Lawrence Wong urges G20 to ensure AI benefits are shared fairly amid global transformation

At the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on 23 November 2025, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong emphasised the need for governments to remain vigilant as they embrace the promise of artificial intelligence (AI).

Speaking on the second day of the summit, during a session on building a fair and just future, Wong acknowledged the "tremendous potential" of AI but warned against uncritical enthusiasm. He stated that while global excitement and heavy investment in AI infrastructure, such as data centres, reflect optimism, governments must look beyond the "hype" and act with responsibility.

Wong said the world remains in the early stages of its AI journey. “Our task is to ensure the responsible use of AI and to harness AI’s real and longer-term potential to build a more efficient and responsive government, and to raise productivity across every sector of the economy,” he said.

He outlined Singapore’s efforts to systematically integrate AI across its public sector, including streamlining administrative processes and enhancing service delivery. These applications, he added, help free up public officers for higher-value work.

Businesses, both large and small, are beginning to harness AI. For smaller firms, this may involve using AI-enabled tools, while larger companies are developing advanced models to redesign processes and scale new solutions. To support such innovation, Singapore is providing regulatory sandboxes and test beds that enable companies to safely experiment and accelerate deployment of AI-driven products.

However, Wong noted that technological gains must not come at the cost of workers’ well-being. Addressing concerns over potential job displacement, he emphasised Singapore’s approach to working closely with employers and unions to proactively reskill and upskill workers.

He cited Singapore’s port operations as an example, where automation has enabled crane operators to work remotely from air-conditioned rooms, resulting in higher productivity and better pay. “There are many other industries where similar transitions must be managed, and countries can learn from each other,” Wong said.

Wong praised India, Brazil and South Africa for their leadership in the G20’s ongoing discussions about promoting decent work in the AI era, describing it as "key to a fair and just future for all".

He concluded by noting that the G20 could serve as a crucial platform for coordinating international AI efforts, turning the technology into "an engine for global growth and for good jobs for our people".

Bilateral meetings on the sidelines

On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, Wong also held bilateral meetings with various global leaders to reaffirm diplomatic ties and explore new avenues for collaboration.

On 22 November, he met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Their discussions centred on strengthening EU–ASEAN relations, and Wong welcomed the European Parliament’s ratification of the EU–Singapore Digital Trade Agreement signed in May. The agreement is the first of its kind between the EU and an ASEAN country, aiming to facilitate secure data flows and digital trade.

Von der Leyen described their conversation as productive, stating, “We will deepen our partnership even further—securing supply chains, driving trade, and working together to keep our economies strong.”

Wong also met Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, with whom he reaffirmed strong economic ties built since the 1800s. Both saw opportunities for growth in life sciences and technology.

In talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the leaders discussed building upon 60 years of diplomatic ties through increased cooperation in defence, cyber, and digital fields. Wong expressed hopes of welcoming Merz to Singapore soon.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Wong marked six decades of diplomatic relations, noting shared values as maritime nations committed to open trade and connected economies.

Other key meetings included engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

 



 

With Macron, Wong reaffirmed growing bilateral cooperation and efforts to enhance EU–ASEAN links. Meloni and Wong discussed strengthening ties in trade, security, and research, with plans for her to visit Singapore in the near future.

Wong and Chinh exchanged well-wishes following Vietnam’s recovery from recent floods and discussed the 2027 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting to be held in Phu Quoc.

Next leg of Africa visit

Following the G20 engagements, Wong is set to depart for Addis Ababa as part of his ongoing visit to Africa. Singapore and Ethiopia share longstanding relations, with bilateral trade in goods reaching S$275 million (US$211 million) in 2024, making Ethiopia Singapore’s eighth-largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Singaporean businesses have established a presence in Ethiopia across various sectors, including manufacturing, agribusiness, infrastructure, consulting, and consumer goods.

Wong expressed gratitude to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for hosting the G20, the first ever on African soil, calling it “a successful and impactful gathering”.