Singapore Parliament will hold a sitting on May 5 to address 23 questions raised by MPs regarding stricter anti-bullying measures in schools and a motion on managing jobless growth amid AI disruption [1, 2].
The Ministry of Education announced on April 14 tougher disciplinary actions for bullying, including suspension, caning, and lowered conduct grades, along with increased manpower funding and easier reporting channels [1, 2]. Several MPs have questioned the effectiveness and safeguards of caning as a punishment for bullying [1].
MP Ng Chee Meng will move a motion titled "An Artificial Intelligence Transition With No Jobless Growth," urging Parliament to affirm that Singapore's economic progress must remain inclusive as AI transforms industries [1, 2]. Ng is expected to detail plans by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) to assist workers in adapting to AI-driven changes during the sitting [2].
The motion calls for recognition of AI’s transformative power and support for workers and enterprises to seize AI-related opportunities fairly and inclusively. MPs Yeo Wan Ling, Saktiandi Supaat, and Nominated MP Mark Lee back the motion [2].
At the May Day Rally on May 1, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the government will protect every worker despite AI disruption, acknowledging: "as AI disrupts entire industries, the Government may not be able to protect every job – but it will protect every worker." He also pledged support for NTUC's efforts [2].
Union members will receive funding support to subscribe to AI tools for experimentation at work, aiming to build familiarity with new technologies [2].
The Parliament sitting beginning May 5 will focus on these issues amid growing concerns about AI's impact on jobs and school safety.
