Embrace Al, tech or be displaced: Minister

National AI strategy includes equipping people with skills that are needed

- Shermaine Ang

ST GALLEN, Switzerland - People who have embraced artificial intelligence (AI) and technology will displace those who have not, said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng to an international audience on May 2. This is why Singapore is investing $1 billion over the next five years into a national AI strategy to develop the industry and equip people with the needed skills.

"Our people are our only, singular resource. And if you look at every single level of our workforce, we try to make sure that there's a level playing field, we provide an equal level of opportunity for them," Dr Tan said at a panel discussion on the economic impact of demographic shifts.

"Of course, no one can guarantee that everyone can come up with an equal outcome, but at least for starters, we level the playing field for everyone." Dr Tan was speaking at the 53rd St Gallen Symposium in Switzerland, alongside fellow panellists Laura Jorde, who is managing director of vocational education and training at the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and Peter Voser, who chairs Swiss engineering group ABB.

The symposium is an annual student-run conference taking place in May at the University of St Gallen. It hosts inter-generational debates on economic, political and social developments.