Speech by SPS Shawn Huang at HR Tech Asia 2026

Mr Shawn Huang, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower, Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning,

1. Thank you for the warm welcome. My sincere appreciation to HRM Asia for organising HR Tech Asia. It’s my pleasure to join you as we explore the future of work, and the strategic transformations needed to meet our evolving challenges.

2. The future of work isn’t coming – it’s already here. We see it in our data, and experience it through our teams’ shifting expectations.

3. Business leaders worldwide are grappling with the same question: “How do we prepare our workforce for jobs that don’t yet exist?” The World Economic Forum projects that by 2030, nearly 40% of today’s core skills will be obsolete. Where others see disruption, Singapore recognises opportunity. Our goal: use technology to unlock human potential.

4. How do we achieve this? By focusing on what matters most: Inspire Innovation, Empower People, Shape Tomorrow. This requires coordinated action across three key fronts:

i. First, Synergise human capital with technology

ii. Second, Strengthen our HR capabilities

iii. Third, Safeguard progress through ethical AI

5. Let me share how these principles are transforming Singapore’s workplaces.

Synergise Human Capital and Technology

6. The narrative has been framed as man versus machine but technology and human capital are actually complementary forces. When synergised, the question shifts from “Will robots take my job?” to “How can technology enhance our people’s competitiveness?"

7. Market leaders have moved beyond automating processes to redesigning work. When AI handles routine tasks, it frees people to do what matters most – mentoring, creating and innovating. This is true convergence: people bringing creativity, empathy and resilience that no code can replicate, while technology provides speed, precision and scale.

8. Consider Certis’ AeroRL system at Changi Airport. Unlike most airports, Changi operates decentralised clearance at individual gates. Generic rostering cannot handle this complexity. AeroRL uses historical data to train dedicated models for each terminal, eliminating daily manual planning while continuously learning from operations. Operations planners who once spent hours on scheduling now coach officers and drive improvements.

9. Companies that resist this evolution don’t protect jobs – they guarantee irrelevance.

10. Technology alone isn’t enough. It requires strategic human capital leadership.

Strengthen HR Capabilities: The ‘Bilingual’ HR

11. As we bridge human talent with technology, HR must evolve from support function to strategic powerhouse. HR must be strengthened to become ‘bilingual’ – fluent in both data analytics and building culture. While AI optimises processes, only HR can develop careers and shape workplace culture.

12. When HR professionals embrace this strategic role, you become architects of human potential. You build workforces where people and AI collaborate seamlessly. The challenge extends beyond efficiency – it's about HR becoming that bridge that helps businesses and employees navigate transformation with confidence. Every career you develop strengthens Singapore’s competitiveness. Every culture you build powers our economy.

13. Singapore supports this transformation. The Tripartite Workgroup on Human Capital Capability Development is deliberating on how best to uplift human capital management standards. The Singapore Opportunity Index, launched last October, provides data-driven benchmarks that define workplace excellence. The top 300 organisations we recognised demonstrate that career mobility results from deliberate, strategic human capital decisions.

14. Certis Cisco Aviation Security and Certis Cisco Auxiliary Police Force have been recognised as Career Launchers under the Singapore Opportunity Index for their strategic investment in human development. Through Certis Corporate University, they have developed AI literacy programs with structured pathways spanning Digital Discovery to Digital Expertise, catering to employees at varied skill levels. Certis also launched peer support training programs that foster environments where people feel heard, valued, and supported. This demonstrates how organisations can build innovative cultures through intentional investment in both technological capabilities and human relationships.

15. We will finalise recommendations to uplift the HR profession through AI-driven transformation. The refreshed HR Jobs Transformation Map will guide how AI reshapes roles and responsibilities. Through this integrated ecosystem, AI manages the administrative burden while HR architects the future of work and maximises workforce potential.

16. We have the opportunity to redefine HR globally. From necessary function to essential driver of human development. Your role is strategic. Your impact shapes Singapore’s future.

17. Yet, even the most skilled workforce requires a foundation of trust.

Safeguard Progress through Ethical Use of Technology

18. This foundation begins with safeguarding the well-being of our people, which remains our highest priority.

19. Experience has taught us that protecting values accelerates innovation. When employees trust that AI systems operate transparently, they embrace change. When technology supports rather than curtails employees, they perform at their very best.

20. Recognising this principle, Singapore has gone beyond the Workplace Fairness Act and Tripartite Guidelines, to study responsible AI adoption in workplaces. We maintain merit and equity as non-negotiables, regardless of the technological transformation.

21. Ethical AI extends beyond compliance – it’s about culture. This means explaining AI-driven decisions, establishing feedback mechanisms for employees to challenge systems affecting their careers and ensuring algorithms reflect our organisational values, not just efficiency targets.

22. When implemented thoughtfully, this creates competitive advantage. Top talent gravitates towards companies they trust. Customers prefer transparent businesses. Investors favour companies that manage AI risk proactively.

23. When we safeguard employee wellbeing through ethical AI adoption, we strengthen Singapore's reputation as a trusted hub for talent and innovation.

Conclusion

24. In closing, these three pillars reinforce one another. Technology amplifies human potential. Strategic HR guides that amplification. Ethical frameworks ensure that everyone benefits.

25. Change can be overwhelming. But history shows every technological revolution succeeded not because machines got smarter, but because people became more creative, strategic, and human. That’s Singapore’s advantage.

26. Let me also recognise all HR leaders here today for being the bridge between today’s workforce and tomorrow’s possibilities. Your work supporting workforce transformation in the age of AI extends beyond individual careers – you’re building Singapore’s competitive foundation for the future.

27. Over the next two days, you’ll find the tools and partnerships to transform your organisations.

i. Let’s Synergise technology with human potential

ii. Strengthen our capabilities

iii. And Safeguard the trust that makes transformation possible

28. Thank you, and I wish you a productive and inspiring conference.