Singapore PM Vows to Protect Workers, Not Jobs, as AI Reshapes Economy

Key facts

• PM Lawrence Wong spoke at the May Day Rally on May 1, 2026, addressing over 1,600 union leaders.
• NTUC, MOM, and SNEF announced the Tripartite Jobs Council on April 29, 2026.
• From May 2026, NTUC members can get up to 50% subsidy on 21 AI tools, capped at $250 (under 40) or $500 (40+).
• 70% of businesses surveyed (2,560 firms, ~500,000 workers) have not adopted AI.
• The AI tool subsidy programme runs until April 2028.
• Government will merge Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore into a new entity.
• Discussions are underway with Google, Manus, Microsoft, and OpenAI for further AI access.

A Pledge of Protection Amid Unprecedented Change

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered a stark but reassuring message to more than 1,600 union leaders and tripartite partners at the May Day Rally on Friday: Singapore cannot shield every job from the coming AI wave, but it will protect every worker. “We may not be able to protect every job. But we will protect every worker. Because in Singapore, every worker matters,” he said at Downtown East. Wong acknowledged that AI will disrupt and reshape entire industries, far beyond simple chatbots. “These go far beyond simple chatbots. They don’t just answer your questions. They can plan and execute complex tasks from start to finish, all on their own,” he said, noting that one person with AI agents can now do work that once required entire teams. The Prime Minister drew a parallel to the mid-1990s, when Excel reduced demand for data entry clerks but created new roles for accountants and analysts. “AI is far more powerful than spreadsheets. So the impact on our workplaces will be much greater,” he warned.

Tripartite Partners Launch Jobs Council to Steer AI Transition

On April 29, 2026, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) jointly announced the formation of the Tripartite Jobs Council (TJC) at the NTUC Centre. The council aims to support workers and businesses through AI transformation in a fair and inclusive manner. NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, and SNEF President Tan Hee Teck presented the initiative to the press. Dr Tan See Leng cited a recent MOM survey of 2,560 businesses covering nearly half a million workers, which found that around 70% of businesses have not yet adopted AI. “The TJC represents our collective commitment to translate AI’s potential into good jobs for Singaporeans,” he said. Ng Chee Meng highlighted specific worker anxieties: professionals, managers, and executives (PMEs) lack full awareness of AI workplace applications; youth increasingly doubt that skills and qualifications guarantee employment; and seniors fear skills obsolescence. “TJC is our steadfast commitment to workers of all collars, blue or white, in the AI age,” he said.

Subsidised AI Tools for Union Members from May

Starting in May 2026, NTUC members can claim subsidies of up to 50% on subscriptions to 21 popular AI tools, including ChatGPT, Claude, GitHub Copilot, and Midjourney. The subsidies, under the Union Training Assistance Programme, are capped at $250 per year for members under 40 and $500 per year for those aged 40 and above. The initiative, announced on April 30 in a joint statement by NTUC, MOM, and SNEF, aims to lower cost barriers to AI access and complements NTUC’s AI-Ready SG initiative launched in February. The full list of eligible tools includes Adobe Firefly, Blackbox AI, Canva, CapCut, ChatGPT, Claude, Copy.ai, ElevenLabs, GitHub Copilot, Google AI, Jasper AI, Kimi, Leonardo.Ai, Manus, Midjourney, Notion AI, Otter AI, Perplexity, Replit, Studley AI, and Suno. The programme runs until April 2028, and the list will be reviewed regularly. It complements a separate government initiative offering six months of free premium AI tool access to Singaporean workers aged 25 and above who take selected SkillsFuture AI courses. The two subsidies cannot be used concurrently but can be used consecutively.

Government Merges SkillsFuture Agencies and Expands Training

Prime Minister Wong announced that authorities will take “deliberate steps” to ensure AI benefits are broadly shared, including bolstering SkillsFuture and merging Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore into a new entity. This restructuring aims to streamline support for workers navigating career transitions. During the debate on MOM’s budget in March, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng revealed that discussions are under way with AI providers such as Google, Manus, Microsoft, and OpenAI to expand access. The government has also launched a programme giving six months of free premium AI tools to workers aged 25 and above who complete selected SkillsFuture AI courses. Wong urged Singaporeans to embrace the change: “The government will provide the tools, the pathways, and the support. But we also need Singaporeans to step forward. Do not let anxiety or uncertainty hold you back from learning and using AI.”

A Coordinated Tripartite Response to a Historic Shift

The Tripartite Jobs Council represents a coordinated effort among unions, employers, and the government to manage AI’s impact on the workforce. SNEF President Tan Hee Teck stressed that businesses need support to navigate AI transformation effectively. “The TJC efforts will focus on making sure that sustainable growth for businesses and good jobs for workers go hand-in-hand,” he said. Ng Chee Meng emphasised that the council will address concerns across all worker segments, from blue-collar to white-collar. The announcement, made ahead of May Day, underscores the Labour Movement’s commitment to supporting workers through change, according to a joint media statement. Wong acknowledged that many Singaporeans are anxious about AI, asking whether it will replace jobs or make it harder to keep up. “These concerns are real,” he said, but he expressed confidence that Singapore can navigate the transition as it has done with previous technological shifts.

Outlook: Protecting Every Worker in an AI-Driven Future

The combination of the Tripartite Jobs Council, subsidised AI tools, and agency mergers signals a comprehensive national strategy to manage AI disruption. The TJC will identify and address AI transformation challenges and opportunities, helping workers and businesses benefit from AI-driven change. With 70% of businesses yet to adopt AI, the tripartite partners see significant room for engagement and growth. The subsidies and training programmes aim to equip workers with the skills needed for new roles that AI will create. Prime Minister Wong’s central promise — to protect every worker even if not every job — sets the tone for Singapore’s approach. The success of this strategy will depend on workers stepping forward to learn and use AI, as Wong urged, and on businesses embracing the tools and support available.

The bottom line

• PM Lawrence Wong pledges to protect every worker, not every job, as AI disrupts industries.
• Tripartite Jobs Council launched on April 29, 2026, to coordinate fair AI transition.
• NTUC members get up to 50% subsidy on 21 AI tools from May 2026, capped at $250 or $500 yearly.
• 70% of businesses surveyed have not adopted AI, presenting a major opportunity for upskilling.
• Government merges Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore to streamline support.
• Discussions with Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI aim to expand AI tool access for workers.