Our workers cannot be an afterthought in business transformation: PM Wong
The Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA) has launched 200 courses on artificial intelligence (AI), Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Wednesday (Sept 16).
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🇸🇬 PM Wong: Workers Cannot Be an Afterthought in Transformation
The Event — Sept 16, 2026
PM Lawrence Wong spoke at the SkillsFuture Summit for Businesses 2026 — the first SkillsFuture Festival under the newly formed Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA) — at the Lifelong Learning Institute.
What Is SWDA?
- Formed by merging SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) + Workforce Singapore (WSG)
- Officially launched operations July 1, 2026
- One unified agency for careers, skills training & workforce development
- Chairman: Lim Sim Seng; CEO: Dilys Boey
Three Strategic Shifts PM Wong Outlined
1. Connect education to industry — Link Institutes of Higher Learning with training providers & employers; keep courses constantly updated & relevant
2. Transform together — not apart — "Our workers cannot be an afterthought in business transformation." When companies change, employees should grow alongside them, not get left behind
3. Simplify support — Streamline programmes so workers & businesses don't get lost navigating multiple agencies
Key New Initiatives
🔹 SkillsFuture AI Subscription
- 200 AI-focused courses made available
- Complimentary 6-month premium AI tool subscription for Singaporeans who take part
- Goal: Build AI-readiness across the workforce
🔹 Connect by SWDA
- All-in-one service touchpoint for individuals & employers
- Career matching, guidance, workforce development advice in one place
🔹 OurWorkforce Portal
- Replaces old SkillsFuture for Business site
- Central hub for employers to find training, courses & AI transformation support
SkillsFuture Festival 2026
- Sept 16 – Oct 28
- 140 events island-wide
- ~450 job opportunities available
Key Quotes
"Skills are becoming obsolete faster, careers will involve more pivots and transitions."
"If you are prepared to learn, adapt and make the effort, we will help you build the skills you need… You will never have to face these challenges alone."
— PM Lawrence Wong
Acting Manpower Minister Jasmin Lau added:
"Regardless of where your starting point is, we want to help you to learn, to practise, and to become more confident in using AI."
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