"In his 26 February speech, the Prime Minister told MPs that the government would harness AI to grow the economy while ensuring that growth translates into good jobs and better wages. 'These concerns are real and we must and we will take them seriously,' he said in response to opposition and backbench questions about worker anxieties around AI deployment."
"Wong identified three specific concerns MPs had raised: that greater AI use could result in reduced employer investment in worker training, that older workers re-entering the workforce would face disproportionate barriers, and that entry-level professional and technical jobs could be hollowed out before structural responses can take effect."
"The current labour-market figures are favourable. The proportion of permanent employees in Singapore has reached a record high of nearly 91 per cent, with gains across most sectors. Job vacancies continue to outnumber job seekers, with more than 40 per cent of openings being entry-level professional, manager, executive, and technician roles."
Singapore's parliament has made an explicit commitment to prevent jobless growth amid AI-driven economic transformation, the most definitive pledge on this issue from a major Asian economy. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reaffirmed this position during parliamentary debate, stating the government will harness AI for economic growth while ensuring employment quality improves. Three specific concerns were identified: reduced employer investment in worker training, barriers for older workers re-entering the workforce, and potential hollowing out of entry-level professional and technical positions. The government plans proactive intervention rather than reactive responses. Current labour market conditions are favorable, with permanent employment at record highs and job vacancies exceeding job seekers, particularly in entry-level professional roles. The substantive challenge remains whether Singapore can sustain this commitment as AI deployment accelerates.
#artificial-intelligence-and-employment #singapore-economic-policy #labour-market-protection #ai-driven-economic-growth #worker-training-and-development
Read at TNW | Government-Policy
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