\n<\/p>\n
Mr Ng assessed that Singapore\u2019s job market remains robust.<\/p>\n
Advance estimates recorded 57,300 jobs created in 2025 \u2013 more than the year before. While retrenchments inched up, this was mainly due to business restructuring, he noted.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe job market, by statistics, seems reasonable. But on the ground, we do hear of different segments of workers feeling a little bit anxious,\u201d he said, noting that growth in different sectors was uneven.<\/p>\n
Singapore is in the initial phases of job disruption from generative AI, which is not currently causing widespread job displacements, said Mr Ng.<\/p>\n
Instead, there are opportunities to use AI for job redesign and to improve productivity, including business outcomes and workers\u2019 performance, he said.<\/p>\n
He added that AI\u2019s impact is not isolated, but layered on top of Industry 4.0 technologies and previous generations of technology, like robotic process automation, that augment businesses and workers\u2019 productivity.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think these are all big future positives for Singapore’s economy and for our workers \u2013 so long as we are able to embrace these technologies, take action pre-emptively, so that we can embark on the positive sides and not get left behind.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked if NTUC\u2019s role is to protect jobs amid the AI revolution, his answer was firm.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe protect workers, and in our deepest philosophy, we don\u2019t really want to just protect jobs, especially if (the) jobs are becoming less relevant or even obsolete.<\/p>\n
NTUC wants to help workers upgrade so they can transition into better jobs and perhaps benefit from better job-matching, he said.<\/p>\n
As for NTUC\u2019s continued relevance to workers\u2019 careers, he said: \u201cIn a very uncertain age, the very core of NTUC and the union is to protect the worker.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd in the AI age, it is no longer the blue-collar worker that may require protection, but even the white-collar workers.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan NTUC protect the workers\u2019 interest? I would say yes, but there\u2019s work to be done. Are there privileges that NTUC can bring to the table in terms of welfare? I think in that space, we have done quite a bit.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, in the way forward, NTUC is innovating not just in terms of protection or privileges. Now we are helping workers progress and actually help with placements of good workers into good jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n
NTUC is moving into new segments of workers, and it can be argued that \u201cthe new working class in Singapore is no longer the blue-collar workers but PMEs\u201d, as they form the majority, he added.<\/p>\n
Professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) made up 64.2 per cent of Singapore\u2019s employed residents in 2025.<\/p>\n
\u201cNTUC will do our best to add value to all the different sectors of workers \u2013 young to old, blue- or white-collar,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n