{"id":52069,"date":"2026-05-13T18:01:34","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T10:01:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=52069"},"modified":"2026-05-13T18:01:34","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T10:01:34","slug":"workers-in-singapore-at-risk-of-disruption-could-be-offered-career-bridges-into-other-jobs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=52069","title":{"rendered":"Workers in Singapore at risk of disruption could be offered \u2018career bridges\u2019 into other jobs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">SINGAPORE &#8211; <!-- -->Workers who are more exposed to disruption\u00a0from\u00a0artificial intelligence (AI), automation and changing cost structures could be offered \u201ccareer bridges\u201d to move into other occupations that build on their existing skills and experience.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">They should be put on structured pathways with training, career guidance and job-matching services to support them in their transition to \u201cmore resilient occupations\u201d, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/spore-sets-out-economic-strategy-road-map-to-stay-competitive-create-good-jobs-after-review?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">final recommendations by the Economic Strategy Review (ESR) committees released on May 13<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The recommendations did not specify which industries or sectors were viewed to be at risk and which were seen as more resilient to disruption.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The move will \u201cproactively develop workforce transition plans before large-scale displacement happens\u201d, the ESR said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cWe could prioritise areas with more acute disruption pressures, and where there are ready industry partners and trade associations and chambers we can work with to support the effort,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Workers at risk of disruption could be offered \u2018career bridges\u2019 to other jobs: DPM Gan\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RNmyAxF4MRE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">This is part of an effort to establish a stronger system for career transitions and worker support, which was named as one of the eight thrusts of the ESR.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who laid out the recommendations at a conference organised by the Singapore Business Federation, said Singaporeans should be prepared for career transitions to become more common.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He said: \u201cSome workers will need to move into adjacent occupations. Others may require deeper reskilling. Some PMEs may face longer periods of adjustment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cWe must strengthen support for workers in transition. Our support systems must become more integrated and more anticipatory.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">PMEs, which stands for professionals, managers and executives, make up a significant portion of the local workforce. More than half of them felt the need to upskill to remain relevant amid the disruption from AI, a recent National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) survey found.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Mr Gan added that domestic-facing and essential sectors, such as healthcare, early childhood education, social services and skilled trades, will continue to provide important employment opportunities.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He said these roles \u201ccan be augmented by AI but not easily replaced by it\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cWe must make these jobs better through productivity improvements, stronger skills recognition, wage progression, and clearer career pathways,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"landscape inline-media-wrapper\" data-testid=\"inline-media-test-id\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start relative w-fit\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/cb83466e2402173d92c3764aaffd4ee175c9aba01565c792e470eb36c6b1fce9?w=480\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/cb83466e2402173d92c3764aaffd4ee175c9aba01565c792e470eb36c6b1fce9?w=720\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 721px and max-width: 3999px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/cb83466e2402173d92c3764aaffd4ee175c9aba01565c792e470eb36c6b1fce9?w=900\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 4000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/cb83466e2402173d92c3764aaffd4ee175c9aba01565c792e470eb36c6b1fce9\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/cb83466e2402173d92c3764aaffd4ee175c9aba01565c792e470eb36c6b1fce9\" alt=\"Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong delivering his keynote speech during the SBF Future Economy Conference at Sands Expo and Convention Centre on May 13.\" class=\"aspect-landscape flex items-start shrink-0 object-cover landscape article-landscape mobile:w-auto tablet:w-auto\" data-testid=\"image-test-id\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption class=\"mobile:mx-16 tablet:mx-00 flex flex-col gap-08 py-16 desktop:pb-24\">\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular text-secondary\" data-testid=\"inline-media-caption-test-id\">Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong delivering his keynote speech during the SBF Future Economy Conference at Sands Expo and Convention Centre on May 13.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular text-placeholder\" data-testid=\"inline-media-credit-test-id\">ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The ESR also suggested earlier intervention in the area of retrenchment support. Companies are currently required to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/politics\/no-need-to-raise-penalties-for-late-retrenchment-notices-for-now-tan-see-leng?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">notify the Government of retrenchments within five working days<\/span><\/a> after informing affected workers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The committees recommended that the Government work more closely with tripartite partners to shorten mandatory retrenchment notification timelines and encourage advance notifications.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Another recommendation is to strengthen the support for PMEs who are increasingly affected by restructuring and face longer periods of job searching than lower- and middle-income workers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">On this front, the ESR proposed reviewing official schemes like the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme to consider expanding its coverage to include more PMEs, and to explore more ways to support workers who experience income reductions during career transitions.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"portrait inline-media-wrapper\" style=\"--aspect-article-portrait:1000 \/ 1384\" data-testid=\"inline-media-test-id\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start relative w-fit\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/b388502bffc34ed0f7e81a76eae3eaf6dbbc7989579a7e98b89ae0cb7b31c9f0?w=480\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/b388502bffc34ed0f7e81a76eae3eaf6dbbc7989579a7e98b89ae0cb7b31c9f0?w=720\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 721px and max-width: 3999px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/b388502bffc34ed0f7e81a76eae3eaf6dbbc7989579a7e98b89ae0cb7b31c9f0?w=900\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 4000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/b388502bffc34ed0f7e81a76eae3eaf6dbbc7989579a7e98b89ae0cb7b31c9f0\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/b388502bffc34ed0f7e81a76eae3eaf6dbbc7989579a7e98b89ae0cb7b31c9f0\" alt=\"\" class=\"aspect-portrait flex items-start shrink-0 portrait article-portrait object-contain mobile:w-auto tablet:w-auto\" data-testid=\"image-test-id\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Another area is to closely monitor the impact of AI on workers and adjust policies when needed, as the full effects of AI on jobs, wages and the labour market are still unfolding.