Politics · Other · 3 hrs ago
Lee warns Singapore port must keep pace as rivals adopt new technology
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned Singapore’s port is at risk of falling behind as ports in the region adopt digital systems and automation.
He made the warning at a dinner marking the 80th anniversary of the Singapore Port Workers Union, which represents PSA employees.
PSA has changed how it handles cargo, replacing manual work with cranes, remote controls and automated vehicles.
The company has retrained existing workers as jobs changed, rather than relying only on new hires.
Lee said management, unions and workers need to work together so people can adapt to new roles and technology.
Moves to Tuas Port have lengthened some workers’ commutes, and agencies are working with the union and PSA to add bus services while also considering a Bus Rapid Transit system.
Keeping the port competitive while supporting workers is the challenge as the changes continue.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned that Singapore’s port could fall behind as rival ports adopt digital technology and automation.
He urged PSA to keep transforming its operations and said workers should not face the changes alone.
Lee highlighted cooperation between PSA management, unions and workers as important to managing change.
He cited past efforts to retrain workers as port jobs shifted to new technology.
He also recalled cost-cutting, retrenchments and wage reductions after PSA lost major shipping customers to Malaysia’s Port of Tanjung Pelepas.
- Who
- Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking about PSA and Singapore’s port workers.
- What
- Lee warned that Singapore’s port risks falling behind rivals adopting technology. He called for continued transformation and support for workers.
- When
- Saturday, Oct 17, 2026.
- Where
- At a dinner celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Singapore Port Workers Union in Singapore.
- Why
- Other ports in the region are making progress in digitalisation and automation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
PSA lost several major shipping customers to Malaysia’s Port of Tanjung Pelepas.
Lee addressed the Singapore Port Workers Union’s 80th anniversary dinner and urged PSA to keep pace with rival ports.
- Speaker
- Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong
- Port operator
- PSA
- Union anniversary
- Singapore Port Workers Union’s 80th anniversary
- Rival port
- Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia
- Upcoming transport option
- A Bus Rapid Transit system is being considered for Tuas South
What people are saying
If PSA slackens or becomes complacent, we risk being left behind and losing our business.
Each time the jobs changed, PSA sought to retrain existing workers to take up these new roles, rather than to hire afresh.
PSA management took pains to explain to the unions why these drastic steps were necessary
Nevertheless, it was a wrenching and painful experience