NDR 2026: Singapore won’t leave workers to fend for themselves when embracing new tech
S'pore’s approach to new tech is to seize the opportunities and manage disruptions they bring, says PM Wong.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong addressed the National Day Rally on August 23, 2026, on the topic of managing the impact of technological change on jobs, particularly in the context of expanding the use of autonomous vehicles in Singapore. Wong emphasized that Singapore will support taxi and private-hire drivers affected by the shift to self-driving technology by providing retraining and new job opportunities.
He highlighted the country's experience in managing previous technological shifts, such as the introduction of ride-hailing apps, where it welcomed innovation while implementing rules to ensure fair competition and support for affected workers. Wong also discussed the potential benefits of other new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), which can help small businesses gain capabilities typically available only to larger firms, and improve healthcare services through tailored exercise plans and more accurate disease detection.
However, Wong cautioned that the increasing power of AI models and agents could pose serious risks if not properly managed. He stressed the importance of international cooperation to establish common rules and safeguards for AI development. Wong reiterated Singapore's commitment to working collaboratively with other countries and companies to build practical safeguards and move forward with confidence in the potential benefits of new technologies.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
