Wong vows to protect jobs from AI, trade wars
The impact of the US-China rivalry, President Donald Trump's tariff war and threats to workers from new technologies were the key challenges Wong highlighted in his annual National Day Rally speech on Sunday, marking the country's 60th year.
'This next chapter opens in a more troubled and turbulent world,' Wong said.
In his first major address since May's election, Wong underscored plans to fortify the trade-reliant economy and strengthen social safety nets, as well as redevelop portions of the island and build new housing.
Wong, 52, campaigned on the need to preserve stability amid slowing global growth and rising protectionism, arguing that the PAP was best placed to shield Singaporeans from economic shocks, including the impact of US tariff policies.
'Ultimately, our economic strategy is about jobs, jobs and jobs – that's our number one priority,' he said.
'We will do more to help Singaporeans seize new job opportunities.'
Singapore will 'equip and empower every enterprise' to harness AI effectively, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, Wong said, adding that the island nation would launch a new job-matching initiative and a government-funded traineeship programme for university graduates. — Bloomberg
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