PM Lawrence Wong stresses deliberate AI integration to boost productivity while safeguarding local employment.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has called for Singapore to harness artificial intelligence (AI) carefully and strategically, ensuring that its adoption enhances job opportunities and strengthens the nation’s economic resilience amid global uncertainties.

Harnessing AI for Workers, Not Replacing Them

Speaking at the Global-City Singapore: SG60 and Beyond conference on July 29, PM Wong highlighted that Singapore’s compact system and strong tripartite ties give it an edge in adopting AI. Unlike countries that may rush into technology, Singapore will prioritize worker retraining and job redesign alongside AI integration.

“Embrace it, adopt it, but always make sure the power of technology benefits workers, not replaces them,” Wong said, underscoring the importance of ensuring Singaporeans thrive in an AI-driven economy.

Broad-Based Adoption, Not Just Cutting-Edge Innovation

While countries leading in frontier technology often capture attention, Wong stressed that the real economic advantage lies in broad-based AI adoption across industries. The government is working to help both large corporations and small enterprises leverage AI to transform operations and boost productivity.

An IPS survey revealed that Singapore firms lag behind regional peers in automation ambitions, with many underestimating AI’s impact on employment. Wong said targeted support will help businesses unlock AI’s full potential.

Addressing Concerns About Job Displacement

Wong acknowledged widespread concerns that AI, unlike past technological shifts, could replace many human roles. However, he emphasized that history shows new technologies ultimately create better, higher-paying jobs. Singapore’s approach, he said, is to prepare workers through retraining so they can seize these new opportunities.

The government’s focus will be on ensuring AI adoption leads to meaningful work and higher standards of living, rather than widespread job losses.

Company-by-Company Transformation

Singapore’s small size allows it to implement AI adoption systematically, working with companies individually to integrate technology into their processes. Wong shared examples of firms that, upon evaluating AI strategically, uncovered “tremendous advantages” that were previously overlooked.

“If there is any country that can do this company by company, it is us,” he affirmed, pointing to Singapore’s ability to coordinate efforts effectively across sectors.

Balancing Global Ambitions with Local Priorities

Beyond technology, Wong reaffirmed Singapore’s goal to remain a “shining node” in a network of cosmopolitan cities. However, he stressed that local well-being remains central, with policies ensuring Singaporeans benefit first from global advancements.

“We are cosmopolitan, but we are Asian, we are multicultural,” Wong said, adding that stability, predictability, and trust are intangible assets that position Singapore uniquely in a fragmented world.

Singapore’s deliberate approach to AI adoption—focused on job creation, retraining, and broad-based integration—offers a model for balancing technological progress with social stability. For Singaporeans and Indonesians alike, these policies highlight how Southeast Asian economies can leverage innovation to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Sources: The Straits Times (2025), CNA (2025)

Keywords: AI Singapore, Job Creation, Technology Integration, Lawrence Wong, Future Workforce