Singapore is preparing workers for a future where career changes may become the norm rather than the exception. In a major workforce shift, the country is considering “career bridges” to help employees move into new jobs as artificial intelligence, automation and rising business costs disrupt industries, as reported by the straits times.
The proposal forms part of the final recommendations released by Singapore’s Economic Strategy Review (ESR) committees on May 13. The aim is clear: prevent workers from being left behind before large-scale job displacement begins.
Under the plan, workers whose roles are vulnerable to disruption could be guided into adjacent occupations that match their existing skills and experience. The transition would be supported through structured training, career guidance and job-matching services.
Early intervention
The ESR said Singapore must become more “anticipatory” in handling workforce disruption instead of reacting after retrenchments occur.
The committees proposed building workforce transition plans in advance, especially in sectors facing stronger disruption pressures. Industry groups and trade associations could also play a larger role in helping workers navigate these changes.
Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister said, “Singaporeans should expect career transitions to become increasingly common as technology rapidly transforms the economy.”
He warned that while some workers may shift into nearby roles with minimal retraining, others could require deep reskilling and longer adjustment periods.
“Our support systems must become more integrated and more anticipatory,” he added while presenting the recommendations at a conference organised by the Singapore Business Federation.
AI pressure rises
The recommendations come as anxiety over AI-driven disruption grows among Singapore’s workforce, especially among PMEs - professionals, managers and executives.
A recent survey by the National Trades Union Congress found that more than half of PMEs believe they need to upskill to stay relevant in an AI-driven economy.
The ESR noted that PMEs are increasingly affected by restructuring and often face longer job searches than lower- and middle-income workers.
To address this, the review suggested expanding schemes such as the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme to cover more PMEs and exploring financial support for workers facing income reductions during career transitions.
Jobs that stay
Despite fears around automation, Singapore believes several sectors will remain resilient.
Yong said domestic-facing and essential industries such as healthcare, early childhood education, social services and skilled trades are expected to continue generating jobs because they are difficult to fully replace with AI.
Instead, these roles are likely to be enhanced by technology rather than eliminated.
The Government also wants to improve these jobs through stronger wage progression, clearer career pathways and better recognition of skills.
Retrenchment rethink
The ESR also called for faster retrenchment reporting timelines.
Currently, companies are required to notify authorities within five working days after informing employees about layoffs. The committees now want earlier notifications and closer coordination between employers, unions and the Government.
The Singapore National Employers Federation backed the recommendations, saying business restructuring is unavoidable as companies transform.
Meanwhile, the NTUC acknowledged that workers are already feeling the pressure of a rapidly changing economy, with growing job uncertainty and constant pressure to adapt.
The union said it would work closely with partners to turn the recommendations into “tangible improvements” for workers navigating career transitions.