Creating an AI-ready workforce for Singapore and beyond

ASIA-PACIFIC is home to a majority of the world’s Internet users, and people across the region have proven to be eager and early adopters of new technology.

Singapore, in particular, leads the way in innovation and today, many businesses here are already using artificial intelligence (AI) and seeing benefits. For example, food and grocery company FairPrice Group has been using AI to navigate supply chain disruptions and reduce food wastage by making it easy for staff to access information about product expiry dates.

A new report by Google and Access Partnership shows that Singapore businesses could gain close to S$200 billion in economic benefits in terms of cost savings, revenue increments, and improved productivity by 2030 if AI-powered products and solutions are adopted. That amounts to almost 30 per cent of Singapore’s 2023 gross domestic product.

But these gains aren’t guaranteed. A study from Ipsos, commissioned by Google, shows that people in Singapore are optimistic about AI, but they identify one main barrier: education. More than half say they will need to learn how to use the technology, while 47 per cent anticipate needing to re-skill to adapt.

To realise the opportunities created by AI, we need to start by ensuring that the workforce is AI-ready. What does this entail?

First, we need to invest in AI education and skills development at all levels. This means providing skills support for everyone, from the technically advanced to those who are just starting out. Google and many others have made foundational programmes widely available so that anyone can learn AI essentials.

And we need to make sure that AI skills aren’t confined to technical roles. Non-technical areas have much to gain from applying AI to the problems they are trying to solve. This is why Google.org is providing US$15 million to support underserved workers and job seekers to build AI capabilities and confidence, led by the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network and supported by the Asian Development Bank.

Second, the right frameworks need to be in place to encourage the kind of experimentation that’s going to lead to innovation. Whether you’re running an organisation or shaping a country’s innovation policy, there’s no better way to encourage people to discover the potential applications and benefits of new technology than giving them space to explore its possibilities.

I was reminded of this at our recent Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First – a hands-on programme supported by Digital Industry Singapore, Enterprise Singapore and the Ministry of Communications and Information to accelerate Singapore-based, AI-focused startups. Companies such as Atlas Kitchen joined to learn and test out ideas for applying AI to enhance their restaurant operating systems.

This innovation and experimentation can exist at a country level as well. In partnership with the Singapore government, AI Trailblazers is an innovation sandbox that encourages companies to apply and accelerate the use of AI to develop home-grown solutions. The programme is already helping organisations such as the Ministry of Trade and Industry and pharmaceutical company GSK.

Finally, shaping an AI-ready workforce is not just about the skills; it’s also about the “will” of businesses and organisations. Much of this comes down to fostering a culture of learning.

When I speak to peers outside Google, I realise that one of the biggest obstacles to adopting new technologies is knowing where to start. In my own team, we are exploring how AI solutions can help us in our day-to-day work – and using AI-powered tools to improve productivity and collaboration. But what makes it easier is a strong curiosity and desire to learn.

This willingness to try new things, receptiveness to learning, and desire to share ideas about using AI effectively is essential.

This is why Singapore and the region’s optimism around AI can make a real difference in how successful Asia-Pacific will be at adopting this technology. With these three fundamentals in place, I’m optimistic that the region can be home to the world’s most AI-ready workforce.

The writer is president of Google Asia-Pacific