Tripartite partners announce new jobs council to support workers and businesses in AI transition

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to redefine industries, tripartite partners have announced plans to form a new council that will support workers and businesses through their AI transition in a fair and inclusive manner.

The Tripartite Jobs Council (TJC) was jointly introduced to the members of the press by NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, and Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) President Tan Hee Teck on 29 April 2026 at the NTUC Centre.

Through a coordinated tripartite approach, the council will identify and address AI transformation challenges and opportunities in Singapore's workforce. It will also help workers and businesses benefit from AI-driven transformation.

Dr Tan shared that according to a recent survey by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) of 2,560 businesses covering nearly half a million workers, around 70 per cent of businesses have not adopted AI, signalling an opportunity for the tripartite partners to reach out and engage them.

“The TJC represents our collective commitment to translate AI’s potential into good jobs for Singaporeans. By harnessing the combined reach and capabilities of our unions, employers, and the Government, we will help every worker maximise their potential, and every business can thrive by bringing out the best in their people,” he said.

Mr Ng shared that as AI changes the way people work, it is critical that workers are not left behind.

He gave examples of the concerns facing different worker segments, such as PMEs lacking full AI workplace application awareness, youth’s growing perception that skills and qualifications no longer guaranteeing employment, and seniors’ increasing anxiety over skills obsolescence.

Through the TJC, Mr Ng hopes that these concerns can be addressed.

“TJC is our steadfast commitment to workers of all collars, blue or white, in the AI age. It will bring together collective capabilities to be alongside our workers and businesses as we navigate this AI era,” he said.

SNEF’s Mr Tan added that with AI’s rapid development, it is crucial that businesses are supported to navigate this transformation, so that they may leverage AI effectively for productivity gains.

“The TJC efforts will focus on making sure that sustainable growth for businesses and good jobs for workers go hand-in-hand,” he said.

Tripartite commitment to support workers and businesses

The announcement, made ahead of May Day, underscores the Labour Movement’s commitment to support workers through change, said the tripartite partners in a joint media statement.

They wrote that the establishment of the TJC signals a renewed pledge by tripartite partners to protect livelihoods while embracing new technologies—anchored on better workers, better businesses and better jobs.

While AI presents opportunities for productivity gains and creation of new job roles, tripartite partners recognise that it can also bring about challenges and concerns over widening skills gaps.

The TJC will therefore take a coordinated tripartite approach to support enterprise workforce transformation alongside AI adoption, expand broad-based and sectoral training with targeted transition support for at-risk workers, and build public awareness of AI while encouraging take-up of related initiatives.

Tripartite partners will announce further details on the TJC’s composition and plans in the coming months.

Increased support for workers and businesses

For workers

Meanwhile, the Government is stepping up efforts to help Singaporeans build practical AI skills.

SkillsFuture Singapore will roll out a self-diagnostic tool for individuals to assess their AI readiness, alongside curated courses matched to different skill levels.

Those who take selected courses will also receive six months’ free access to premium AI tools.

Additionally, the Infocomm Media Development Authority will expand its TechSkills Accelerator programme to develop AI-skilled professionals, starting with the accountancy and legal sectors.

NTUC is also enhancing support for its members.

From 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2028, members can use their Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) benefits to subscribe to selected AI tools, helping to lower cost barriers and boost productivity.

Furthermore, NTUC LearningHub has introduced an AI-learning framework under the NTUC AI-Ready SG initiative, offering tailored training pathways.

More than 4,000 workers have enrolled in AI courses since its launch in February.

For businesses

The Government has also introduced the Enterprise Workforce Transformation Package to support workforce transformation.

A key component is the SkillsFuture Workforce Development Grant (Job Redesign+), which provides up to $150,000 per company to support job redesign, reskilling and AI adoption.

As an anchor partner, SNEF will support employers through advisory services, helping them identify how AI can improve operations and productivity.

It will also bring together business advisors, consultants and training providers, and work with NTUC to match companies to suitable programmes, including NTUC’s Company Training Committee initiative.

Follow our Instagram page for more impactful stories or learn more about what the Labour Movement is doing for workers.