S'pore Can Harness Tech Like AI To Create New Jobs, Says PM Wong

'Compact System' Allows Jobs To Be Redesigned And Workers Retrained

- Goh Yan Han

Being small, Singapore can get ahead of new technology like artificial intelligence (AI) to create new jobs, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on July 29.

He pointed to its "compact system" and the strong relationship between the Government, employers and unions, saying this means the Republic can discuss redesigning jobs and retraining workers, even before new technology is rolled out.

"That's what we must do in Singapore, not just rush headlong into AI," said PM Wong.

"Yes, embrace it, adopt it, but always make sure that the technological changes that we harness, the power of technology benefits workers, not replaces them, and always ensure that workers will thrive in this new environment."

He was answering a question at the Global-City Singapore: SG60 and Beyond conference, hosted by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) and the Singapore Business Federation. IPS director Janadas Devan moderated the dialogue at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre which covered topics such as AI, the social compact and tariffs.

Ambassador-at-Large Tommy Koh, who was in the audience, had asked whether Singapore is prepared to harness the benefits of technology and about its impact on employment.