SINGAPORE – NTUC LearningHub has launched a new academy aimed at helping professionals, managers, and executives stay competitive in an evolving job market increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence (AI).
Announced on March 6, the initiative enhances three existing courses—critical thinking, design thinking, and creative thinking—by integrating generative AI (gen AI) content. Chief executive Jeremy Ong explained that participants will learn to harness gen AI tools to assess industry trends and analyze business scenarios, refining their problem-solving and strategic decision-making skills.
During a critical thinking workshop at NTUC Trade Union House, associate trainer Johnny Yap demonstrated how to craft effective prompts for a pre-trained large language model. In one exercise, he sought AI-generated solutions for resolving workplace conflicts. The model suggested facilitating a calm discussion between the involved parties to clarify misunderstandings, even prompting Mr. Yap for his thoughts on the approach.
While AI accelerates decision-making and optimizes workflows, Ong emphasized that human reasoning remains indispensable. “Machines can be faster and more cost-efficient, but the ability to think critically is still invaluable,” he said.
NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng reinforced the urgency for businesses to equip workers with AI skills to avoid obsolescence. He cited DBS’s recent announcement that 4,000 jobs will be phased out through natural attrition due to AI-driven automation, warning that other banks may follow suit.
“What must we do to ensure Singaporeans in these fields continue to thrive? If DBS is taking this step, other financial institutions will likely do the same to manage costs and enhance efficiency,” Ng cautioned.
Participants in the NTUC LearningHub program, such as UOB hybrid data specialist Gary Lee Jun Rui, are already seeing the benefits. Lee shared that the course helped him refine his approach to handling large data sets and advising stakeholders on critical data points.
Laurence Liew, director of AI innovation at AI Singapore, highlighted that mastering AI prompting techniques will be key to workplace efficiency. “The real question is: How do you get AI to work for you?” he said. With AI reshaping industries, NTUC LearningHub’s initiative underscores the importance of continuous learning, ensuring workers remain adaptable in an increasingly automated world.