May Day Rally: the business angle

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. May Day Rally has emerged this Friday as one of the stories drawing attention in Singapore.

Key facts

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

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, 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.

Beyond the headlines, 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.

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

It is worth noting that 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.

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, 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.

On the substance, there are 21 AI tools eligible for subsidies under this programme, which can help enhance productivity and support work functions such as content creation, writing, software development, and marketing.

What they're saying

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

“You make the effort, and we will be there for you – every step of the way,” he 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, But we will protect every worker,” says Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

Going deeper, He pointed to the new Tripartite Jobs Council, announced on Thursday and initiated by the National Trades Union Congress, which will bring together tripartite partners to support workers and businesses navigating AI's impact.

On the substance, the union leaders identified groups that stand to benefit from the newly announced Tripartite Jobs Council: women returning from career breaks, retrenched workers seeking seamless job transitions, and seniors who may struggle to keep pace with change.

Beyond the headlines, Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app.

More precisely, NTUC News | Latest News on Workers, Jobs & Labour Movement.

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.
• There are 21 AI tools eligible for subsidies under this programme, including ChatGPT, Claude, GitHub Copilot and Midjourney.
• Searches spiking right now: PM Wong pledges 'new and better' jobs as AI disrupts industries, transforms economy, May Day Rally: NTUC to commit S$37 million in 2026 to help workers with everyday needs, Watch: PM Wong’s May Day Rally speech, May Day Rally 2026.