Close to 10,000 workers to benefit from CTC Grant; More companies adopting AI through the Grant

~ Over 700 CTC Grant projects have been approved to enhance business and workforce productivity. Of these, more than 70 projects feature Artificial Intelligence.

~ Company feature: SBS Transit is one of the companies leveraging the CTC Grant to harness AI solutions.

The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) announced that more than 500 companies with over 700 approved Company Training Committee (CTC) Grant projects are set to benefit from productivity gains. Among the CTC Grant projects, NTUC observed a rise in the number of companies adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI)-related initiatives compared to last year, highlighting AI’s growing role in enhancing business operations and workforce efficiency. The grant will impact close to 10,000 workers, including Professionals, Managers and Executives (PMEs), through an average wage increase of five per cent above their annual increment, structured career pathways through Career Development Plans and/or skills allowances.

NTUC Secretary-General Mr Ng Chee Meng said, “NTUC’s goal is to help our workers access training opportunities and better wages. To achieve this, companies must improve productivity and embrace change. Through the Company Training Committee (CTC) initiative, we have partnered with companies to work towards this shared goal, and we are encouraged that close to 10,000 workers will benefit from our efforts. The rise of Artificial Intelligence necessitates and plays a key part in driving transformation. We have seen more companies leveraging AI in their transformation plans and we are committed to work with them to adopt AI responsibly — not to replace workers and jobs, but to augment workers in using AI tools. As new job roles emerge, training and job redesign will ensure our workforce stays agile, adaptable, and competitive.”

Driving Workforce Upskilling and AI Adoption through CTC and NTUC AI Blueprint

NTUC has played a key role in enhancing workers’ wages, welfare and work prospects through various initiatives, including the CTC initiative. The CTC, mooted by NTUC to help companies raise productivity, redesign jobs and upskill workers in tandem with business transformation, has since led to the formation of over 3,600 CTCs.

To support its expansion, the Government provided NTUC with $100 million in 2022 and announced a $200 million top-up in Budget 2025. This CTC Grant, administered by NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute), co-funds up to 70 per cent of qualifying cost for companies’ transformation projects or training tied to the transformation project.

With AI playing an increasingly pivotal role in business transformation and raising productivity, NTUC introduced the AI Transformation Blueprint to further strengthen companies’ capabilities in adopting AI. Developed in collaboration with AI Singapore¹, the blueprint provides a structured, step-by-step framework designed to help businesses assess their AI readiness through the AI Readiness Index (AIRI)², identify gaps between their current and desired state, accelerate the implementation of AI solutions through the CTC initiative, and equip workers with AI competencies to thrive in an evolving digital workplace. Over 100 companies have completed the AIRI Assessment since its rollout in March 2025. Please refer to Annex for more information on NTUC AI Blueprint.

SBS Transit and NTWU Drive Workforce Transformation Through CTC Initiatives

SBS Transit and the National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU) formed a CTC in 2019 and initiatives arising from this partnership have leveraged digitalisation and artificial intelligence as key enablers. Significantly, some of them served as a catalyst for the adoption of electric and autonomous buses. The company has also assured that its transport workers will benefit fairly from productivity gains.

As an example, Bus Captains who successfully upskill and transition into autonomous vehicle (AV)-related roles, when deployed in the later part of 2026, can expect improved career progression and better remuneration opportunities, aligned with their enhanced competencies and contributions.

SBS Transit is well-positioned to embrace these changes, thanks to the sustained implementation of initiatives under the CTC framework. These include the introduction of a skills allowance for Bus Technicians certified as Chartered Technicians in 2019, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with NTUC LearningHub in 2022 to provide training to future-proof its workforce.

More recently, SBS Transit embarked on a CTC Grant project to implement an automated Tyre Management System (TMS) by end-2025 at both its Seletar and Ulu Pandan Bus Depots. The Tyre Management System, installed in the bus depot’s drive-by, integrates a suite of cameras, strobe lights, and ground sensors to automatically capture and measure tyre pressure, detect tyre damages, and assess tyre tread depth with precision.
At the core of the system, AI and machine learning algorithms process data in real time, enabling faster, more accurate diagnostics and predictive maintenance. The Tyre Management System is projected to deliver productivity gains -- freeing up the equivalent of one technician per workshop who can then take on other higher value job roles. It is projected to generate a total annual savings of approximately $200,000 by optimising workforce deployment and reducing both tyre casing replacements and fuel consumption. Additionally, the system will enhance safety by eliminating the need for manual inspections.

As part of the CTC Grant, SBS Transit has also introduced a new “Diagnostic Expert” Career Scheme and attendant Career Development Plan that potentially will benefit more than 50 workers. This plan features a structured career progression, a skills roadmap and enhanced wage outcomes. Together with other initiatives, the CDP aims to elevate the professional image of technicians, helping to attract and retain talent within the sector.

During the visit to SBS Transit’s Seletar Depot, SG Ng viewed a video demonstration of the Tyre Management System, interacted with SBS Transit’s Diagnostic Experts, and observed the use of digital tools to maintain diesel and electric buses. The visit was joined by NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Mr Desmond Tan and Executive Secretary of National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU) Ms Yeo Wan Ling.

NTWU Executive Secretary Ms Yeo Wan Ling said, “Our public transport network is evolving with the rise of sustainable solutions, autonomous technology, and artificial intelligence. The NTWU believes these advancements will create better job opportunities, raise wages, and enhance workplace safety for our workers.”