Jasmin Lau on pushing harder on flexible work, ‘hot seat’ portfolio of manpower and AI

Acting Manpower Minister Jasmin Lau has emphasized the need for the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to take more steps to promote flexible work arrangements in Singapore. While policies like childcare leave exist, parents often find it challenging to request such arrangements due to concerns about workload and colleague support, she explained.

As a mother of two, Lau personally understands these struggles and stresses that policies alone are insufficient. Guidelines on flexible work were introduced in 2024, yet the rate of workers requesting these arrangements remains low, despite 84.5% receiving the accommodations they need.

Lau's portfolio now encompasses workforce transformation and AI strategy, which she describes as "extremely hot" and highly relevant. She acknowledges the rapid pace of technological advancements but notes that workforce policies cannot change overnight. She expressed stress over balancing these policies with practical implementation.

She highlighted that while AI is utilized in sectors like digital marketing, its deeper integration into operations like inventory management is limited, which explains the limited impact on workers thus far.

Lau also discussed her conflicted role in advocating for AI's deeper integration in businesses, which could benefit the global economy but may also affect workers. She referenced the recent retrenchments at GovTech, drawing lessons that early retrenchment notifications are crucial, while lengthy transition periods can be emotionally taxing for employees.

She also shared her evolving relationship with AI, from coding a dinosaur-themed app for her children to recognizing the value of occasional hands-on tasks, like picking apples at NTUC (FairPrice).

Lau reflected on her dual challenges as both a politician and a working mother, emphasizing that societal perceptions of work-life balance remain elusive. Despite occasional slips, like missing school performances due to work demands, she finds balance through her conviction in her work and love for her children, which sustain her daily drive.