Got career-related queries? ST's new AI chatbot is here to answer them

Virtual mentor gives expert advice drawn from archive of over 5,000 ST articles

- Kolette Lim

Say hello to a new virtual mentor that can speak Singlish, tell you how to dress on your first day at work, and give career advice round the clock.

It is The Straits Times' first artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, which answers questions from readers on career-related topics — from which industries pay the best in Singapore, to tips on relieving stress at work.

Developed by SPH Media and ST with support from Amazon Web Services (AWS), the career bot draws content from an archive of more than 5,000 ST articles related to jobs, careers and working life that were published from Jan 1, 2020.

ST's new chatbot was created as the media outlet's product and technology team felt a bot would present information to readers in a "snappy and casual format", said team head and ST associate editor Ong Hwee Hwee.

At the same time, the Headstart team had been looking for new ways to deliver career-related content to its younger audience, she added.

Headstart is an initiative to engage ST's young adult audience on topics that matter to them, with career being one of its content pillars alongside money and lifestyle.