IBM offers Free AI training programmes to 4,500 youths and adults in Singapore

IT Services and IT Consulting company, IBM Singapore will be launching new free programmes on their online platform, SkillsBuild, where they will provide free AI training to 4,500 youths and adults locally. This programme aims to provide users with skills to access career opportunities and remain relevant in the market, as a reaction to the present rapid adoption of AI by companies.

Skills overview

IBM SkillsBuild is IBM’s existing online platform launched back in 2021. This initiative was launched as part of their goal: to train 30 million people with the skills needed for new technologies. The programme has over 1,000 courses in multiple languages on technology such as AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. 

The newly launched free programmes will teach users about AI through a number of classes such as Prompt-Writing, which teaches people how to tailor their inputs to Generative AI (GenAI) in order to get specific and accurate answers; or Generative AI in Action, which walks users how GenAI programmes can be applied to the wide world, and what ethical considerations should be forefront of their mind while using it. 

IBM is also partnering with Singapore Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, and Junior Achievement with their new AI programme. Singapore Polytechnic will incorporate the IBM SkillsBuild programmes, such as Web Development and Cybersecurity, or Fundamentals of Sustainability and Technology into modules within the Diploma in Applied AI & Analytics (DAAA), Diploma in Information Technology (DIT) and Diploma in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics (DCDF) courses.

Similarly, Republic Polytechnic will use the online platform to enhance existing classes for students in technology-related fields and teach essential skills, such as Enterprise Design Thinking for interested students.

The last collaborator, Junior Achievement, will be teaching students as well as supporting minority groups, such as single moms and domestic workers in Singapore. These learners will have workshops, hands-on activities, and career mentorships under IBM experts.

The threat presented by AI

Such AI training is especially important as companies in Singapore increasingly adopt GenAI. IBM conducted a survey about AI in the workforce, and discovered that 64% of CEOs in Singapore are pushing their organisations to adopt GenAI faster than employees are comfortable with. Around half of these CEOs therefore believe that they will be reducing or redeploying their workforce in the next year because of GenAI. 

While these statistics present a bleak future, especially as CEOs in other regions of APAC have similar sentiments, 52% of Singaporean CEOs also say they are hiring for GenAI roles that did not exist last year. This means that while AI is forcing a change, those who upgrade their skills will be better positioned to avoid technological unemployment, which occurs when advancements in technology cause workers to lose their jobs.

Since companies will not be slowing their adoption of AI — the risk of incorporating the new technology is outweighed by the increase in productivity that AI brings — it lies on employees to upskill instead.

“We cannot and should not resist the progress of AI. Instead, we must harness its potential in ways that are inclusive and equitable. This means ensuring that our workers, from all segments of society, have the opportunity to acquire the skills needed to thrive in this new age,” said Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State for Digital Development and Information during her opening remarks at IBM’s Future Workforce in AI Era event.

“The future of the workforce in the age of AI is a future of possibilities – if we are willing to embrace it, invest in our people, and foster partnerships that bridge the gap between technology and humanity. By doing so, we can build a future where innovation and inclusivity go hand-in-hand, creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”