\n<\/p>\n
The Economic Strategy Review has also recommended broadening the range of good jobs in Singapore\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n
MOM agrees that skilled trades can and should offer good job opportunities for those who prefer hands-on work that requires dedication and mastery, said Dr Tan.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany such trades will remain essential in our future economy. They may also be resilient, or even complementary, to automation by artificial intelligence.\u201d<\/p>\n
For example, electrical work will continue to be indispensable in Singapore\u2019s transition to a green and AI-powered economy, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYet with the workforce ageing in such trades, we need to think harder about workforce renewal and attracting more Singaporeans to join these trades,\u201d said Dr Tan.<\/p>\n
He said these efforts are starting with the electrical trade, given its essential role in Singapore\u2019s future economy, deep skills content and the need to build a strong local pipeline of talent.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will learn from this to scale up our efforts to other trades,\u201d said the minister, who was laying out MOM\u2019s spending plans.<\/p>\n
At a briefing for reporters, an MOM spokesperson said the ministry intends to expand the initiatives, particularly to building-related trades covered by STAS.<\/p>\n
STAS is an industry body for specialist contractors and suppliers in the building and construction sector. Its members include associations for air-conditioning, lifts and escalators, furniture, plumbing and other trades.<\/p>\n
Asked whether this is a response to job disruption caused by AI, the spokesperson said MOM\u2019s analysis and international analyses clearly showed that skilled trades have lower exposure to and risk of substitution by AI.<\/p>\n
But the focus on skilled trades is not because it is a \u201csafe harbour\u201d from AI. Instead, the impetus is to create more diverse pathways where people can succeed in their careers, said the spokesperson.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n