A jobstreet report, the Decoding Global Talent 2024, reveals that Singaporeans are falling behind their Southeast Asian counterparts in their willingness to reskill for the evolving job landscape shaped by artificial intelligence (AI). Only 53% of Singaporean talent expressed a willingness to reskill, compared to 63% across Southeast Asia. This reluctance is concerning, especially as 40% of Singaporeans remain unfamiliar with the capabilities of Generative AI (GenAI).
Key Findings
- Job security concerns: Despite only 19% of local talent believing that GenAI will not impact their jobs, there is significant anxiety about job displacement. About 22% expect major changes to their roles due to AI, slightly lower than the 29% regional average.
- Limited engagement with GenAI: While 60% of Singaporean talent have experimented with GenAI, only 43% use it monthly. This is on par with the Southeast Asian average of 44%. The report indicates that many Singaporeans recognize GenAI's potential to reduce non-essential tasks (60%) and improve work quality (45%), yet its application for enhancing productivity remains underutilized.
- Barriers to reskilling: A significant 37% of Singaporean workers cite difficulties in writing prompts and a lack of skills as major obstacles to leveraging GenAI effectively. This figure is higher than the regional average of 33% and the global average of 30%.
- Focus on traditional skills: When it comes to reskilling priorities, Singaporean talent is more inclined to improve traditional skills such as analytical skills (46%) and project management (27%), while advanced digital skills related to AI rank much lower at 22%.
Expert Insights
Vic Sithasanan, acting managing director of Jobstreet by SEEK in Singapore, emphasised the urgency for both individuals and employers to take proactive steps in reskilling. He stated, “AI's impact is undeniable, and it is essential for both individuals and employers in Singapore to start taking proactive steps in reskilling and future-proofing our workforce”.
Conclusion
As Singapore navigates the challenges posed by the AI revolution, there is a pressing need for employers to support their workforce in acquiring the necessary skills. The report highlights that 51% of Singaporean talent seek more guidance on skills to learn, and 46% desire better learning opportunities. By addressing these gaps, Singapore can better prepare its workforce for the demands of an AI-driven future
