Singapore has just released a new series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the AI literacy among Singaporeans.

These efforts will introduce new generative AI programs under the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) Digital Skills for Life (DSL) framework.

Introducing AI courses into current digital initiatives

Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, Rahayu Mahzam, revealed that the initiative will start with the expansion of the DSL framework, an initiative launched last year to not just help equip all Singaporeans with digital knowledge and skills to conduct daily living tasks online, but also provide them with the skills to safeguard themselves against online risks.

This year, the contents of the initiative will be expanded to introduce the topic of generative AI, what are the risks, and how Singaporeans can use it safely in their everyday lives.

The IMDA also revealed its plans to expand the SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace 2.0 programme to incorporate AI content in the curriculum. This initiative was first introduced in 2017, with the aim of providing Singaporeans with the foundation training on digital skills to prepare them for a digital economy.

The initiative was given a makeover in 2023, with focus on four key areas: automation, cybersecurity risks, data analytics and i-demand digital tools. IMDA also partnered with key industry players and Institutes of Higher Learning to teach these new generative AI skills.

This expansion would allow workers in all sectors to learn how to use tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot. This would help them to enhance their productivity at work, even if they have no background in tech.

Holistically, IMDA is also launching a generative AI playbook to cater to enterprises at different stages of digital maturity, so they can use AI to boost productivity and spur growth. This initiative aims to equip enterprises with the benefits and transformative potential of generative AI.

The playbook was developed by industry leaders, including Amazon Web Service, Microsoft, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore and the National Univeristy of Singapore's business and computing schools.

A competition with other countries and not AI

During her speech, the Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo also explained the impact of AI on workers while addressing some common concerns.

She explained that AI would impact many different jobs in a myriad of ways, but many jobs will still be around. She adds that the risk of AI is not how jobs will be lost to AI, but that Singapore will lose to a more competitive city of country.

"Our most important task, therefore, is to help as many people and businesses as we can become more productive, with the use of AI."

Minister Teo ended off by expressing her hopes to create a nation of competent and confident AI users. She further explained that only by doing so, Singapore can maintain its economic competitiveness adn retain more good jobs.