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At the National Day Rally 2025, PM Wong announced measures to help Singaporeans harness AI tools in their work and introduced a new national traineeship scheme for fresh graduates and mid-career workers.
Speaking at the National Day Rally 2025, Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance addressed Singapore's economic future in a world he described as "more troubled and turbulent". He highlighted how the American-led rules-based global order, which benefited Singapore for decades, has been weakened as the US pulls back. This shift has led to more countries prioritising their own interests over shared progress, weakening the multilateral system. The result is a world with intensifying rivalry, less trust, and more trade barriers.
This new environment is already impacting trade. As the Prime Minister pointed out, the US has maintained a 10% tariff on Singapore, which is the lowest possible rate, but there is "little comfort" as no one knows if or when it might be raised. This is why Singapore has convened the Economic Resilience Taskforce, chaired by Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister to secure the nation's interests. The taskforce is also working on a new economic blueprint to help Singapore navigate a different world.
A new economic blueprint for a new world
The Prime Minister stated that the new blueprint will focus on five key issues: Our Economy, Our Young, Our Seniors, Our Future Plans, and Our Singapore Spirit. A key priority for the economy is innovation and technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI).
PM Wong described AI as a "defining technology of our time," much like the computer and the internet were in the past. He showcased the rapid advancements of AI, noting its ability to solve complex problems and fundamentally change how we live and work. The government is already using AI to improve services, such as at call centres where AI can transcribe calls in all four official languages and automatically generate summaries.
AI is also being used to raise productivity and create new value across the economy. Examples include:
- Tuas Port, which is highly automated, and a study is underway to automate baggage handling at Changi Airport.
- American MNC GE Vernova’s global turbine repair service centre in Singapore, which uses AI to detect anomalies in turbine components in minutes.
- Q&M Dental, which uses AI to analyse dental x-rays and help dentists diagnose problems faster.
PM Wong stressed that while technology will cause some jobs to evolve or disappear, it will also create new ones. He assured Singaporeans that the government will work with unions to redesign jobs and equip workers with new skills. As an example, he cited PSA, where crane operators were retrained to remotely supervise multiple cranes, resulting in a productivity boost and safer, higher-paying jobs.
'Jobs, jobs, and jobs' is the number one priority
PM Wong declared that the government's number one priority is "jobs, jobs, and jobs". To help Singaporeans seize new opportunities, the government is:
- Stepping up job matching services.
- Bringing more career fairs to tertiary institutions to connect graduates with employers.
- Launching a new job-matching initiative led by Community Development Councils (CDCs) to help jobseekers find vacancies, especially those closer to home.
The government will also continue to invest in SkillsFuture, particularly with the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme for those aged 40 and above. The programme, which provides S$4,000 in SkillsFuture credits and training allowances of up to S$3,000 per month, will be enhanced to include part-time courses and more offerings from industry leaders and private training providers.
He also announced a new government-funded traineeship programme for graduates from ITE, polytechnics, and universities. This initiative, similar to the one implemented during COVID, will provide graduates with real-world experience and keep their skills sharp. The programme will have a focused rollout initially and can be scaled up if the economy worsens.
Preparing the young for the future
PM Wong also addressed the younger generation, noting that while they have more opportunities than ever before, they also face new challenges, such as the impact of technology. He highlighted parents' concerns about excessive screen time, social isolation, and exposure to toxic content. Another emerging issue is students' use of AI, with some teachers noticing students relying on tools such as ChatGPT to write essays.
To manage these challenges, the government will strike a balance between protecting the young and empowering them to use technology effectively. In schools, teachers are helping students become "discerning and responsible users of technology". PM Wong shared an anecdote about a teacher who, instead of banning ChatGPT, used it as a learning opportunity to teach students to critique and improve AI-generated essays.
He also shared a story about a Chinese teacher who created an AI chatbot to help her students practice Mandarin, allowing them to receive feedback anytime. This, he noted, reflects the government's approach to using technology to enhance, not replace, learning.
Looking ahead, PM Lawrence Wong said that while Singapore has made significant progress, it cannot afford to stand still, as doing so would be the same as falling behind. He emphasised the need for the nation to dream bigger, push new frontiers, and take risks.
"If we hold fast to that faith, we will keep breaking new ground," he concluded.
Lead image / Lawrence Wong Facebook (MDDI Photo by Kendrick Wong)
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