Lawrence Wong Rally: what's happening and what it means

But we will protect every worker,” says Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Lawrence Wong Rally has emerged this Friday as one of the stories drawing attention in Singapore.

Key facts

• 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).
• 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.
• There are 21 AI tools eligible for subsidies under this programme, including ChatGPT, Claude, GitHub Copilot and Midjourney.
• Mr Wong pointed out that where entire teams were once needed for some workflows, one person can now do it all with AI agents.

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, there are 21 AI tools eligible for subsidies under this programme, including ChatGPT, Claude, GitHub Copilot and Midjourney.

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.

It is worth noting that Mr Wong acknowledged that not everyone feels ready for the shift.

By the numbers

“The initiative lowers cost barriers to accessing technology and complements NTUC’s ongoing efforts to equip workers to be AI-ready,” said the National Trades Union Congress on April 30 in a joint statement with the Ministry of Manpower and Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF).

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, Starting in May, subscriptions to more than 20 popular artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Github Copilot will be subsidised by up to 50 per cent for members of trade union NTUC.

On the substance, the subsidies, under the Union Training Assistance Programme, are capped at $250 yearly for members under the age of 40, and up to $500 yearly for those aged 40 and above.

What they're saying

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

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

“I think PM’s very candid point about not protecting the job, but protecting the workers, that's the one that really stood out for me,” he said.

The wider context

On a related note, Do not let anxiety or uncertainty hold you back from learning and using AI,” said Mr Wong.

Going deeper, 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.

On the substance, 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.

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

More precisely, No Singaporean will be left behind,” Mr Wong said.

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).
• There are 21 AI tools eligible for subsidies under this programme, including ChatGPT, Claude, GitHub Copilot and Midjourney.
• 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.
• Searches spiking right now: PM Wong pledges 'new and better' jobs as AI disrupts industries, transforms economy, PM Lawrence Wong at May Day Rally 2026, PM Wong speaks at May Day Rally, PM Wong tears up during May Day Rally while reading message by S'porean on Middle East repatriation flight.