Estimated 4,500 students in

Singapore to receive free AI training by end-2025

SINGAPORE – More adults and students will have access to free online training in artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology topics by end-2025, global tech company IBM said on Aug 23.

She added that one way to reach keen learners is to collaborate with schools.

SP will be tapping SkillsBuild’s AI, data and cyber-security courses to support learning for its computing courses, while RP plans to introduce the platform’s courses into its curriculum, specifically to train students in data science and AI skills, among other topics.
Both polytechnics will also explore using the resources in common curriculum modules to ensure all students are well versed in the usage and programming of AI.

SP’s deputy principal, Mr Loh Yew Chiong, said the online courses can be utilised as quizzes for lecturers to keep track of students’ understanding of AI subjects.

Students will be encouraged to complete AI or other courses to attain IBM’s professional certifications, which will help to enhance their portfolios when applying for jobs, he said.

RP chief technology officer Fong Yew Chan said IBM SkillsBuild provides plenty of useful material that adds on to the school’s curriculum.
Non-profit organisation JA, which holds career and financial literacy workshops in schools, plans to use the online resources to support the training of about 3,000 students within a year, said executive director Ng Hau Yee.

Ms Ng said: “If you tell kids to go online to do a quiz, they probably won’t do it by themselves. So we can use the modules to design our courses as a teaser to topics like AI and cyber security.”

The collaboration between IBM, SP, RP and JA was announced at the IBM office at Marina Bay Financial Centre.
Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Rahayu Mahzam, who was the guest of honour, welcomed the collaboration, saying that it can help locals find new job opportunities and acquire tech skills that are in short supply.“A proactive approach by going upstream to prepare our youth even before they enter the workforce” would be necessary, she continued, in order to create a workforce equipped with AI.

She went on, “It involves incorporating digital literacy and AI education into vocational training and giving them the fundamental skills needed to succeed in a job market that is changing quickly.”

Following then-Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s statement in 2023 on Singapore’s revamped national AI policy to triple its AI talent pool, there has been no shortage of attempts by educational institutions and businesses to develop AI talent here.
New degrees and scholarship programmes have since been offered at Nanyang Technological University, backed by an initial $4 million to support AI education and research in 2024.

Besides its dedicated AI degrees and minor in AI offered to students, Singapore University of Technology and Design introduced AI courses for adult learners in 2024. These include classes on using generative AI and understanding the science behind such programs.
Even professionals in non-IT sectors like logistics and finance have been sent to attend tech training sessions to acquire digital skills through efforts by the authorities and trade associations.