Tripartite partners outline joint plans as AI transforms Singapore’s workforce

SNEF, MOM and NTUC  will jointly push for skills, job redesign and workforce support.

Singapore’s labour movement, employers and the Government have outlined joint plans to manage the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), workforce change and economic uncertainty as the country marks May Day 2026.

In statements released for the occasion, the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) pointed to ongoing shifts in the labour market, including AI adoption, changing job requirements and cost pressures, and stressed continued tripartite cooperation.

SNEF said Singapore’s economy grew 5.0% in 2025, supported by manufacturing, wholesale trade, and finance and insurance. It noted that AI-related demand, especially in electronics, contributed to manufacturing growth, whilst the labour market remained tight with low unemployment.

SNEF said employers and workers continue to face uncertainty from geopolitical tensions, trade pressures and rapid technological change. It added that AI is changing job roles, with higher demand for workers who can apply AI tools in operations, decision-making and productivity.

It said it is working with tripartite partners on workforce transformation, including job redesign, career conversion programmes and skills development support for firms and workers.

In its May Day message, MOM said AI is already changing work across industries and will continue to do so. It highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen skills development, employment support and wage frameworks to help workers adjust.

NTUC said in its May Day Rally that AI disruption is affecting workers across job levels, including entry-level roles, and noted concerns about job security amongst some workers based on its engagements.

NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng said tripartite cooperation is central to managing these changes, highlighting the Tripartite Jobs Council (TJC), announced in April 2026 by MOM, NTUC, and SNEF, as a key coordination platform for workforce transformation.

The TJC is a joint platform formed to align efforts on jobs and skills by coordinating job redesign, training and job matching as industries adopt AI and adjust to structural change.

“The AI era demands the same, if not stronger, tripartite collaboration,” Ng said.

He added that the council will help align efforts across agencies such as NTUC’s e2i, Workforce Singapore, and SNEF advisory services.

SNEF said it will continue working with partners to strengthen human capital capabilities and encourage firms to invest in AI-related skills.

MOM said separately that it is reviewing employment frameworks and strengthening support measures to ensure policies keep pace with changes in work patterns and workforce needs.