Lee Hsien Loong warns Singapore port of rising regional competition and urges joint upskilling

At the Singapore Port Workers Union's 80th-anniversary celebration, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned that regional ports are rapidly advancing and could outpace Singapore if PSA becomes complacent. He praised PSA's past technological strides—from manual loading to remote-operated cranes and automated guided vehicles—but stressed that rivals are also embracing digitalisation. Lee called for strong tripartite collaboration between PSA management, the unions and workers to maintain a "relationship of trust" and to upskill staff rather than replace them.

He referenced historic challenges, including relocations to Keppel, Brani, Pasir Panjang and the new Tuas Port, which have lengthened commutes and prompted plans for additional bus services and a BRT system. Lee also recalled past setbacks, such as losing customers to Malaysia's Port of Tanjung Pelepas, which led to cost cuts, retrenchments and wage reductions negotiated with unions. Looking ahead, he highlighted emerging issues like green fuels, AI and robotics, urging that workers be supported through these transitions.