SINGAPORE - MPs from across the political spectrum backed a parliamentary motion calling for a transition into an artificial intelligence-driven economy with no jobless growth.

While they broadly agreed that Singapore cannot resist AI adoption, many said strong guardrails must be in place to prevent deepening inequality.

The motion, filed by National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) secretary-general Ng Chee Meng (Jalan Kayu) on May 5, recognises the “transformative power” of AI and other new technologies in driving Singapore’s next phase of economic development.

It also emphasises that AI-enabled growth must be anchored in “fairness, resilience and opportunity”, supporting workers and businesses in seizing new opportunities and ensuring that economic progress remains inclusive.

During the parliamentary debate on the motion on May 6, MPs repeatedly warned that AI-driven productivity gains could disproportionately flow to bigger firms and highly-skilled workers if left unchecked.

Nominated MP Mark Lee said AI adoption is not a “plug-and-play”. It requires integration into workflows, redesign of processes, and alignment with business strategy.

This is where many firms, especially small-and-medium enterprises, face challenges. “If we do not address this, capability will concentrate among larger firms and among more skilled workers,” he said.

Mr Lee is a co-proposer of the motion, alongside labour MP Yeo Wan Ling (Punggol GRC) and Mr Saktiandi Supaat (Bishan-Toa Payoh).

Workers’ Party MP He Ting Ru (Sengkang GRC) cautioned that productivity and wealth gains from AI may be unevenly distributed, with those best placed to harness the technology likely to benefit the most.

In Singapore, lower-wage and routine-intensive roles are more likely to be held by vulnerable workers, who likely face greater displacement risk from automation, she said.

“The extent to which spillover effect...