Artificial intelligence should not create ‘world of winners and losers’ where hardworking people are left behind: Desmond Choo
[SINGAPORE] Companies must be transparent and fair, and focus on workers, when adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, said National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) deputy secretary-general Desmond Choo.
Technological progress must not create a world of “winners and losers” where hardworking people get left behind, he warned in the debate on the President’s Address in Parliament on Wednesday (Sep 24).
First, for transparency, tripartite partners – the Ministry of Manpower, the labour movement and the Singapore National Employers Federation – must chart a common path.
The unions and workers must be involved in forging a transition pathway, said Choo, who is also Member of Parliament for Tampines Changkat SMC.
Second, workers “must be given fair gains from improvements in productivity”.
A world in which “only shareholders and a select few benefit from economic transformation is neither desirable nor sustainable”, he said.
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Third, the transition must be worker-centric.
Choo, who also co-chairs the Committee on Managing Impact of Restructuring under the government’s Economic Strategy Review, said that while transformation may involve restructuring, such moves “must always prioritise workers’ welfare”.
He said he is working with fellow co-chair Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming, as well as tripartite partners, to “ensure workers receive sufficient lead time, planning and support in every restructuring process”.
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NTUC will continue supporting the government in driving growth, future-proofing the workforce, and meeting emerging needs.
“Our support must be anchored in a shared commitment to the welfare of our workers,” said Choo. “We treasure our duty as our workers’ keeper. This means there will be times we disagree on the path forward.”
The labour movement will remain “unabashed” in its feedback, and tell the government when a policy – however well-intentioned – risks hurting workers on the ground, he said.
In a separate speech, Minister of State for Digital Development and Information and Minister-in-charge of the Government Technology Agency Jasmin Lau said the government’s aim is “not just to keep Singapore at the forefront of technology, but also to guard the values and integrity of our society, so that technology and AI do not become our digital opium”.
Meanwhile, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Finance and Manpower Shawn Huang called for bold action to secure Singapore’s place in the “machine economy”.
He outlined five priorities.
First, accelerating innovation through greater investment in robotics, AI and digital networks. This includes enabling regulatory sandboxes, so promising solutions can be developed, tested and scaled locally.
Second, expanding lifelong learning and apprenticeships, so all workers can upskill for the machine age.
Third, broadening participation by equipping small and medium-sized enterprises, and supporting inclusive workplaces. This means uplifting older workers and persons with disabilities, and making inclusion the new norm.
Fourth, securing access to clean, affordable energy and raw materials.
Finally, leading with trust by setting ethical standards, fostering open innovation, and preparing for emerging risks.
