Every S'pore worker will be protected in AI revolution, more support given if energy crisis worsens: PM Wong at May Day Rally

Singapore's solidarity is its greatest strength, and no Singaporean will be left behind in the crises and changes taking place today, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said at the May Day Rally on May 1.

Focusing on the impact of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and AI disruption, PM Wong assured members of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) that the government will continue to "act decisively" and provide the support needed to weather the "storm".

At the same time, he also encouraged businesses to step up to support workers and called on Singaporeans to "step forward" and embrace AI.

Singapore not in position of weakness: PM Wong

Before touching on the Middle East crisis, PM Wong reflected on the past year, commenting that Singapore did well to weather rising trade barriers and uncertainty by working together.

"We did well last year. But there is no time to rest. Unfortunately, the first storm has not passed fully. And already, another storm is upon us – and this one is more severe," he said.

Wong said the Middle East situation remains "highly uncertain" and this uncertainty is likely to persist, owing to damaged port and energy infrastructure and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

"We should not expect this crisis to be over anytime soon," PM Wong said, adding that inflation will rise globally and Singapore will feel the impact directly.

Despite this, PM Wong assured that Singapore is not facing the crisis from a position of weakness as it has established itself as a key node in global energy flows.

"But none of this runs on its own. Behind all of our efforts are our people, our workers."

He then thanked the workers in the energy sector, saying, "You work round-the-clock – through nights, weekends and holidays. So thank you for your dedication – to keep the lights on and to keep Singapore going!"

He called on businesses to step up to "support your workers and help ease the burden on Singaporeans together", citing NTUC FairPrice's decision to freeze prices on essential items as an example.

More support will also be provided by the government if the situation becomes more challenging, with PM Wong saying that Singaporeans can count on the government to act "decisively" and "stand with you every step of the way".

We will protect every worker: PM Wong

Singapore must "ready" itself to succeed in the era of AI, even as some jobs might change or disappear, PM Wong said.

The government has already taken steps to work towards this, such as the setting up of the National AI Council, he highlighted.

He remarked that Singapore is "making good progress," noting that various companies working on AI, including Google, have set up shop in Singapore.

Job transformations have also taken place in local firms, he highlighted.

However, PM Wong acknowledged that "not everyone feels ready" and many are anxious.

"I cannot promise that there will be no disruption. Jobs will change. Some will disappear. And the pace of change will be faster than anything we have seen before," he said.

"But this I can promise you: as our economy transforms, we will create new and better jobs. We may not be able to protect every job. But we will protect every worker. Because in Singapore, every worker matters."

Singapore will take "deliberate steps" to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared by all, PM Wong assured.

At the same time, he called on Singaporeans to "step forward".

"Do not let anxiety or uncertainty hold you back from learning and using AI. AI is here to stay, so embrace it, learn it, use it and master it."

No Singaporean will be left behind: PM Wong

Singapore's solidarity is "our greatest strength" and will carry us forward, PM Wong said.

He described tripartism as a "uniquely Singaporean advantage" that has enabled various initiatives to tackle AI-driven disruption and address the impact of the Middle East crisis.

"For 65 years now, the labour movement has walked alongside workers through every major economic shift.

...

We have overcome every wave of disruption. And we will do so again together."

PM Wong went on to highlight how Singaporeans were brought home when the Middle East crisis broke out and made the point that Singapore will look after its own.

"Whether it is an energy crisis, or the AI revolution — we will look after our own. No Singaporean will be left behind," PM Wong concluded.