N環球 
Singapore SM Lee urges port workers to embrace AI reskilling, calls for strong tripartite ties
Speaking at the Singapore Port Workers Union's 80th anniversary dinner, the senior minister called on unions, management and government to work closely to help workers keep learning.
Why it matters
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has called for close tripartite cooperation between unions, port management and the government to help port workers keep reskilling and protect their livelihoods amid the wave of AI and automation.
Dinner speech
Lee was speaking on the evening of Oct. 17 at the Singapore Port Workers Union's (SPWU) 80th anniversary dinner, attended by more than 600 union leaders, members and management representatives. He said port workers must actively reskill and embrace new technologies such as AI and robotics to take on higher-value, technology-driven roles: "As in past waves of transformation, we must not leave workers to face these changes alone." He was also conferred the union's Honorary Membership.
Transformation journey
The port industry has undergone several waves of technological transformation, from manual stevedoring and yard-crane operators to remotely operated automated guided vehicles. Each time jobs changed, PSA retrained workers for new roles, while union leaders persuaded workers to adopt a flexible mindset and upgrade their skills. The union, founded in 1946, represents more than 10,000 members from PSA and port logistics companies.
💬 Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!