Lawrence Wong: what's happening and what it means

Singapore is better prepared for crisis and in a much stronger position today, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the May Day Rally on May 1. Lawrence Wong has emerged this Friday as one of the stories drawing attention in Singapore.

Key facts

• Singapore is better prepared for crisis and in a much stronger position today, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the May Day Rally on May 1.
• But we will protect every worker,” says Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
• As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and Singapore’s economy transforms, “new and better jobs” will be created, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Friday (May 1).
• Prime Minister Lawrence Wong pledged on May 1 that his Government would do more to help if the present crisis worsened, but cautioned Singaporeans to brace themselves for a more difficult period ahead.
• Addressing more than 1,600 union leaders and tripartite partners at the May Day Rally at Downtown East, Mr Wong acknowledged the "massive" impact of AI but pledged that every worker would be protected amid the change.

What we know

Going deeper, But we will protect every worker,” says Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

On the substance, as artificial intelligence reshapes industries and Singapore’s economy transforms, “new and better jobs” will be created, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Friday (May 1).

Beyond the headlines, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong pledged on May 1 that his Government would do more to help if the present crisis worsened, but cautioned Singaporeans to brace themselves for a more difficult period ahead.

More precisely, Addressing more than 1,600 union leaders and tripartite partners at the May Day Rally at Downtown East, Mr Wong acknowledged the "massive" impact of AI but pledged that every worker would be protected amid the change.

It is worth noting that Mr Wong pointed out that where entire teams were once needed for some workflows, one person can now do it all with AI agents.

By the numbers

“Singapore will feel the impact directly,” he said, adding that growth in 2026 will slow and inflation will be higher.

On a related note, when he entered the workforce in the mid-1990s, tools like Excel were just taking off – offices needed fewer data entry clerks, but demand grew for accountants and analysts who could use the tools to create more value.

Going deeper, the Tripartite Jobs Council (TJC) was jointly introduced to the members of the press by NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, and Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) President Tan Hee Teck on 29 April 2026 at the NTUC Centre.

On the substance, Dr Tan shared that according to a recent survey by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) of 2,560 businesses covering nearly half a million workers, around 70 per cent of businesses have not adopted AI, signalling an opportunity for the tripartite partners to reach out and engage them.

What they're saying

“And if that happens, we will do more to help you,” said PM Wong in his May Day Rally speech.

“That is the advantage we have built over decades – not by chance, but through deliberate choices, sustained effort and discipline,” PM Wong said. “We made this happen together.”

“You make the effort, and we will be there for you – every step of the way,” he said.

The wider context

On a related note, Mr Wong acknowledged that not everyone feels ready for the shift.

Going deeper, Do not let anxiety or uncertainty hold you back from learning and using AI,” said Mr Wong.

On the substance, In his Budget speech earlier this year, Mr Wong announced that Singaporeans who take up selected AI training courses will receive six months of free access to premium AI tools.

Beyond the headlines, Mr Wong also said authorities plan to scale up the company training committees approach for the AI transition, noting there is "no one-size-fits-all solution" given that every sector is unique and and every company faces different constraints.

More precisely, Mr Wong acknowledged the road ahead would not be easy, and that it is natural to feel overwhelmed.

The bottom line

• As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and Singapore’s economy transforms, “new and better jobs” will be created, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Friday (May 1).
• No Singaporean will be left behind,” Mr Wong said.
• When he entered the workforce in the mid-1990s, tools like Excel were just taking off – offices needed fewer data entry clerks, but demand grew for accountants and analysts who could use the tools to create more value.
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