Parliamentary speeches and more

Mr Speaker,The motion before this House calls for an AI transition that does not leave Singapore’s workers behind. The Prime Minister, the labour chief, the Government as a whole have all said in the past months that this is what they intend. What I want to put to examine this afternoon is whether the policy architecture we have is equal to the commitment we are being asked to affirm.

Mr Speaker, ‍I share the values outlined in the motion – that growth must be inclusive, that every worker matters, and that no one should be left behind in the AI transition. 

Sir, my contribution to today’s debate is straightforward: I argue that, if our objective is to protect our workforce from job losses that could result from an economywide embrace of artificial intelligence (AI), then our efforts today should mainly be directed toward policies that prom0te new hiring, rather than those that focus on either reducing displacement, or pushing for retraining.

Mr Speaker Singapore’s approach to AI is often cited by international institutions and consultancies like BCG, and prominent figures such as IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. Our technological infrastructure and initiatives to upskill our workers are key parts of how we plan to confront the disruptions and opportunities presented to us by this new and rapidly developing technology.

Mr Speaker, today’s motion rightly recognises the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and affirms that AI-enabled economic growth must remain inclusive.

Mr Speaker, we face a structural threat to our workforce. For decades, Singapore’s economic model has been built on the premise that a highly educated and skilled workforce would hold the keys to a prosperous future and be a buffer against economic storms. However, we are now in the midst of a paradigm shift where artificial intelligence (AI) is not only augmenting human capability, but in many ways, replacing it. Unlike past economic cycles, where such turbulence could be written off as an episode of creative destruction, AI promises to be a harbinger of a fundamental shift in our economic and social relationships. Taking this concept further, it would impact even the roles that the government plays in mediating between the individual and society. 

Written answers to questions by Workers’ Party Members of Parliament

Speaker, We are asked today to approve the merger of two agencies. I would use this occasion to ask whether the system they inherit is the right one.

Mr Speaker, the Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA) Bill officially consolidates career and employment services with skills training under a single administrative mandate. This is a welcome integration. 

Mr Speaker, Today, workers have to reskill and upskill amidst our rapidly-evolving economy, in order to remain relevant and competitive in a challenging workforce. One of the ways that our policies seek to do so is by getting workers to undertake further training and education. Yet, this is in itself challenging; attending courses, often whilst juggling work and other life commitments, requires a significant expenditure of energy, time, and also money.