SINGAPORE — Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on June 8 that artificial intelligence can boost productivity in labour‑short cities like Singapore, but warned the technology also brings risks to jobs and security.
Speaking at a Singapore Press Club dialogue, Wong urged firms to embed AI into processes rather than using it superficially, saying deeper adoption could transform operations and address chronic workforce shortages without relying solely on imported labour. He acknowledged uncertainty over AI’s long‑term net effect on employment and urged humility, but said disruption to existing roles is inevitable as tasks are automated and change accelerates.
Wong outlined the government’s focus on helping companies deploy AI effectively and on reskilling workers so they can take higher‑value roles as businesses evolve. He pointed to Singapore’s advantages, size and a strong tripartite partnership, that allow the state to guide AI deployment to complement workers and serve societal needs.
The prime minister, who chairs the National AI Council formed in February, said the council is exploring AI applications across advanced manufacturing, healthcare and finance. He described the AI revolution as still early, predicting both hype and eventual organizational transformation as new business models and successful deployments emerge.