Singapore must focus on training more professionals capable of building artificial intelligence systems rather than simply teaching workers how to use the technology, according to a senior official at the national AI research program.
Leslie Teo, senior director at AI Singapore, warned that the country’s current strategy risks producing large numbers of certified AI users while falling short on developing engineers and researchers who can design and build AI technologies. His comments come as businesses rapidly adopt AI tools while simultaneously reducing entry-level hiring, a shift that could limit opportunities for young workers to gain technical experience.
“Junior employees are cheap. AI is cheaper, though,” Teo said in an interview reported by The Business Times.
Singapore has committed more than S$1 billion to strengthen its position as a global AI hub. The investment is part of a broader effort by governments worldwide to develop domestic AI capabilities as countries compete to control the next generation of technology infrastructure.
But Teo cautioned that smaller economies like Singapore face particular challenges in keeping pace with the United States, China and other major players that are investing heavily in AI research, computing infrastructure and technical talent.
One issue, he said, is that companies are increasingly relying on AI to automate routine work that was previously performed by junior staff. As a result, firms may provide fewer opportunities for new graduates to develop the practical skills needed to become AI developers.
Teo suggested that governments may need to treat early-career training as a public good to ensure a steady pipeline of AI builders. Singapore’s main mechanism for workforce training is the SkillsFuture program, which subsidizes courses for citizens throughout their careers. In 2025, about 606,000 people participated in SkillsFuture-supported training.
However, Teo said training programs often struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of AI development, as course approval processes can take years.
Singapore is also pursuing initiatives to build domestic AI capabilities, including the development of Sea-LION, a regional large language model designed for Southeast Asia.
Ultimately, Teo argued, the country’s long-term competitiveness will depend on its ability to cultivate people who can shape AI systems rather than simply use them.
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