{
  "id": 12897220,
  "title": "S’pore to ensure gains from AI rollout are shared widely: PM Wong",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/spore-to-ensure-gains-from-ai-rollout-are-shared-widely-pm-wong",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-08T15:44:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/spore-to-ensure-gains-from-ai-rollout-are-shared-widely-pm-wong"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singapore's policy for artificial intelligence (AI) deployment is centered on ensuring the benefits are widely shared and protecting every worker, rather than focusing solely on individual jobs, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated at the Forbes Global CEO Conference on October 8. This approach stems from decades-long collaboration between the government, employers, and unions aimed at achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.\n\nWong addressed concerns about job displacement due to the transition to an AI-driven world. He affirmed that Singapore views unions as essential partners in AI rollout, not obstacles. For instance, government grants for enterprise transformation are managed by unions, and companies are obliged to assist workers in reskilling when they receive such grants to enhance their IT capabilities. He emphasized that while job losses are possible with automation, companies should only resort to layoffs as a last resort, ensuring fair treatment, compensation, and notice to affected workers, with unions working alongside to facilitate reskilling.\n\nSingapore's economic growth of 5% for three consecutive years can be attributed to major firms like GlobalFoundries and Micron, which produce specialized chips driven by the AI boom. Additionally, Singapore has developed a robust semiconductor ecosystem. However, Wong cautioned that booms are temporary, and the government aims to leverage this period to develop new capabilities and create improved job opportunities for Singaporeans.\n\nRegarding AI regulations, Wong highlighted two critical areas of safety. The first concerns potential risks from the loss of control over advanced, autonomous AI systems and the possibility of rogue actors exploiting these technologies for harmful purposes, such as bioterrorism, cyberattacks, or creating weapons of mass destruction. He supported the U.S. creation of a task force for overseeing this domain but stressed the necessity for international rules and standards, possibly under the United Nations.\n\nThe second aspect pertains to the AI application, with regulations varying by sector. Singapore is piloting autonomous vehicles to understand safety requirements, which will eventually be implemented in the region with strict regulatory oversight to ensure safety and manage the impact on existing drivers. Wong emphasized a sector-specific approach, focusing on responsible and safe AI application to ensure benefits reach a broad workforce.\n\nWong noted that many countries are erecting barriers to protect their own industries and jobs, shifting away from free trade. However, Singapore remains committed to openness and long-term confidence, viewing itself as a connector in a fragmented world. The city-state plans to deepen and diversify its connections, including enhancing relationships with current partners and exploring opportunities with new regions like Latin America and Africa, especially as ASEAN chair in 2027. Wong expressed hope that Singapore will serve as a guiding light in a challenging global environment.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}