Building the Filipino workforce for the AI Age

Our neighbor Singapore recently celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of its independence, nicknamed “SG60.” When Prime Minister Lawrence Wong addressed the nation at the “SG60 and Beyond” dialogue and the 2025 National Day Rally, many listened closely to his vision for Singapore's future. His message was clear and urgent: “AI will be the defining technology of our time.” He underscored Al’s transformative power as the next great technological revolution, rivaling the personal computer and the Internet. It was both a warning and an opportunity — countries cannot afford to stand still on AI, and leaders must think carefully about how to apply it to uplift jobs and people.

- IRA PAULO POZON

Technology and AI took center stage, occupying nearly 30 minutes of his 90-minute address, alongside other critical topics, like the economy, regional security, territory, and healthcare for Singapore’s aging population. But what stood out was that his remarks were not just about technology — they were about people. His vision placed Singaporeans at the heart of the AI transition: a government coordinating employers, schools, and communities to prepare its workforce for the opportunities and disruptions ahead. ‘As he emphasized, while many jobs will evolve or disappear, new ones will also emerge, and Singapore intends to equip every citizen with the tools to thrive.

I then thought, where is the Philippines in the race to AI? We stand at a pivotal moment where our demographic strengths, economic ambitions, and technological gaps converge. With one of the youngest and most resilient workforces in the region, we have a tremendous opportunity to lead. But to fully realize this potential, we need a more unified approach to AI education, reskilling, and workforce integration — so we can keep pace with neighbors rapidly advancing in this space.