NTUC to help senior workers flourish with AI: Desmond Tan

He says this is key to building a smarter, more inclusive and future-ready workforce

- Tay Hong Yi Correspondent

Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Desmond Tan (above) said seniors with years of experience and wisdom can guide the use of AI. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

(ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG)

Rather than shielding jobs from the disruption caused by artificial intelligence (AI), the labour movement here will help workers, especially older ones, thrive through what it calls a just transition.

"Our vision is to help our workers to thrive in the AI economy by ensuring a just transition, supporting business transformation and job redesign, and upskilling our workforce," said Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Desmond Tan on Sept 26.

Supporting Singapore's seniors to use AI well is key to building a smarter, more inclusive and future-ready workforce, he added.

Mr Tan, who is also deputy secretary-general of the National Trades Union Congress, was speaking on the prospects of AI and an ageing workforce on the fifth day of debate in Parliament on the President's Address.

"One generates rapid knowledge; the other brings accumulated wisdom," he said, noting that AI gives answers quickly while wisdom from experience helps people ask the right questions.

"Our seniors with years of experience and wisdom can guide the use of AI."