Local execs more sanguine about AI than US, UK peers: LinkedIn survey

Optimism driven by confidence in govt support in helping workers upskill

- Annabelle Liang

Singapore professionals are among the most optimistic about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve their work lives, according to a LinkedIn survey released on Aug 26.

Around 69 per cent of professionals here shared the sentiment, putting them ahead of the UK at 59.4 per cent, Australia at 56.9 per cent and the US at 54.3 per cent.

However, the Republic trailed behind India (78.3 per cent) and the United Arab Emirates (77.2 per cent).

The networking platform had polled more than 19,000 full-time employees, part-time workers and active job seekers in 14 countries across three weeks in July.

The increased use of AI has raised questions about its impact on manpower.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during his National Day Rally speech on Aug 17 acknowledged concerns that the technology could replace some jobs, and said the Government will ensure workers benefit from the shift towards AI.

He cited examples, such as that of port operator PSA, which retrained workers to remotely supervise and manage multiple cranes and vehicles. This resulted in a boost to productivity, and safer and higher-paying jobs.

Confidence in support from the Government is driving optimism, LinkedIn's Asia-Pacific managing director Feon Ang told The Straits Times.

"Singapore has a strong record of helping workers upskill and adapt through disruption, with initiatives such as those announced at the National Day Rally, job-matching and traineeship schemes, reinforcing that support," she said.