Singapore’s job market appears robust, with 57,300 jobs created in 2025 – exceeding the previous year’s figures. Despite a slight increase in retrenchments, these were largely attributed to business restructuring, according to assessments.
Shifting Focus from Jobs to Workers
However, anxieties persist among certain segments of the workforce, as growth remains uneven across different sectors. Singapore is currently experiencing the early stages of job disruption due to generative AI, but widespread displacement has not yet occurred.
Instead, opportunities exist to leverage AI for job redesign and productivity improvements. AI’s impact is seen as building upon existing technologies like Industry 4.0 and robotic process automation.
When questioned about the role of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) in protecting jobs during the AI revolution, a firm stance was taken: the focus is on protecting workers, not necessarily preserving jobs that may become obsolete. NTUC aims to facilitate worker upgrades and improved job matching.
Expanding NTUC’s Role
NTUC’s relevance is evolving, with a growing emphasis on assisting workers in their career progression and securing placements in suitable positions. The organization is expanding its reach to new worker segments, with a shift towards supporting professionals, managers, executives, and technicians (PMEs) – now considered the majority of Singapore’s workforce.
NTUC intends to provide value to all worker demographics, regardless of age or skill level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current state of Singapore’s job market?
Singapore’s job market is currently robust, with 57,300 jobs created in 2025, exceeding the previous year’s figures. However, some segments of the workforce are experiencing anxiety due to uneven growth across sectors.
What is NTUC’s position on protecting jobs in the age of AI?
NTUC’s philosophy is to protect workers, and it does not prioritize protecting jobs if those jobs are becoming irrelevant or obsolete. The focus is on helping workers upgrade their skills and transition into better opportunities.
Which segment of the workforce is NTUC increasingly focusing on?
NTUC is expanding its focus to include professionals, managers, executives, and technicians (PMEs), who now make up the majority (64.2%) of Singapore’s employed residents.
As technology continues to evolve, how might the role of unions like NTUC need to adapt to best serve the needs of a changing workforce?
