Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has made it clear: jobs for citizens remain the government’s top priority as the nation navigates global uncertainty and the rise of artificial intelligence.
In his National Day Rally speech, marking Singapore’s 60th year, Wong warned of challenges ahead — from escalating US-China trade frictions to the disruptive impact of AI on the workforce.
“Ultimately, our economic strategy is about jobs, jobs and jobs – that’s our number one priority,” Wong said.
A Focus on Stability and Opportunity
Fresh from May’s election win, Wong emphasized that Singapore will:
- Strengthen social safety nets, including unemployment benefits and subsidies for essentials.
- Redevelop urban areas and expand housing projects.
- Equip small and medium enterprises to harness AI.
- Launch new job-matching tools and government-funded traineeships for graduates.
Preparing for a New Economic Blueprint
With about 3.6 million citizens in a population of 6 million, Singapore is recalibrating its strategies to stay competitive in a shifting world. Wong pledged a review of long-term policies to ensure access to green energy, open new overseas markets, and future-proof the economy.
The announcement comes as Singapore revised its 2025 growth forecast upward, now expecting a 1.5%–2.5% expansion after stronger-than-expected results in the first half of the year.
Wong closed his address with a reminder that the next chapter will be written in a “more troubled and turbulent world” — and that Singapore’s resilience will depend on its ability to adapt, innovate, and secure good jobs for its people.
