Singapore must guard against complacency as rival ports advance: Lee

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has sounded a note of caution about Singapore's port sector, warning that complacency could prove costly as rival facilities across the region gain ground. Speaking on the challenges facing the port industry, Lee emphasised that the city-state cannot afford to rest on its laurels in an increasingly competitive shipping landscape.

The threat from neighbouring ports underscores the urgency of strengthening the workforce at PSA Singapore, Lee said. He stressed that port workers should not shoulder the burden of maintaining competitiveness alone, pointing to the need for comprehensive support systems and collaborative efforts across the sector.

Lee highlighted the critical role of tripartism in addressing these challenges, advocating for closer alignment between PSA's management, labour unions and workers. He described such cooperation as essential to fostering a "relationship of trust" that can serve as the foundation for operational excellence.

Building a disciplined and skilled workforce emerged as a key priority in Lee's remarks. He suggested that investing in worker development and maintaining strong labour relations would be vital to Singapore's ability to retain its position as a leading global port hub amid intensifying regional competition.