Singapore's retrenchments have risen to their highest level since 2020, with degree holders and mid-career professionals among the hardest hit. In this episode of Lens on Singapore, Claressa Monteiro sits down with Desmond Tan, Deputy Secretary-General of NTUC and Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, to discuss the factors driving job losses, how AI is reshaping the workforce, and the support available to help workers navigate career transitions and prepare for the future.

Highlights of the conversation: 

01:49 Benefits of joining a union

04:16 Launch of the "AI Ready SG" movement

08:37 Support measures for displaced workers

10:51 AI as a game-changer for older workers

16:32 Representation for non-unionised companies

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Written and presented by: Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg)

With Desmond Tan, Deputy Secretary-General of NTUC and Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office

Executive producer: Claressa Monteiro

Producer: Nicole Teo

Coordinating producer: Chai Pei Chieh

Video production: Studio +65

A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

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