New Call for Public Investment in AI-Ready Skills
Gyeongju, South Korea — Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered a pointed message on the role of government in the AI era, arguing that preparing workers for artificial intelligence is a national priority and cannot be left to market forces alone. Speaking to business leaders and policymakers at a regional gathering, Wong underscored that proactive public investment is essential to ensure the workforce can adapt to rapid technological change and that economies can reap the productivity gains AI promises.
The Prime Minister made clear that while innovation and private sector efforts are crucial, the state has a responsibility to steer and accelerate retraining, upskilling, and targeted education programs. “We cannot rely solely on the market to anticipate skills gaps or to fund the transitions workers must undertake,” Wong said. “Public investment is not a barrier to progress; it is the accelerator that helps our people and our economies stay competitive.”
APEC Economies and the Leadership Challenge
Wong argued that Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member nations are uniquely positioned to lead in workforce adaptation for AI. He highlighted several policy pillars that governments should prioritize, including scalable retraining programs, portable recognition of skills, and social protection that cushions workers during transitions. The aim, according to Wong, is to create a resilient labor market where workers can move across sectors with confidence as demand shifts in the digital economy.
Key Policy Pillars for an AI-Ready Labor Force
First, he called for sustained public funding for continuous education, funded apprenticeships, and partnerships with industry to align curricula with evolving tech needs. Governments should also invest in digital literacy from early education through to higher learning, ensuring that future workers possess foundational skills in data, cybersecurity, and AI ethics. Second, Wong emphasized the importance of portable, verifiable credentials so workers can carry skills across jobs and regions, reducing friction as they transition between sectors. Third, social safety nets must evolve to cover short-term disruptions, with unemployment support that is complemented by rapid retraining opportunities.
Implications for Businesses and Workers
Industry leaders at the event acknowledged that automation and AI will reshape job roles, creating both challenges and opportunities. A coordinated approach—combining public investment with private sector innovation—could speed up the deployment of AI in the economy while ensuring workers gain meaningful, long-term prospects. Analysts say that well-designed retraining programs can reduce friction in labor markets and prevent skills obsolescence from holding back growth.
Regional Collaboration and a Shared Agenda
Wong urged closer regional collaboration among APEC economies to share best practices, fund joint training initiatives, and develop common standards for AI education and credentialing. He suggested that a regional framework could help align policy objectives, pool resources, and measure progress toward creating an AI-ready workforce. The approach, he noted, will also support inclusive growth by ensuring that workers from diverse backgrounds have access to retraining opportunities.
Looking Ahead
As AI technologies accelerate, the debate over who bears the cost of workforce transformation remains central to economic strategy. Wong’s call for greater public investment signals a broader shift among policymakers who view government action as essential for maintaining competitiveness and social cohesion. If APAC nations respond with coherent, well-funded plans, the region could set a global example for how to prepare a workforce for AI without leaving progress to the market alone.
