Singapore Government Unveils AI-Era Jobs and Skills Plan at NDR 2025

Singapore - Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced a series of initiatives to strengthen job opportunities and support workers, stressing that employment remains the government’s top priority. Delivering his National Day Rally speech, he reaffirmed that Singapore’s economic strategy will continue to put citizens at the centre.

Among the proposed new initiatives is a government-funded traineeship programme for ITE, polytechnic and university graduates. The scheme will begin on a smaller scale but will be expanded if the economic situation worsens, giving young graduates more pathways to gain valuable work experience.

Mr Wong also introduced a new job-matching initiative led by the Community Development Councils (CDCs). Leveraging their close ties with local businesses and community partners, the CDCs will connect jobseekers with vacancies, particularly for those who prefer to work nearer to home.

Mid-career workers will benefit from an enhanced SkillsFuture Level Up programme. Those aged 40 and above will receive S$4,000 in training credits, along with training allowances of up to S$3,000 a month if they pursue full-time courses. For greater flexibility, part of this allowance can now also be claimed for part-time courses, while course offerings will expand to include not only universities but also private providers and industry-led programmes (CNA).

PM Wong emphasized that continuous learning is essential at every stage of life. From students to seniors, Singaporeans are encouraged to keep upgrading their skills to remain relevant in a rapidly changing economy. The Government is supporting this journey by strengthening SkillsFuture programmes, introducing traineeships for fresh graduates, and collaborating with communities to provide accessible training and job opportunities.