Lawrence Wong May Day Speech: everything we know so far

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

What we know

Going deeper, 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).

On the substance, 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.

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

It is worth noting that Ahead of May Day, NTUC, the Government, and SNEF unveil the Tripartite Jobs Council (TJC) to help workers reskill, support businesses in AI adoption, and ensure fair, inclusive transitions in a rapidly evolving job landscape.

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.

“The only impediment that may make us go slow or stop us from doing certain things is our mindset,” she said.

“We do not face this crisis from a position of weakness,” he said. “Singapore is better prepared and in a much stronger position today.”

The wider context

On a related note, 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.

Going deeper, the announcement, made ahead of May Day, underscores the Labour Movement’s commitment to support workers through change, said the tripartite partners in a joint media statement.

On the substance, as he concluded his speech, PM Wong said the road ahead with conflict, disruption and rapid technological change will not be easy.

“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.”

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

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).
• The announcement, made ahead of May Day, underscores the Labour Movement’s commitment to support workers through change, said the tripartite partners in a joint media statement.
• As he concluded his speech, PM Wong said the road ahead with conflict, disruption and rapid technological change will not be easy.
• Searches spiking right now: Watch: PM Lawrence Wong delivers May Day speech, PM Wong speaks at May Day Rally, Singapore PM reassures workers over AI fears, vows job opportunities, S’pore must brace itself for difficult times ahead, but Govt will do more to help if needed: PM Wong.