May Day Message 2025

This year is SG60. It gives us much to reflect on, and much to be grateful for.

Together, we transformed Singapore from Third World to First. Across the decades, our workers helped to build this nation. As Singapore progressed, they too shared in the fruits of our success.

Jobs have improved, and real wages have risen across the board. The vast majority of workers now own their own homes and have a real stake in Singapore’s success. They can count on a strong support system at every life stage – for education, healthcare and retirement.

There is greater assurance and peace of mind for every Singaporean, and renewed hope for the future.

But Singapore is always a work in progress. We continue striving to do better – improving policies, strengthening our systems, and doing more to uplift our workers.

Today, we are at a critical juncture. The world around us is shifting. Recent US tariff announcements have shaken global confidence. Export demand is falling. Investments are slowing. Our own economy is feeling the strain. MTI has revised our GDP growth forecast for 2025 downwards to 0-2%.

These are not just short-term headwinds. Deeper currents are at play: the erosion of open trade, global cooperation, and a predictable rules-based order – the very conditions that enabled our success.

In recent weeks, I have met many union leaders. They worry about jobs and incomes. Mature workers are anxious about potential retrenchments, and the difficulty of re-entering the workforce. Fresh graduates wonder if they can find good jobs and build the future they aspire. There is real anxiety. And there is much at stake.

But if we work together, as we always have, I am confident we can tackle these challenges with quiet confidence and resolve.

The Labour Movement remains a key pillar of strength. Through the years, our unions, employers and the Government have worked closely – championing the interests of workers, and driving key improvements. They include: More flexi-work arrangements. More leave for working parents. More opportunities for mid-careers to reskill and upskill. More support for those who face job setbacks. More Company Training Committees – now over 2,700 strong – helping businesses and workers to transform and stay ahead of the curve.

These are important initiatives.

But even more critical is something deeper and more precious – our strong tripartite partnership. Our model of tripartism is unique and precious. It is anchored by the symbiotic ties between the NTUC and PAP, as well as the bonds forged with companies and employers – our engines of growth and jobs.

Because of the deep trust we have built, we have consistently chosen not to fight over a shrinking pie, but to work together to grow the pie – and to ensure that the fruits of growth are fairly shared among all Singaporeans.

In this year’s Budget, the Government rolled out comprehensive support packages for our families, our workers, and our businesses.

But we are not stopping here. With the looming economic uncertainties, we have set up an Economic Resilience Task Force chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, comprising key leaders from government, unions, and businesses.

We will monitor developments closely, adjust our responses swiftly, and we stand ready to do more – especially if conditions worsen.

At the same time, we are looking ahead – preparing our workers for the challenges of a new economy, and helping our businesses to adapt and grow. We will continue investing in our people – strengthening SkillsFuture, expanding lifelong learning opportunities, and equipping every worker with the skills to take on better jobs. We will deepen and expand our global networks, so that our businesses and workers can tap into new markets and create fresh opportunities for themselves.

No one can predict what the coming months or years will bring. But this much is certain: in this changed world, global competition will be fiercer; the challenges will be more complex; the margin for error smaller.

There will be no textbook answers. But Singapore has always found our own way forward – and we will do so again, because of our solidarity and unity.

Look at how we handled the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a crisis unlike any other. Yet we pulled through – because employers, unions, workers, and the government stood together.

Together, we overcame COVID-19. That same spirit will carry us through today’s uncertainties.

At the heart of everything we do are our workers. You keep Singapore going, day in day out. Whether you work with your hands, your hearts, or your minds – in essential services, offices, factories, or labs – it is your dedication and perseverance that power our nation.

Without you, without your grit and dedication, without your collective sense of purpose, there will be no Singapore. Singapore is only exceptional because you are.

On this May Day, we honour your contributions and renew our pledge to walk alongside you, to build a better, fairer, and more inclusive Singapore. Together, let us keep Singapore shining bright – for this generation and the next.

Happy May Day!