As AI becomes the norm, S'porean workers are honing these 5 skills to stay competitive

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here and transforming industries. Yet, Singaporeans seem cautious in their adoption of AI technologies.

According to a Jobstreet report, featured by the Singapore Business Review (SBR), only 53% of Singaporean workers are willing to reskill to stay relevant in the AI era. Meanwhile, 41% would only consider reskilling if absolutely necessary, despite growing concerns over job displacement or transformation due to generative AI (GenAI).  

With AI taking on mundane tasks and improving work efficiency, workers are now focusing on the skills that machines can’t easily replicate. Here’s how Singaporeans are staying competitive amidst the AI revolution.  

1. Sharpening analytical skills for a data-driven world

AI thrives on data, making analytical skills a hot commodity. Four in 10 Singaporeans are improving their ability to think critically, analyse complex information, and conduct research. These skills help workers interpret AI-driven insights, solve intricate problems, and make informed decisions in an increasingly automated workplace.  

With AI taking over repetitive tasks, the ability to strategically apply data insights has become more critical than ever.  

2. Focusing on functional and job-specific expertise  

Beyond broad skills, Singaporeans are diving deep into their job-specific abilities. Whether it’s accounting, sales, finance, or technical know-how, 35% of workers are polishing their expertise to maintain an edge.  

This approach highlights the value of combining AI capabilities with human domain knowledge to optimise processes and results.  

3. Mastering project management

Managing people and projects is a distinctly human skill that AI can support but not replicate.

About 27% of Singaporean workers are strengthening their project management capabilities to oversee complex workflows, delegate tasks, and ensure team alignment—roles that are critical in environments where humans and machines collaborate.  

4. Embracing creativity and innovation

While AI can generate ideas, human creativity remains irreplaceable. 

24% of Singaporean workers are nurturing their creative and innovative abilities to bring fresh perspectives, solve unique problems, and design original solutions. 

Creativity is increasingly valued in fields like marketing, product development, and content creation, where AI serves as a tool rather than the creator.  

5. Developing advanced digital skills 

Understanding how to work with emerging technologies is vital in an AI-driven economy. 

22% of Singaporeans are upskilling in advanced digital competencies, including programming, data analysis, and AI literacy, to better integrate and utilise AI tools in their industries.  

These skills bridge the gap between human effort and AI capabilities, enabling workers to leverage technology effectively.  

How Singaporeans are reskilling and the challenges faced

Despite these efforts, Singaporeans spend less time on learning and development compared to their Southeast Asian peers. 

In 2023, 19% of Singaporeans reported dedicating no time to upskilling, above the regional average of 13%.  

When they do reskill, they prefer practical, flexible learning methods:  

Singaporean workers are clear about what’s holding them back:  

Employers can play a pivotal role by shifting their focus from degrees to skills and creating strategic upskilling programs.  

Staying ahead of the AI curve

SBR also noted that based on Jobstreet’s Decoding Global Talent 2024 Singapore report, it highlighted the growing shift toward skills-based hiring. As companies face workforce gaps, particularly in ageing economies, the emphasis on academic credentials is slowly being replaced by valuing skills, experience, and potential.  

To build a skills-focused workforce, companies need to rethink how they assess talent, focusing less on qualifications and more on real-world competencies.  

As AI continues to evolve, Singaporeans must adapt to remain competitive. By honing these five skills and embracing flexible learning methods, workers can not only keep pace with the AI revolution but thrive in it.  

For Singaporeans, the key lies in balancing technical expertise with human-centric skills—after all, machines may be smart, but it’s humans who drive innovation.  

Featured Image Credit: Singapore Global Network

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