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During the United Nations Summit of the Future Action Days in New York City on September 22, 2024, Josephine Teo, Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, contributed to an important discussion about how technology is transforming the future of work and governance.
Speaking alongside international leaders, Minister Teo emphasised the need for nations to prepare their workforces for a digitised future and highlighted how collaboration can help ensure that technological advancements benefit all, particularly smaller and developing states.
Minister Teo addressed the growing disparities in technological adoption within workforces globally. She observed that while some workers, particularly those employed by large corporations, are gaining access to cutting-edge technologies, many others, particularly in smaller firms or those with less access to resources, are being left behind.
“There will be some parts of the workforce that are closer to the technology frontier,” she explained, “but there will be many others who may be employed by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that lag in technology adoption.”
Minister Teo stressed that addressing this unevenness is critical for future-proofing the workforce. In Singapore, the government has adopted a multifaceted approach that empowers workers by providing them with opportunities for continuous skills development, regardless of their employer’s technological capabilities.
Singapore’s strategy focuses on partnering with employers to drive skills training and implementing labour market policies that provide resources directly to workers. The country has also developed a strong training ecosystem, aligning programmes with market needs. Minister Teo believes initiatives like the UN’s Global Digital Compact can help other nations adopt similar approaches.
The conversation turned to public-private partnerships, particularly concerning the role of artificial intelligence (AI). As a general-purpose technology, AI has transformative potential, but Minister Teo pointed out that governments, particularly in smaller countries, often lack the expertise needed to fully understand and regulate AI technologies.
In Singapore, the government has invited the private sector to collaborate on the development of AI use cases and regulatory guardrails. Minister Teo explained that the private sector’s input helps policymakers grasp the practical implications of AI and ensures that policies are grounded in real-world applications.
Minister Teo emphasised the importance of AI for small states, which often struggle to keep pace with technological advancements. To support them, Singapore partnered with Rwanda to create an “AI Playbook for Small States,” offering guidance on adopting AI responsibly. This reflects Singapore’s commitment to ensuring small states are not left behind in the digital revolution.
Minister Teo concluded her remarks by emphasising the importance of moving beyond simply learning about digital technologies to truly thriving with them. She noted that while individual efforts can yield quick results, collective action is essential for long-term success.
“We can move alone, and we can go very fast that way, or we can go together, and I believe that together, we’ll go even further,” she said. This spirit of collaboration underpins much of Singapore’s approach to digital development, as seen in their leadership in initiatives like the Global Digital Compact and the AI Playbook.
For Minister Teo, thriving in the digital age requires a holistic approach – one that includes continuous upskilling, robust public-private partnerships, and global cooperation. By sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise, nations can help ensure that the benefits of technology are accessible to all, regardless of their size or stage of development.
Minister Teo’s remarks at the UN Summit showcased Singapore’s proactive approach to digital development and workforce readiness. By promoting public-private collaboration and initiatives like the AI Playbook for Small States, Singapore aims to ensure that technological advancements benefit all nations. Her vision emphasises the need for collective action to prevent anyone from being left behind in the digital transformation.
