Ng Chee Meng: Singapore must shape AI growth to protect jobs

Singapore’s Parliament has unanimously adopted a motion calling for an artificial intelligence (AI) transition that safeguards jobs, as lawmakers set out a coordinated approach to managing technological change.

The motion, titled “An AI Transition with No Jobless Growth”, was tabled by NTUC Secretary-General and Jalan Kayu SMC MP Ng Chee Meng. It was adopted on 6 May 2026.

Opening the debate, Mr Ng said Singapore must act early to ensure AI strengthens, rather than erodes, employment prospects.

“Since our independence, Singapore's growth has been anchored in our compact that as our economy advances, our workers advance too. Today, in an AI-enabled world, we must renew that compact – deliberately and together,” said Mr Ng.

Mr Ng framed the motion as a reaffirmation of Singapore’s tripartite model, which brings together unions, employers and the Government.

The motion calls on Parliament to recognise AI as a driver of future growth, while committing to ensure that such growth remains fair, inclusive and beneficial to both businesses and workers.Speaking during the debate, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng sought to reassure both workers and employers navigating the shift.

“To our workers wondering where you stand, there will always be a place for you,” he said, adding that businesses would not be left to manage the transition alone.

“We will walk alongside you… so that together you can create better opportunities for your businesses and your workers.”

The concerns brought about by AI

Mr Ng noted that AI is already reshaping workplaces, from how tasks are performed to how value is created, with companies integrating the technology into performance management and global firms restructuring in response.

“AI is no longer just a tool. It is reshaping how work is done, how we serve customers and how value is created,” he said.

While acknowledging new opportunities, he warned that unmanaged disruption could leave workers behind or trigger resistance to technological change.

“These are not the paths we want for Singapore,” he said.

Priorities to help workers and businesses

Mr Ng outlined a proactive approach anchored in tripartism—bringing together unions, employers and the Government—to manage the transition and ensure that both businesses and workers benefit.

Central to this approach are four “practical moves”, namely:

• Building better labour market intelligence;

• Enabling enterprises to transform with AI;

• Supporting workers in seizing new opportunities;

• Helping displaced workers return to employment quickly.

Building better labour market intelligence

On the first, Mr Ng said clearer information on job trends and skills demand would be critical, particularly for younger workers entering a shifting labour market.

“What our workers, both white and blue collars alike, need is more specific. Which job functions or roles are evolving and are not likely to disappear? Where are the new jobs? What can I do?” he said.

He elaborated that youth need clearer indications on in-demand skills so training can better match job opportunities, and more support to ease a less anxious transition from school to work as entry-level roles evolve.

Enabling enterprises to transform with AI

For businesses, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), transformation must go hand-in-hand with workforce development. SMEs employ about 70 per cent of Singapore’s workforce, making their ability to adopt AI critical to ensuring broad-based gains.

Mr Ng highlighted the role of Company Training Committees (CTCs), which bring together unions and employers to link business transformation with skills upgrading and job redesign. Since 2019, more than 3,800 CTCs have been formed, benefiting over 300,000 workers.

“This is how growth stays inclusive, by putting worker outcomes into the business transformation plans; not leaving it to chance, or an after-thought,” he said.

Supporting workers in seizing new opportunities

Early and practical support will be key to helping workers transition into new roles. This includes stronger career guidance for youths, AI skills training for mid-career professionals, and tools such as AI-powered career coaching to support jobseekers.

Mr Ng noted that more than 4,000 workers have already begun training under NTUC’s AI-Ready SG initiative, with plans to scale up to over one million training places in the coming years.

Helping displaced workers return to employment quickly

Even so, he acknowledged that some displacement is inevitable. In such cases, the focus must be on helping affected workers bounce back quickly and with dignity.

“Retrenchment can feel sudden and deeply unsettling, as though the ground has shifted beneath them,” he said.

To support this, he reiterated the call for earlier notification of retrenchments and stronger transition support, including a possible expansion of the Jobseeker Support Scheme to better reflect the realities faced by professionals.

“Our aim is not to preserve old jobs, but to help Singaporeans move more confidently into the next good job, faster,” he said.

Addressing the concerns of members

Mr Ng also addressed a wide range of clarifications raised by Members of the House, affirming that the Government and tripartite partners would take a calibrated and inclusive approach to managing AI’s impact.

He said: “AI is fast-evolving and we do not have all the answers today. Its full impact on jobs and businesses will continue to unfold.

“We may not agree with every ‘how’, but we must set the right direction and at the same time, know with humility that we are innovating and experimenting with pathways forward in this era.”

Mr Ng concluded by expressing confidence that with the House united, Singapore can strengthen its plans and responses to AI-enabled growth, and continue advancing a tripartite approach that delivers win-win outcomes for both enterprises and workers.

“Not AI instead of workers. But AI that works for workers,” he said.

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