SUPPORT FOR WORKERS
Singapore will not rush to adopt technology without ensuring support for workers, Mr Wong said. The government will work closely with unions and workers to redesign jobs and empower employees.
“Ultimately, our economic strategy is about jobs, jobs and jobs – that’s our number one priority,” he said.
To that end, a new job-matching initiative will be launched at the town level by the five CDCs. With their local networks of merchants, SMEs and community partners, they are well-placed to match jobseekers with vacancies – especially those who prefer to work closer to home.
The mayors will share more details on the scheme soon, he added.
A SkillsFuture Level Up programme for those 40 and older was also introduced last year, Mr Wong said.
Under the programme, eligible mid-career workers receive S$4,000 (US$3,100) in SkillsFuture credits and training allowances of up to S$3,000 a month for those who take time off from work to study full-time.
As announced in his Budget 2025 speech, part of the training allowance can be claimed for part-time courses. Course offerings will also be expanded to include programmes by private providers and industry leaders, in addition to institutes of higher learning.
Singapore must continue building a dynamic economy that creates good jobs and better lives for all Singaporeans, said Mr Wong.
“We may not be able to match other countries in size or scale. But we will stay ahead in ideas, in innovation, and in our collective will to move forward – together as one united people.”
