Singapore to handle gains and risks of tech change on its own terms

Caption language: en · Fetched: 2026-08-25

PM Wong also spoke about the development of artificial intelligence. As technologies like AI change everything from healthcare to transport and social media, Mr. Wong says Singapore will seize opportunities they present and manage disruption. Nicholas Ng reports. >> Some small firms can punch above their weight and get capabilities once available only to larger firms thanks to AI. In hospitals, it helps screen diseases more accurately, like spotting tumors in mammograms. On some roads, testing for autonomous vehicles is underway, a solution that could ease recruitment crunches for bus captains and an aging taxi workforce where two in three are already 60 or older. But PM Wong says this will be done progressively so drivers can be retrained and supported in their move to new roles.

>> That is how we manage the impact of technological change on jobs. We do not hold back new technology simply because they are disruptive. But neither do we leave affected workers to fend for themselves. We support our workers through the transition. We will ensure that every worker shares in the fruits of Singapore's progress. >> Jobs aren't the only concern. Earlier this year, an advanced AI agent broke out of its testing environment, slipped into the internet, and mounted an attack on another company of its own accord. Mr. Wong says that addressing risks like these could be done with international cooperation, such as setting common rules and safeguards, but that is becoming more difficult. >> Because the major powers want to move faster and gain an advantage over their competitors. But we must keep trying to find common ground.

And Singapore will do our part. We will bring countries and companies together and build coalitions around practical safeguards. We will also take action at home. We will not embrace new technologies blindly. We will anticipate the risk and put appropriate safeguards in place. And we will always ensure that people remain in control. >> [applause] >> Mr. Wong says this approach is grounded by Singapore's experience with social media. Then the promise was new opportunities for connection between friends and family, but over time reality hit with one in six young people showing problematic social media use like spending six to seven hours on social media. With children more vulnerable to social pressures spread on those platforms, Mr.

Wong says the platforms will have to do more like robust and reliable checks to make sure children are protected. >> Even for teenagers age 13 and above, social media can have negative effects. For them, our immediate priority is to make social media safer by design. Many social media platforms are designed with features to keep users endlessly scrolling, clicking, and coming back for more. These features are hard enough for adults to resist. For teenagers, the risks are greater. So we will require stronger safeguards to be built in for young users. And if a platform wants to serve young users in Singapore, it must meet these requirements. If its safeguards remain inadequate, we will consider additional restrictions including raising the minimum age for access to that platform beyond 13. >> Mr.

Wong says this approach is anchored in Singapore's experience embracing every major technological shift on its own terms to build new capabilities and emerge stronger.