‘Support must begin before workers are affected’: Gan Kim Yong says jobs at centre of Singapore’s economic strategy

Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong emphasized during a speech at Singapore’s Economic Society of Singapore’s 70th anniversary dinner that good jobs should be a fundamental aspect of the nation’s economic strategy. Beyond providing income, jobs offer individuals agency, dignity, social recognition and confidence, Gan stressed. The deputy prime minister addressed concerns about a potential decline in jobs due to artificial intelligence, asserting that technology cannot replace roles involving judgment, dexterity, trust and human interaction.

Instead of viewing AI as a threat, Gan highlighted the opportunities for technology to enhance productivity, broaden responsibilities and elevate wages. Singapore’s strategy must involve early identification of roles susceptible to AI, followed by implementing robust career transitions and providing targeted training, guidance, job matching and actual placement.

Gan emphasized that while some jobs may shrink or disappear, new tasks and roles will emerge. Singapore’s openness has helped attract investments and create new markets, but the world is becoming more fragmented, and trade and investment no longer follow the most efficient routes. To remain relevant, Singapore should focus on areas where it can develop hard-to-replicate advantages and become integral to global supply chains and operations.