Singapore sees strong uptake in AI training as the Government urges lifelong learning

Singapore recorded more than 105,000 people enrolling in artificial intelligence training courses on the SkillsFuture Singapore platform in 2025, highlighting growing interest in the technology among workers and students.

The figures were shared in Parliament on 3 February by Senior Minister of State for Education Janil Puthucheary, in response to a question from Member of Parliament Ng Chee Meng. The SkillsFuture Singapore platform currently offers about 1,600 courses linked to AI and related technologies, reflecting the rapid expansion of digital skills training in the country.

Government promotes AI upskilling without fixed targets

Dr Puthucheary said the Government does not set specific targets for the number of workers who should attend AI training, but continues to encourage Singaporeans to upgrade their skills throughout their careers. He said: “We encourage all Singaporeans to pursue upskilling and lifelong learning to stay relevant, including by keeping abreast of AI and other developments.”

He added that SkillsFuture Singapore will continue to review how it highlights and organises courses for workers, aiming to make it easier for individuals to understand which courses are most relevant to their needs. The agency is also working with industry partners to identify key AI-related tasks and link them to training pathways. This approach is intended to help workers see how their learning journey can progress as they build AI skills.

The Government will continue to provide financial support for training through course fee subsidies and SkillsFuture credits, which help reduce out-of-pocket costs for individuals. Officials believe this support is important as AI becomes a core skill across many sectors, from finance and healthcare to manufacturing and public services.

Mr Ng had raised concerns that the large number of available courses could overwhelm workers, making it difficult for them to decide where to start. The Government’s focus on clearer signposting and curated pathways aims to address this challenge and make AI learning more accessible, especially for those with limited technical backgrounds.

Parliament debates AI’s impact on jobs and graduates

AI’s impact on employment was also discussed during the parliamentary session, with Nominated MP Terence Ho Wai Luen asking about how the technology could affect job prospects for new graduates. Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower Shawn Huang said AI is reshaping the labour market, but its specific effects on entry-level professionals and technicians are still uncertain.

Mr Huang said the Ministry of Manpower is monitoring developments and gathering feedback from employers to understand how AI adoption is changing hiring practices and job roles. Working with the National Trades Union Congress, the ministry will consider whether additional measures are needed to manage potential disruptions and support workers during the transition.

He noted that employment rates for fresh graduates from institutes of higher learning have remained broadly stable over the past decade, despite year-to-year fluctuations. These changes are influenced by factors such as economic conditions, geopolitical events and evolving career preferences among graduates.

“These fluctuations reflect a combination of factors, including broader economic uncertainty, geopolitical developments and changing career aspirations of graduates,” Mr Huang said. His comments suggest that AI is only one of several forces shaping the job market, alongside global economic trends and individual choices.

The education sector integrates AI skills and workplace exposure

Mr Huang urged students to remain adaptable as technology continues to transform industries. He said universities and other higher education institutions are working closely with sector agencies and industry partners to keep their curricula aligned with market needs.

Institutions are integrating AI competencies into courses, alongside domain-specific training and core skills such as critical thinking, creativity and communication. These skills are seen as essential for workers to collaborate effectively with AI tools and adapt to new job roles created by digital transformation.

Students also have opportunities to apply AI skills in real workplace settings through programmes such as AI apprenticeships, which combine academic learning with hands-on experience. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between classroom training and industry expectations, helping graduates transition more smoothly into the workforce.

In response to heightened economic uncertainty in 2025, the Government introduced the graduate industry traineeship programme to provide young graduates with industry-relevant experience. The scheme is designed to help them secure permanent employment by offering structured training and exposure to real-world projects, including those involving AI technologies.

Overall, the parliamentary discussion reflects Singapore’s broader strategy to prepare its workforce for an AI-driven economy. By promoting lifelong learning, supporting students and graduates, and engaging industry partners, the Government aims to ensure that workers remain competitive as technology continues to evolve.