Singapore PM Lawrence Wong says AI must create better jobs as he flags global uncertainty in National Day message

Singapore must prepare its workforce and economy for a more uncertain world while ensuring that technology, particularly artificial intelligence, works in the interests of people, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in his 2026 National Day Message.

Delivering his message on 8 August, Wong said Singapore’s economy had remained resilient despite a more difficult global environment, with robust growth in the first half of the year and continued job creation.

But he acknowledged growing concerns among Singaporeans over what geopolitical tensions, rising costs and technological disruption could mean for jobs, families and their future.

“We cannot control events beyond our shores. But we can control how we respond,” Wong said, stressing that the government would continue to support Singaporeans through the uncertainty.

The Prime Minister pointed to conflicts, rising trade barriers and weakening trust between nations as some of the forces reshaping the global environment. The conflict in the Middle East, he said, had also affected households and businesses through higher energy prices, disrupted supply chains and increased costs.

Despite these pressures, Singapore was benefiting from the rapid growth of AI, particularly in the semiconductor sector, he said.

AI was a major focus of Wong’s message, with the Prime Minister acknowledging both its economic potential and the anxiety it is creating among workers.

“AI is already transforming industries and changing the way we work,” he said, while recognising that many workers are concerned about how the technology could affect their livelihoods.

Singapore’s approach, he said, would be to use AI to raise productivity and create better jobs while investing in skills and training so workers can adapt.

“We will make full use of AI to raise productivity and create better jobs,” Wong said. “At the same time, we will invest in skills and training, so that every worker can adapt, grow and thrive.”

The emphasis on skills comes as Singapore continues to strengthen its workforce support systems amid rapid technological change. The government has been expanding reskilling and career transition programmes, particularly for mid-career and older workers, while also helping young people gain industry experience and enter emerging sectors.

Wong’s message reinforces a growing focus in Singapore's workforce strategy: AI adoption must go hand in hand with worker readiness.

Wong also addressed concerns over the impact of technology on children and young people, particularly the growing use of social media.

While acknowledging that social media can help people stay connected and exchange ideas, he said parents were increasingly concerned about its impact on children’s mental well-being, relationships and development.

The government will therefore introduce stronger safeguards to help children navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

The move reflects a broader approach outlined by Wong: Singapore should embrace new technologies, but not accept them uncritically.

“As technology evolves, we will continue to shape it in ways that serve our people and strengthen our society,” he said.

Beyond technology and the economy, Wong placed families and the pressures of everyday life at the centre of his message.

He said families around the world were facing growing pressure as parents try to provide their children with the best possible start while also caring for ageing parents and managing the demands of work.

“Many families are stretched as they juggle these competing demands,” he said. Singapore is now undertaking a major review of how it supports families, covering areas including the cost of raising children and access to affordable infant care and childcare.

Wong said the review would look beyond marriage and parenthood to consider support throughout different stages of life.

More details are expected at the National Day Rally. The focus on family support comes as Singapore continues to address the pressures created by an ageing population, longer working lives and the challenge of balancing careers with caregiving.

Wong also signalled a renewed push to strengthen Singapore’s economic competitiveness. Earlier this year, the government completed a comprehensive review of its economic strategies. Building on that work, Singapore will refresh its approach to industry and trade, strengthen competitiveness and continue investing in its people.

The aim, Wong said, is not simply to manage the current period of uncertainty but to position Singapore for longer-term growth.

Singapore will also continue investing in energy security, infrastructure and the efficient use of its limited land, while remaining open to international business, talent and ideas.

For a small economy heavily dependent on global trade, Wong said, openness remains essential. “When times are uncertain, it is tempting for countries to turn inward. But Singapore cannot afford to do so,” he said.

Wong closed his message by returning to the values that have shaped Singapore since independence.

He said Singapore had been built through the sacrifice and hard work of earlier generations and that the current generation had a responsibility to leave behind a stronger country.

PM Wong also pointed to Singapore’s National Pledge and its commitment to building “one united people” as a reminder of the importance of social cohesion at a time when the world is becoming more divided.

“The challenges before us are real. But so too are our strengths, our resilience, our openness and our unity,” Wong said.

As Singapore marks its 61st National Day, the message sets out a clear direction for the next phase: remain open to the world, invest in people and skills, harness AI without losing sight of its impact on workers, strengthen support for families and continue building resilience in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Wong ended with a call for Singaporeans to stay united and look beyond the immediate challenges. “If we keep faith with one another and stay true to the ideals of our Pledge, we will build a better and stronger Singapore together.”