May Day Message 2026

Read the Message in Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil.

The global environment has become more difficult and unpredictable. It feels as though we are sailing from one storm to another.

Last year, the world braced itself for a surge in trade tensions and tariffs. Yet Singapore performed better than expected.   

This was no accident. It was the result of all of us pulling together – workers and unions, employers and businesses, as well as the political leadership and the government – working in partnership to adapt, restructure, and forge ahead.

Because of this, our companies remained competitive, and our workers continued to see real income growth. 

The tariff storm has not cleared. Protectionist pressures continue to simmer beneath the surface. 

But now a new storm has emerged. The conflict in the Middle East is disrupting energy supplies and driving up the cost of essential goods.

We are taking decisive steps to navigate the turbulent waters. 

We are strengthening our energy resilience – diversifying supplies, building up reserves, and working closely with trusted partners to keep critical supply lines secure. 

At the same time, we are cushioning the impact on businesses and workers. We have rolled out a $1 billion support package to help firms manage immediate rising costs, provide direct support for platform workers and taxi drivers, and give additional relief to households.

No one can say for certain how events will unfold. But our experience dealing with past crises gives us confidence. We will stay alert, act decisively, and do whatever is necessary to protect Singaporeans.

Even as we manage these immediate pressures, we must not lose sight of the deeper shifts on the horizon. Artificial Intelligence and other new technologies will transform how we live and work. 

Singapore must not simply react to these changes — we must stay ahead of them and seize the opportunities they present. That is why we are attracting leading companies to build their AI capabilities here, and helping our own businesses harness these tools to grow and transform. This is how a small country like ours continues to hold its own, stay relevant and create value in a rapidly changing world.  

Pursuing these opportunities will not be without difficulty. Many Singaporeans are understandably concerned – about job security, and whether you and your children can keep up with the accelerating pace of change. 

I hear these concerns. The transition will not be seamless. Some businesses will be disrupted. Some jobs will change. And some roles will become obsolete.    

But let me assure you: as Singapore embraces AI, the government will ensure that workers continue to benefit. While we cannot protect every job, we will protect every worker and every Singaporean, young or senior – by helping you adapt, reskill and move into new jobs and opportunities. 

At the same time, we should not let uncertainty hold us back – or we will fall behind. AI is here to stay. We cannot ignore it or wish it away.  Instead, we must approach it with confidence and purpose. 

Companies that embrace AI will stay competitive and thrive. Workers who invest in AI skills will have better opportunities and stronger career prospects. 

The Government will continue to strengthen support – bringing skills training and job matching closer together, and expanding SkillsFuture so that workers can upgrade with confidence. But each of us must also step forward.  In this new economy, staying relevant is not optional – it is a necessity. 

What ultimately gives me confidence is our Labour Movement and our tripartite partnership. For the last 65 years, NTUC and the unions have stood shoulder to shoulder with workers through every wave of change. Our tripartite approach – unions, employers, and the Government working together – has always been one of our greatest strengths. It remains so today.

Singapore may be small. But we have never been defined by our size.  We are defined by how we respond to adversity – by our resilience, our capacity to adapt, and our commitment to one another, especially in difficult times.  So amid these unfolding storms, let us stay united, stay resolute, and keep moving forward together.

To all our workers – thank you. Thank you for your hard work and your determination to keep Singapore going, no matter the challenges. This May Day, we honour your contributions, and we renew our commitment to stand with you – to support you, uplift you, and ensure that every Singaporean has a fair chance to succeed.

Together, we will secure a brighter future for all. 

Happy May Day!