Ng Chee Meng's Return to Cabinet Empowers Workers Amid AI Disruption

Singapore, Singapore Jul 24, 2026 ALN: Workers will have a stronger voice at the national decision-making table as they face AI-driven job disruption, following labour chief Ng Chee Meng’s return to Cabinet, said unionists. This development comes at a critical juncture for the workforce in Singapore, as the nation grapples with the implications of rapid technological advancements, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI).

Ng’s appointment as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office – which takes effect from July 27 – marks an end to six years without an NTUC secretary-general in Cabinet. Historically, the position of labour chief has been integral to ensuring that the interests and concerns of workers are represented in high-level discussions about national policy and economic strategy. The absence of a direct union representative in Cabinet has raised concerns among union leaders and workers alike, particularly during a time of significant change.

The timing of Ng’s return is crucial, said union leaders, as the labour movement prepares to take the workforce through unprecedented job changes due in part to artificial intelligence. AI technologies are increasingly being integrated into various sectors, leading to fears of job displacement and a transformation of traditional roles. “I’ve never seen such a transformative period in my entire working life,” said National Trades Union Congress president K. Thanaletchimi. She emphasized that many workers are apprehensive about the potential for AI to replace their jobs, highlighting the need for strong advocacy and representation in the face of such challenges.

Singapore Teachers’ Union general secretary and NTUC central committee member Mike Thiruman echoed these sentiments, noting that this is the first technological wave to hit professionals, managers, and executives earlier and harder than blue-collar workers. “Now we are at the forefront of it, and it’s happening across the board to everyone, and the anxiety level is high,” he said. This widespread anxiety reflects a changing economic landscape where skills and job requirements are evolving rapidly, necessitating a proactive approach to workforce development and support.

It is in this climate that Ng is returning to the Cabinet, and union leaders said having a seat at the table will allow him to insert workers’ voices directly into the national policy and strategy tackling this disruption. Ng’s return is seen as an opportunity to address the pressing concerns of workers, especially as the government seeks to balance technological advancement with job security and economic stability.

The labour chief has traditionally held a Cabinet seat as a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office since 1980, when Lim Chee Onn was appointed to the Cabinet. This historical precedent underscores the importance of having a dedicated advocate for workers’ rights and interests within the highest levels of government. Ng vacated the seat after he lost the contest for Sengkang GRC in the 2020 General Election, but returned to Parliament after the polls in May 2025. His re-election signifies a continued trust from his constituents and a recognition of his commitment to labor issues.

Initially, Ng asked not to be assigned any position in government so he could focus on his duties as MP for Jalan Kayu and his role as labour chief. However, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong brought him back into the Cabinet as part of a reshuffle on July 22, about 14 months after Ng’s re-election. PM Wong stated that it was timely for Ng to return to government, given that jobs and workforce transformation have “become a much higher priority.” This acknowledgment from the Prime Minister highlights the government's recognition of the challenges posed by AI and the need for a collaborative approach to address them.

Public policy researcher and Nominated MP Terence Ho noted that being in Cabinet gives the labour chief greater influence. Unionists agreed, outlining the ways in which this seat is valuable to the NTUC. Nominated MP and Amalgamated Union of Public Employees general secretary Sanjeev Tiwari emphasized that Ng’s presence will give workers a stronger voice and representation. This representation is crucial in ensuring that the concerns of workers are not only heard but actively considered in policy-making processes.

Thanaletchimi added that Ng’s role will also allow him to convey workers’ sentiments, aspirations, and fears directly to the Government. This direct line of communication is vital in a rapidly changing economic environment where workers may feel sidelined or unheard. She noted that it is also a platform where the labour chief can ask for resources and buy-in for various programs aimed at supporting workers through the transition.

When asked how the last six years without the labour chief in Cabinet have affected the NTUC, Thanaletchimi acknowledged that conversations between the Government, NTUC, and employers have continued. While the labour MPs have done what she described as a fantastic job in Parliament over the past six years, she stressed that it is “not sufficient” to have workers’ voices represented only in the House. This sentiment highlights the need for more direct engagement and representation at the highest levels of decision-making.

Thiruman pointed out that there has not been a large difference to the unions’ work with Ng out of Cabinet because of the tripartite system, referring to Singapore’s system of cooperation between the Government, unions, and employers. However, he cautioned that at times, decisions are made and the unions are consulted afterwards, which can lead to situations where workers’ perspectives are not fully integrated into policy decisions. “If you’re not at the decision-making table, your voice may not be completely heard or fully heard, and sometimes it may be compromised,” he said, underscoring the importance of having a union representative in Cabinet.

The unions and workers have a “suite of requests” for Ng once he is in Cabinet, said NTUC vice-president Abdul Samad Abdul Wahab. Chief among these are addressing the cost of living and creating good job opportunities for Singaporeans, issues that are particularly pressing in the current economic climate. The rising cost of living has been a significant concern for many workers, and there is a growing demand for policies that support fair wages and job security.

Others, like unionist Cherlyn Ng, who sits on the Creative Media and Publishing Union’s executive committee, hope Ng will push for more support for middle-income workers who are taking care of children as well as elderly parents. This demographic faces unique challenges in balancing work and family responsibilities, and additional support could help alleviate some of the pressures they encounter.

To Samad, a former Nominated MP, Ng’s return to Cabinet is also recognition from the Government of his work in Jalan Kayu and on the ground with workers. This recognition is significant, as it acknowledges the importance of grassroots engagement and understanding the real challenges faced by workers in their daily lives. Agreeing, NTUC assistant director-general and former PAP MP Zainal Sapari stated, “Having devoted the past year to serving his constituents, the timing is right for his reappointment.” This sentiment reflects a broader understanding of the need for leaders to be in touch with the realities faced by their constituents.

Unionist Raman Kathavarayan, a mechanical maintenance supervisor, shared his appreciation for Ng’s work on the ground in recent months. He noted Ng’s intervention in a case that came to light in June, where about 400 migrant workers were not paid for several months. The NTUC found 40 firms with about 150 vacancies and provided affected workers, who were members of its Migrant Workers’ Centre, with $100 cash and $100 FairPrice vouchers each. Ng was seen on the ground speaking to workers and offering NTUC’s support, demonstrating his commitment to addressing immediate concerns and providing assistance where it is needed most.

Raman expressed hope that Ng continues to be close to the ground, emphasizing the importance of leaders being accessible and responsive to the needs of workers. His reappointment also solidifies the relationship between the Government and the labour movement, reinforcing its importance in the tripartite system. Thanaletchimi remarked, “This announcement augurs well to say that in this new journey our partnership is still as strong.” This partnership is essential in navigating the complexities of economic transformation and ensuring that the interests of workers are safeguarded.

Furthermore, it is also a recognition of NTUC’s recent work, including the announcement of a new tripartite jobs council in April to help workers facing disruption. This initiative is aimed at fostering collaboration between the government, employers, and unions to address the challenges posed by technological advancements and to create pathways for workers to transition into new roles. Thanaletchimi stated, “It’s time for us to reinforce that we have a powerful force: the minister, secretary-general, wearing two hats, and he is our voice for the workers.” This multifaceted role highlights the importance of having a strong advocate for labor interests within the government, particularly during a time of significant change.