Labour Chief Ng Chee Meng Opens Parliamentary Motion on AI Transition with No Jobless Growth

The Straits Times
The Straits TimesMay 5, 2026

Why It Matters

The motion signals Singapore’s commitment to harness AI while safeguarding employment, guiding corporate strategies and workforce development toward inclusive, job‑preserving growth.

Key Takeaways

  • Singapore urges early AI upskilling for all worker segments.
  • Four practical moves focus on foresight, transformation, opportunity, resilience.
  • Tripartite collaboration remains core to AI-driven economic growth.
  • Government pledges support for enterprises while protecting worker dignity.
  • AI transition aims for growth without increasing unemployment rates.

Summary

Singapore’s Labour Minister Ng Chee Meng opened a parliamentary motion outlining the nation’s AI transition strategy, emphasizing growth without jobless unemployment. He framed the discussion around workers’ questions on participation and fair opportunity in the AI era.

The minister presented four practical moves: act early to understand job changes, support enterprise transformation while uplifting workers, enable workers to seize evolving opportunities, and ensure dignified bounce‑back when disruption hits. All measures call for collective action across government, unions and employers.

He quoted workers’ concerns—“How can I take part in the AI growth and benefit?”—and stressed that the renewed compact must underpin Singapore’s unique tripartite model, building on heavy investment in education and skills.

The approach aims to keep enterprises competitive while placing workers at the heart of progress, signalling to businesses that upskilling and inclusive policies are essential for sustainable AI‑driven growth.

Original Description

The Government will support workers as Singapore enters the next phase of growth in an AI-enabled world. On May 5, NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng outlined four moves to protect jobs in the AI era.
Follow The Straits Times on YouTube: https://str.sg/ytsub
Turn on notifications 🔔 to stay updated.
--------------------
#straitstimes #singapore #parliament

Comments

Want to join the conversation?

Loading comments...