NTUC launches AI-Ready SG initiative to help workers thrive in an AI economy

Workers can look forward to more support to navigate the AI-driven world.

A day after the Singapore Budget Statement 2026 was released with a strong national AI push, NTUC announced on 13 February 2026 its AI-Ready SG initiative at the NTUC Career Festival. The initiative aims to equip workers with the vital capabilities and opportunities to thrive in an AI age.

“The NTUC AI-Ready SG is a commitment to walk alongside our workers, support them through the change and ensure a just transition. The AI Ready SG will be a one-stop, one-stop platform that aimsto equip workers with the AI [skills] that they need, support companies’ business transformation, and very importantly, improve job matching so that workers can access opportunities,” said NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, who launched the initiative.

What is the jobs outlook in Singapore for 2026?

The launch of NTUC’s AI-Ready SG initiative comes at a time when many workers remain concerned about job security, as global economic uncertainty and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence reshape industries and workplaces.

According to NTUC’s Economic Sentiments Survey conducted in 2025 with 2,000 workers, around one in five respondents named job security as a key concern. The impact of AI and automation, economic uncertainties, and skills obsolescence were cited as main factors driving job insecurity.

What is the NTUC AI-Ready SG, and how will it help workers navigate job insecurity?

The NTUC AI-Ready SG will address workers’ job security concerns through the changes accelerated by AI transformation.

Billed as a one-stop platform to strengthen job security, it will focus on a holistic, upstream approach in collaboration with NTUC’s internal and external network of partners to support workers and employers.

New funding scheme for workers in Singapore to use AI tools

Workers in Singapore can look forward to a new funding scheme under NTUC AI-Ready to boost their AI capabilities. This subsidy will help NTUC members offset up to 50 per cent of the subscription costs for eligible AI tools. These tools include those designed to boost productivity and support tasks such as content creation and writing.

“NTUC will also put our resources to help workers with 50 per cent of the cost of training. This is a first-of-a-kind subsidy for members targeted early to assure and enable focus,” Mr Ng said.

The subsidy will be piloted for two years, with training incorporated as part of the adoption process.

AI-training pathways to close skills gaps

To complement the new NTUC AI funding scheme, NTUC LearningHub will roll out AI training pathways for workers in Singapore to build AI-ready skills.

Aiming to close skills gaps for workers as they embark on their AI upskilling journey, the AI training pathways were developed through feedback provided through ground engagements with employers, industry partners and business leaders.

Workers can also expect industry-responsive pathways tailored to their skill levels, jobs, and sectors. The AI training routes also align with national skills frameworks.

Career mentorship for enhanced career transition support

For more career support, the new NTUC LearningHub Career Mentorship Programme aims to help workers gain practical career guidance from certified, experienced mentors. The programme uses an AI system to pair workers with mentors best aligned with their career goals.

Through personalised mentorship sessions, NTUC said workers can have a clearer career direction, navigate transitions confidently, and stay adaptable to changes.

AI playbooks for workers to start upskilling journey

To further help workers build AI competencies, NTUC also rolled out Sectoral AI playbooks to guide workers embarking on their AI upskilling journey. These guidebooks offer practical insights and resources for workers to optimise their experiences.

The AI playbooks focus on the most AI disrupted sectors and will be progressively released throughout this year.

NTUC Career Festival for stronger job matching support

More than a job fair, the second iteration of the NTUC Career Festival from 13 to 14 February 2026 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre offer jobseekers access to job opportunities and skills development pathways. Employers can also seek help to leverage business transformation support.

Through the event’s Career Xchange Lounge, jobseekers will also get the chance to learn how AI is shaping work, build confidence in using AI tools, and develop relevant skills for current and future roles.

Enhancing the career readiness of fresh graduates

Meanwhile, NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) inked an agreement with the National University of Singapore and Singapore Institute of Technology to improve young workers’ career readiness at the event. Initiatives will include joint job matching activities, industry engagements, and knowledge exchanges.

“We must prepare our youth not only for their first job, but for the long journey of growth … This [agreement] will enhance career readiness and help fresh graduates understand the real demands of an AI-enabled workplace, so that they can transition smoothly from campus to career,” Mr Ng said.

What is NTUC doing to support companies to improve job security?

NTUC said it will build on the existing NTUC Company Training Committee Grant (CTC Grant) to help employers address job insecurity through business transformation and job redesign.

To help employers thrive in an AI-driven world, the NTUC CTC Grant funds up to 70 per cent of the costs of AI-focused transformation projects.

Through the grant’s support, workers can gain enhanced job security for future-ready roles through pay increases, skills allowances, and structured career development plans.

More than 13,000 workers in Singapore are expected to benefit from the CTC Grant.

Companies can also refer to the NTUC Sectoral AI playbooks to seek guidance on business transformation.

Visit the NTUC Career Festival between 13 and 14 February 2026 to discover over 5,000 job opportunities from more than 70 employers, as well as AI resources, workshops, and more.