Jobs, AI & a “We-First” Future: Key Takeaways from PM Wong’s National Day Rally 2025

NewsAugust 18, 2025 09:00

Source: The Straits Times

On 17 August 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered his National Day Rally speech at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Headquarters. Coming just days after Singapore’s 60th year of independence (SG60), his address marked both a celebration of how far the nation has come and a roadmap for the decade ahead. 

Against a backdrop of global uncertainty, rising trade tensions, and technological disruption, PM Wong outlined how Singapore will secure jobs, strengthen resilience, and shape a “We-First” future together. For companies, workers, and expats, the speech carried one consistent theme: jobs and innovation remain at the heart of Singapore’s future.

Here’s what employers and professionals need to know.

1. Jobs at the Core of Singapore’s Strategy

PM Wong made it clear that Singapore’s economic blueprint starts with jobs.

  • Town-level job matching: Community Development Councils (CDCs) will connect jobseekers with vacancies closer to home, working through their networks with SMEs and community partners.
  • Career fairs in institutions: Employers will be brought directly into ITEs, polytechnics, and universities to engage students early.
  • Economic Resilience Taskforce: Chaired by DPM Gan Kim Yong, this group is reviewing long-term strategies amid tariffs and global supply chain disruption.

Why it matters: Employers gain easier access to talent pipelines, while jobseekers—locals and expats—benefit from stronger placement support and new career channels.

2. New Traineeships to Keep Graduates Competitive

The government will roll out a new government-funded traineeship programme for ITE, polytechnic, and university graduates.

  • Graduates will gain real-world experience with an allowance.
  • The programme can scale up during downturns, offering a safety net for young jobseekers.

Why it matters: Companies can engage fresh talent with reduced hiring risk, while graduates sharpen skills and remain competitive in tighter job markets.

3. Mid-Career Boost: SkillsFuture Level Up

For mid-career professionals, PM Wong announced enhancements to the SkillsFuture Level Up programme (for those aged 40+):

  • Training allowances can now be used for part-time courses, not just full-time study.
  • New course providers will be added, including industry leaders and private training partners.

Why it matters: Employers can better support mid-career reskilling, while professionals—including expats seeking longer careers here—gain more flexible upskilling routes.

4. Harnessing AI, Betting on Quantum & Redesigning Jobs

Artificial Intelligence (AI) featured prominently in the Rally as a “real game changer.”

  • AI in action: Civil service call centres now use AI to transcribe and summarise calls in four languages. Q&M Dental uses AI scans to assist in diagnosis. Tuas Port and Changi Airport are adopting AI and robotics for automation.
  • Empowering all enterprises: The government will ensure SMEs as well as large firms can adopt AI effectively.
  • Protecting workers: AI adoption will be tied to job redesign and retraining, so employees shift into higher-value roles.
  • Quantum computing investments: Beyond AI, Singapore is also building capabilities in quantum computing, a frontier technology that could transform industries in the next 10–20 years.

Why it matters: Companies should start planning how AI and frontier tech can complement operations, while workers must embrace digital literacy and adaptability to stay ahead.

5. Youth & Digital Resilience

While the jobs focus dominated, PM Wong also addressed youth concerns around vaping, screen time, and AI in education.

  • Teachers are using AI creatively, such as chatbots for language learning.
  • Students are being taught not just to use AI, but to critique it—building digital resilience and independent thinking.

Why it matters: For employers, this signals a future workforce that is digitally savvy but also values-driven. For young professionals, it reinforces the importance of balancing tech skills with human qualities like creativity, empathy, and purpose.

6. Ageing Workforce: Singapore’s Super-Aged Reality

Singapore will soon cross into “super-aged” territory, where more than 21% of the population is 65 or older. PM Wong announced Age Well Neighbourhoods to help seniors live and age in place.

  • Healthcare at the doorstep: Basic services and health consultations will be brought into estates.
  • Home support: Services like simple fixes, housekeeping, and daily living support will expand.
  • Active ageing centres: More centres and programmes, from gym rooms to carpentry workshops, will keep seniors engaged.

This complements the Healthier SG initiative, which focuses on preventive care, healthier lifestyles, and closing the gap between lifespan and healthspan.

Why it matters: Businesses can explore new opportunities in healthcare, wellness, and age-friendly services. Workers should prepare for multi-generational workplaces and longer career spans.

7. Revitalising the North: Growth and Opportunity

The north of Singapore is set for transformation. PM Wong outlined major redevelopment plans:

  • Woodlands: A five-times larger checkpoint, RTS Link opening by end-2026, plus ~4,000 new HDB flats.
  • Kranji: A new housing estate with ~14,000 homes on the former racecourse site, and a new Sungei Kadut MRT interchange.
  • Sembawang: Creative reuse of the shipyard into a waterfront hub with community, lifestyle, and commercial spaces.

Why it matters: These developments will create new talent hubs and business catchments. Companies should anticipate shifting demographics, while expats may discover new housing and lifestyle options.

8. A “We-First” Society: Collaboration as Singapore’s Edge

PM Wong ended with a strong message: Singapore’s success lies in being a “We-First” society.

  • More citizen panels, hackathons, and youth councils will be created to involve Singaporeans in shaping the nation’s future.
  • The government intends not just to do things for Singaporeans, but with them.

Why it matters: Companies that champion collaboration, social responsibility, and community engagement will be well aligned with Singapore’s national direction. Workers who contribute beyond their immediate roles will thrive in this culture of shared purpose.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the new traineeship programme?
It’s a government-funded scheme for ITE, polytechnic, and university graduates, providing real-world work experience with allowances.

Q: How will SkillsFuture Level Up change?
Mid-career workers can now use allowances for part-time study, and more industry-led training options will be added.

Q: How will AI impact Singapore’s job market?
AI will raise productivity across industries, but jobs will be redesigned with retraining to ensure workers move into higher-value roles.

Q: What does a “We-First” society mean for companies?
It signals the importance of collaboration and community-building. Businesses are encouraged to support workers and give back, building resilience across the economy.

 

Conclusion & Call-to-Action

PM Wong’s National Day Rally 2025 sends a clear signal: Singapore’s next decade will be defined by jobs, skills, and collective resilience.

For companies, this is the time to adopt AI, explore frontier technologies like quantum computing, support mid-career transitions, and prepare for demographic change.

For workers and expats, it is reassurance that opportunities, upskilling, and support will remain central to Singapore’s growth story.

👉 For Employers: Partner with us to tap into fresh traineeship pipelines and skilled talent pools.

👉 For Professionals & Jobseekers: Sign up with us to explore career pathways and upskilling opportunities in Singapore’s evolving job market.

 

 

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