Opening of 15th Parliament: Unity and worker support essential as Singapore navigates global uncertainty

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam placed workers at the centre of Singapore’s response to economic disruption and global uncertainty in his address on 5 September 2025 at the opening of the 15^th Parliament.

He outlined Singapore’s strategic priorities for navigating an increasingly turbulent global landscape.

Mr Tharman described the current era as “a critical juncture” marked by fundamental shifts in the global order, with the rivalry between America and China set to shape the strategic environment for decades to come.

His address emphasised Singapore’s resilience depends on empowering every worker to adapt and thrive.

Preparing workers for economic transformation

The President stressed that Singapore must refresh its economic strategies to remain competitive but warned that “economic change is disorienting” for workers.

“Jobs and skills will keep evolving, faster than before. Old industries will fade, and new ones will emerge. Skills that are in demand today may become obsolete tomorrow,” he said.

However, he emphasised that Singapore could prepare workers for this transition: “We cannot hold back this tide of change. But we can prepare ourselves – individually and collectively – to navigate it with confidence.

“As the economy transforms, we will empower workers with the skills they need to adapt and seize new opportunities.”

Harnessing AI while supporting workers

Mr Tharman highlighted artificial intelligence (AI) as crucial for Singapore’s economic future, noting that tripartism gives the nation an edge in deploying new technologies while managing workforce disruptions.

“Most firms know of AI, but few have embarked on serious transformation. Our task is to make it practical for every enterprise to harness AI, while stepping up the reskilling and upskilling of every segment of our workforce,” he said.

The President emphasised that AI should complement rather than replace workers.

“AI can be used both to raise efficiency and to complement human abilities, so that the gains are shared broadly and we involve all Singaporeans in building new sources of competitiveness.”

Strengthening assurance for all workers

Mr Tharman also highlighted enhanced initiatives to provide stronger worker support, including the Jobseeker Support Scheme for displaced workers and the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme for mid-career workers seeking to upgrade and pivot.

“These efforts reflect our conviction that Singaporeans should never face uncertainty on their own,” he said, adding that “no one will have to walk the journey alone.”

Mr Tharman also acknowledged immediate cost of living pressures facing Singaporeans.

“Rising costs – driven by global conflicts, tariffs and supply chain disruptions – weigh heavily on households. We understand these anxieties. That is why we will continue to cushion these burdens and ensure that every citizen has access to life’s essentials,” he said.

Special attention will be given to vulnerable groups, with the Government committed to uplifting lower-income families and strengthening support for Persons with Disabilities, including equipping them with further education and training and helping them make smoother transitions from school to work.

For Singaporeans at different life stages, Mr Tharman outlined comprehensive support:

For youth: The Government will prepare young people for a rapidly changing future by helping them secure good jobs, easing their anxieties about career prospects, and equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving economy.

For families: Enhanced support will be provided for caregivers through more flexible work arrangements and a stronger ecosystem of care in the community.

For seniors: The Government will encourage and support those who wish to continue working so their experience and wisdom can benefit others, while helping those planning retirement to build adequate financial security for their golden years.

Recognising all forms of work

Mr Tharman urged a fundamental shift in how society values different professions, pointing to Singapore’s education system as already reflecting this inclusive approach through Work-Study Programmes in polytechnics and ITEs that blend academic learning with practical experience.

“This requires us to challenge deep-seated assumptions about what constitutes valuable work, and who we consider to be professionals.

“Progress means recognising the value in every job – in the trades, crafts, and services, no less than in offices and boardrooms – and ensuring that everyone who contributes to society earns respect, and can build a good life,” he said.

Preventing wealth entrenchment

Meanwhile, the President warned against allowing inequality to become entrenched: “As societies mature, wealth can entrench, and inequality can become self-perpetuating.

“We see this around the world. Privilege is passed down, while disadvantage becomes harder to escape. We cannot allow this trend to be ingrained in Singapore.”

He reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to social mobility: “Everyone must have the chance to move up the escalator of skills, confidence, and a better life. Every Singaporean must be given the opportunity to develop themselves to their fullest potential.”

Building unity through shared purpose

Mr Tharman called for nurturing a “We First” society, emphasising that “Singapore can only stand tall if we act as one people. But unity is not mustered by belief alone.

“All of us must, through our everyday deeds and actions, put the collective before self: put ‘we’ before ‘me.’”

He stressed the importance of safeguarding racial and religious harmony: “We should resist any temptation to use race or religion for political gain, or to view national issues through such lenses.

“We know too well, including from our own history, the dangerous divisions and lasting scars that result from yielding to these temptations.”

Upholding trust in governance

Mr Tharman noted that while public trust in institutions is eroding globally, Singapore has maintained stability through a different approach: “We have valued stewardship over expediency, enduring responsibility over transient gain.

“And we have been able to do so because we have built trust – both between Government and the people, and amongst citizens themselves.”

Labour Movement representation in Parliament

Among the Members of Parliament sworn in for the 15th Parliament, seven represent the Labour Movement, ensuring continued advocacy for workers’ interests in the legislative process.

The Labour MPs include NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng and Deputy Secretaries-General Desmond Tan and Desmond Choo.

Assistant Secretaries-General Patrick Tay, Melvin Yong and Yeo Wan Ling will also continue their parliamentary duties alongside their Labour Movement roles.

NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) Stakeholder Management Director Wan Rizal completes the Labour Movement’s parliamentary representation. Mr Rizal joined NTUC on 18 August 2025.

The President concluded with a call for unity as Singapore writes its next chapter: “Let us stay firm in our resolve, yet open to change; confident in our future, yet humble about our place in the world; proud of our diversity, yet united as one people.

“This is how we will build a better Singapore – not just for ourselves, but for our children and generations to come.”