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) said in a statement on May 13 that it welcomed recommendations made by the ESR, and that it will work with the Ministry of Manpower and NTUC on retrenchment notification timelines.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cWe must recognise that as businesses transform, some restructuring is unavoidable and we fully support efforts to help both employers and workers navigate this transition,\u201d SNEF said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">NTUC said workers were already experiencing the impact of a faster-changing economy, with greater job uncertainty, more frequent career transitions, and the rising pressure to continually adapt their skills.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The union said it has been working closely with tripartite partners in the ESR committee to surface workers\u2019 concerns. It will \u201cfocus on translating these directional shifts into tangible improvements for workers\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">This includes strengthening the link between economic transformation and tangible outcomes for workers, and supporting workers to navigate career transitions more effectively, NTUC said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Another aim of the ESR is to create more and a broader range of good jobs. This includes advancing an AI strategy that complements workers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The committee believes that AI should be deployed even when human capabilities such as judgment, interaction and trust remain central, as it can open up new roles and career opportunities.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">For instance,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/business\/dbs-identifies-13000-workers-for-ai-data-skills-training-amid-plans-to-cut-4000-staff-over-3-years?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\"> AI has been embedded throughout the operations at DBS Bank<\/span><\/a>, including in risk management and institutional banking.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The bank has equipped its 40,000 employees with the foundational understanding and practical exposure to AI.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">It is also reskilling employees into new jobs that are being created because of the technology, such as supporting customer service officers in their transitions into AI agent monitoring managers and generative AI evaluators.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The ESR also stressed empowering workers to learn for life and take charge of their careers, namely by deepening SkillsFuture support for career transitions and lifelong learning.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">This could entail expanding funding for post-graduate programmes at institutes of higher learning and scaling up modular and stackable pathways, so workers can build skills progressively and apply them while remaining employed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Mr Michael Leow, a project manager at integrated facilities management solutions firm Engie Services Singapore, is doing just that.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"default inline-media-wrapper\" data-testid=\"inline-media-test-id\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start relative w-fit\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/03c63c3fa0f6219cfa47390fc9a6a422d944471da3850514464065abc784249e?w=480\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/03c63c3fa0f6219cfa47390fc9a6a422d944471da3850514464065abc784249e?w=720\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 721px and max-width: 3999px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/03c63c3fa0f6219cfa47390fc9a6a422d944471da3850514464065abc784249e?w=900\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 4000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/03c63c3fa0f6219cfa47390fc9a6a422d944471da3850514464065abc784249e\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/03c63c3fa0f6219cfa47390fc9a6a422d944471da3850514464065abc784249e\" alt=\"Mr Michael Leow, a project manager at Engie Services Singapore, is currently working while pursuing a degree in applied computing at the Singapore Institute of Technology.\" class=\"aspect-default flex items-start shrink-0 object-cover default article-default mobile:w-auto tablet:w-auto\" data-testid=\"image-test-id\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption class=\"mobile:mx-16 tablet:mx-00 flex flex-col gap-08 py-16 desktop:pb-24\">\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular text-secondary\" data-testid=\"inline-media-caption-test-id\">Mr Michael Leow, a project manager at Engie Services Singapore, is working while pursuing a bachelor\u2019s in applied computing at the Singapore Institute of Technology.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular text-placeholder\" data-testid=\"inline-media-credit-test-id\">PHOTO: COURTESY OF MICHAEL LEOW<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He is using his experience in IT engineering and facilities management to pursue a bachelor\u2019s in applied computing, under a pathway at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT).<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The pathway breaks down degree programmes into a range of micro-credentials that can be acquired at one\u2019s own pace.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Mr Leow, 47, told The Straits Times that he is currently pursuing his fifth of eight required micro-credentials.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He hopes to use the qualification to transition into roles involving cloud technologies, AI-driven solutions, digital transformation and technical leadership.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cThe programme\u2019s flexibility allows me to study anytime and anywhere, which supports a healthy balance between my academic, professional and family commitments,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"[FULL] DPM Gan on three strategic imperatives for Singapore\u2019s economy\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VEoY3yIcrUU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">SIT associate professor Mustafa Shabbir Kurbanhusen, who is also the institution\u2019s assistant provost for continuous learning, said: \u201cMichael\u2019s journey reflects a growing shift in how working adults are approaching higher education today.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cBeyond academic progression, the pathway recognises that lifelong learning is no longer about returning to school for a single milestone, but about continuously adapting, reskilling and remaining relevant in a rapidly evolving economy.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/workers-in-spore-at-risk-of-disruption-could-be-offered-career-bridges-into-other-jobs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read Full Article At Source <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SINGAPORE &#8211; Workers who are more exposed to disruption\u00a0from\u00a0artificial intelligence (AI), automation and changing cost structures could be offered \u201ccareer bridges\u201d to move into other&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":52071,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2611],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-52069","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buzz-headlines","wpcat-2611-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52069","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=52069"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52069\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/52071"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=52069"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=52069"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=52069"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}