Speech | Welcome Address by REDAS President at REDAS Leadership Series 2026 | 30 Sep 2026

REDAS LEADERSHIP SERIES

30 SEPTEMBER 2026, WEDNESDAY, 1.15 PM

IMPERIAL BALLROOM, HILTON SINGAPORE ORCHARD

 

WELCOME SPEECH BY

MR TAN SWEE YIOW, PRESIDENT OF REDAS

 

Mr Lim Swee Say, former Minister for Manpower,

 

Distinguished guests,

 

Ladies and gentlemen,

 

Good afternoon and welcome to today’s executive luncheon,

 

When we conceived this Leadership Series, the idea was simple.

 

The best lessons do not come from theory.

 

They come from people who have weathered the storm.

 

And are generous enough to share their experience.

 

Today, costs, technology and manpower are all shifting together.

 

AI is one part of that shift.

 

It is changing how we work, and how quickly we need to adjust.

 

But it is one factor among several, not the whole story.

 

This is “business unusual.”

 

It is not a storm to wait out.

 

It is the new normal.

 

And it calls for a different kind of leader.

 

One who can navigate without a map.

 

Few people know that better than our guest today.

 

His career has spanned technology, economic development, and the labour movement.

 

He led the National Computer Board and the Economic Development Board.

 

He went on to become Secretary-General of NTUC, and later Minister for Manpower, Minister for the Environment, and Second Minister for National Development.

 

Today’s guest speaker is well placed to speak on how leadership should navigate this unusual era of AI and rapid technological change.

 

And on how to balance business performance with workforce development, while building organisations that are resilient and future-ready.

 

Throughout his years in public service, Mr Lim Swee Say has spoken consistently about the need to “adapt and grow”.

 

His focus has always been clear.

 

Businesses must continue to transform.

 

And our people must have the chance to grow with them.

 

That message mattered then.

 

It matters just as much now.

 

Swee Say, thank you for graciously accepting our invitation.

 

We appreciate your willingness to share your time and experience with us.

 

I look forward to hearing your insights and the discussion that follows.

 

To everyone here, thank you for joining us.

 

I hope you will leave with useful ideas to bring back.

 

Before I hand the mic over, I would like to thank Isaac and the Seminar Committee, for making this event possible.

 

Thank you, and I wish everyone a meaningful session ahead.