THINKING ALOUD

Employers want AI-fluent employees. Hiring them is the challenge

Sounding like an expert user is easier than ever; hirers must seek more rigorous ways of testing proficiency

Published Thu, Jun 25, 2026 · 07:15 AM

In hiring for AI-fluent users, companies will do well to better define and test applicants on their capacity for human oversight. PHOTO: BT FILE

[SINGAPORE] Nearly every manpower survey has trumpeted the demand for artificial intelligence skills and fluency among potential jobseekers, with salary premiums over listings with no mention of such requirements.

Yet, finding and hiring the right talent with suitable AI skills appears to be even harder than before.

Companies looking to get an AI wunderkind – who can magically turn a few prompts into instant revenue or savings – would have to temper expectations.

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