregivers through several key measures:
- Expanded Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs): He urged Parliament to make FWAs more widespread, accessible and stigma-free, to help caregivers remain in the workforce.
- Support for Caregivers Returning to Work: Ng proposed that the government “redouble our efforts” on existing “Back to Work” programmes to ease the transition for those who have stepped off for extended periods. He suggested these programmes could be enhanced to bridge skills gaps, find suitable job opportunities, provide mentorship, and give employer incentives to hire returning caregivers.
- Strengthen Ecosystem of Care: He called for a review of policies to better support caregivers, including reviewing MediSave limits and caregiving subsidies to defray costs, providing CPF top-ups for primary caregivers, and enhancing community care services, as well as strengthen care coordination so families don’t have to struggle to navigate multiple schemes and agencies.
A Voice for Jalan Kayu Residents
Beyond his broad policy address, Ng Chee Meng took to social media over the weekend to share his direct work for his Jalan Kayu constituents. He confirmed that he had filed several parliamentary questions based on feedback from residents.
His questions to Parliament covered a range of key local concerns, including:
- An update on the investigation into the recent breakdown of the Sengkang-Punggol LRT.
- The progress of feasibility studies for the Seletar MRT Line.
- The status of a lift retrofitting programme for overhead bridges in Fernvale and Sengkang West.
- An update on HDB’s review of the 15-month wait-out requirement for private property owners who wish to downgrade to HDB flats.
In his post, Ng Chee Meng affirmed his commitment to be his residents’ “voice in Parliament” and to “work hard to build a stronger workforce and an even better Jalan Kayu for all of us.”
Ensuring a Future for Every Worker
Ng Chee Meng concluded his speech with a powerful call to action. He stated that despite a narrow electoral victory, he will serve with full conviction as the voice for workers- to fight for better lives, better jobs, and a stronger future for all.
As Singapore confronts accelerating AI disruption and rising caregiving demands, let us all in this Parliament keep faith with the workers, caregivers and families who want a chance at a better life.
Ng Chee Meng, Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC)
He closed by calling on all partners to ensure “a Singapore where every worker can succeed at work; where every family can thrive; and where every Singaporean can journey forward with hope and dignity.”
