Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has pledged further government action to address rising living costs among lower-wage workers and employment concerns among those in their 40s and 50s, highlighting the need to ensure economic growth translates into better outcomes for workers.
Speaking at the People’s Action Party (PAP) Awards and Conference 2026 at Singapore Expo on 25 October, Wong told about 3,000 party activists that the benefits of Singapore’s economic growth were not being shared equally across the workforce.
“Some workers are benefiting from new opportunities, but others are struggling to keep up,” he said.
Lower-wage workers remain concerned about keeping pace with rising costs, while those in their 40s and 50s who lose their jobs face uncertainty over whether they can secure employment again, Wong said.
“We understand these concerns and we will respond to them. Our task is not just to keep the economy growing. It is to make sure that growth translates into better lives for all Singaporeans.”
He added that the government’s agenda for its current term would include addressing cost-of-living pressures and helping Singaporeans access better jobs, signalling that further support measures could follow.
Skills support helps mature worker transition to IT
Wong highlighted the experience of 45-year-old, who spent more than two decades in the food and beverage industry before losing his job as a restaurant manager early last year.
As the sole breadwinner for his family, Fajar received about S$2,800 over two months through the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme. The financial assistance gave him time to undertake training and consider his next career move.
He has since transitioned into a new role as an IT operations specialist with ST Engineering. “The support gave him a chance. But his determination helped him make the most of it,” Wong said.
The example underscored the role of financial assistance and skills development in helping displaced workers navigate career transitions, particularly those seeking to move into new sectors later in their working lives.
Wong said the government would continue to create opportunities and support workers through periods of change, while emphasising that employees also need to be prepared to learn new skills and adapt to changing job requirements.
Government strengthens partnership with unions
Wong also highlighted the government’s collaboration with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and unions to help workers adapt to changes in the labour market and return to employment after job loss.
Addressing NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng and union leaders, he said: “Thank you for the strong and symbiotic partnership. Our efforts are working and delivering results.”
The partnership is part of Singapore’s broader approach to supporting workers through economic and workplace changes, including through employment assistance and skills training.
PAP elects new Central Executive Committee
The conference also saw party cadres elect 12 members to the PAP’s 39th Central Executive Committee (CEC), its top decision-making body. The members were selected by secret ballot from 19 candidates.
Those elected include Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Education Minister Desmond Lee, Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing, Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli, Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam, Sustainability and the Environment Minister Grace Fu, National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat, Law Minister Edwin Tong, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung and Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.
Energy and Industry Minister Tan See Leng and Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad were subsequently co-opted into the committee after receiving the 13th and 14th highest number of votes.
The PAP constitution allows up to six members to be co-opted.
Separately, 526 activists were recognised at the party’s awards ceremony. The Meritorious Service Medal, the highest honour presented, went to former Members of Parliament Charles Chong and Sitoh Yih Pin.
Chong, the PAP’s longest-serving backbencher, serves as an adviser to the SIA Engineering Company Engineers and Executives Union and mentors a new generation of union leaders.