CNA

Wong says, "new and better" jobs

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong addressed over 1,600 union leaders at the May Day Rally, discussing the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on Singapore's economy. He acknowledged that AI will cause massive disruption, noting that some jobs will disappear and the pace of change will be unprecedented. Mr. Wong specifically highlighted the role of AI agents, explaining that they can plan and execute complex tasks independently, potentially replacing entire teams. While admitting that not every job can be protected, he pledged that the government would protect every worker. To support this transition, the government is taking deliberate steps, including the merger of Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore into a new entity. He encouraged citizens to overcome anxiety and embrace AI to remain competitive. He compared the current shift to the introduction of spreadsheets in the 1990s, though he noted AI's impact will be significantly greater. The Prime Minister emphasized that the goal is to create 'new and better' jobs as industries reshape. He urged Singaporeans to master AI tools to ensure the benefits of the technology are shared broadly.