SINGAPORE: Calls for \u201clocals first\u201d policies surfaced online after Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong warned that economic growth may not generate jobs anymore.<\/p>\n
Speaking at a mid-term update on Friday (Jan 30), Mr Gan, who chairs the Economy Strategy Review (ESR) exercise, said that achieving economic growth is going to be more challenging than ever before due to artificial intelligence (AI), geopolitics, and competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe environment is very different today. It\u2019s a new world, it\u2019s a changed world,\u201d he said, adding, \u201cWe can no longer assume that economic growth will generate jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTherefore, we need to pay particular attention to job creation and making sure that jobs created are good jobs for Singaporeans,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
According to Mr Gan, the Singapore government must \u201cdouble down\u201d its efforts in providing and supporting Singaporeans in their \u201cupgrading journey\u201d so that they will be AI-ready, job-ready, and future-ready.<\/p>\n
Talk of job creation, however, quickly sparked concerns among Singaporeans online, with some saying the warning rang hollow against the pressures they are already facing.<\/p>\n
While acknowledging the global headwinds cited by Mr Gan, one netizen said, \u201cbut locals are struggling now,\u201d pointing to the rising cost-of-living, housing pressures and job competition, calling for the government to \u201cput locals first\u201d by stepping up the implementation of \u201creal local-first policies\u201d.<\/p>\n
Others questioned, \u201cHow much can you really upskill?\u201d noting that it\u2019s not just about credentials, but also companies scaling down headcount because of higher labour costs for employing locals.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not sure what the solution could really be\u2026 increasing the Singapore-foreign talent quota or reducing overall immigration, but the precarious balance is very much tipping towards collapse,\u201d the commenter wrote.<\/p>\n
Another, however, asked why Singaporeans are always told to \u201cprepare\u201d for such problems, but it\u2019s never acknowledged that maybe foreigners are displacing locals.<\/p>\n
A netizen, seemingly resigned, added, \u201cIt sounds like nothing guarantees anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
7 recommendations from ESR committees to secure Singapore\u2019s economic growth and Singaporeans\u2019 jobs<\/p>\n
There were seven recommendations made by five ESR committees in the midterm update to secure Singapore\u2019s economic growth and create good jobs for Singaporeans, according to the media fact sheet released by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI).<\/p>\n
This includes:<\/p>\n
Extending Singapore\u2019s lead and establishing global leadership in key growth sectors, including those in manufacturing, such as in the fields of semiconductors, healthcare, speciality chemicals, and aerospace
\nPursuing emerging opportunities such as quantum, decarbonisation, and space technologies that can drive breakthroughs across Singapore\u2019s economy.
\nEstablishing Singapore as an AI leader with an AI-empowered economy
\nStrengthening the city-state\u2019s connectivity and linkages to global markets and more aggressively supporting firms to expand globally.
\nBroadening the range of good jobs in sectors that may be more resilient to global shifts and offer opportunities for quality employment.
\nMaking lifelong learning a practical reality through empowering Singapore workers to continuously upskill and reskill.
\nEnabling businesses to proactively navigate transitions by providing them practical support.<\/p>\n
To view the complete proposed recommendations by the ESR committees, click here<\/a>. \/TISG<\/a><\/p>\n