Are you afraid of AI?
Well, no matter what you think, the only solution is to embrace it, but what does our Labour Movement think?
The ‘Two AIs’: Labour Movement Plans to Future-Ready Senior Workers
Speaking in Parliament on 26 September 2025 during the Debate on the President’s Address, NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Desmond Tan said Singapore can build a “smarter, more inclusive and future-ready” workforce by pairing seniors’ experience with AI tools.
He called this the “two AIs”: Artificial Intelligence and Ageing Individuals.
Mr Tan stressed that many older workers face ageism in hiring and promotion, mounting healthcare costs, caregiving pressures, and anxiety about tech disruption, and urged employers to invest in older workers while the Government backs an “AI-Ready SG” one-stop initiative to bridge the AI gap.
He illustrated what “AI + seniors” looks like on the ground: at SBS Transit, a 52-year-old worker moved from driving to a diagnostic expert role after completing a Work-Study Diploma; he now uses an AI-powered tyre-management system to raise productivity, a shift supported by structured training.
Mr Tan’s speech came in response to President Tharman’s national agenda set out at the opening of the 15th Parliament on 5 September 2025.
Flexible Work Options, CTCs and Others
Beyond AI, Mr Tan noted seniors still need flexible work options and fair consideration.
In case you’ve forgotten, a fair, formal process for Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) requests took effect on 1 Dec 2024 under the Tripartite Guidelines (TG-FWAR). Employers must have a documented process to accept and consider formal requests for flexible work arrangement (e.g. work at different hours), even if outcomes remain based on business needs.
Note that this is not just for seniors; it’s for every worker.
NTUC is also leaning on Company Training Committees (CTCs) to help firms redesign jobs and upskill workers, including seniors, so technology complements people. Mr Tan also co-chairs the Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment, which is working on practical fixes.
Singapore is simultaneously building an AI-fluent workforce. In late August, the Government reiterated plans to broaden AI skills adoption across job functions, while NTUC launched its AI Transformation Blueprint with AI Singapore to give companies a structured path from readiness assessment to training and solutioning.
You see, instead of fearing AI, NTUC will help senior workers flourish with AI, emphasising a just transition, job redesign and upskilling.
So if you’re still afraid of AI, fret not; NTUC is keeping an eye on its development, ensuring that no worker is left behind, no matter how AI develops.
After all, there’s no “AI Labour Movement”, only a Labour Movement that makes sure every worker matters.
