Singaporean workers are leading the world in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) skills, according to a new report by LinkedIn. The report found that the diffusion rate of AI skills in Singapore has grown 20 times since January 2016, compared to an average growth of eight times globally.
Pooja Chhabria, a LinkedIn economist, attributes Singapore’s success to its strong digital infrastructure, effective intellectual property protection, and thriving venture capital ecosystem.
The report also highlighted the fastest-growing AI-related skills in 2022. These include question-answering (332% growth), recommender systems (277% growth), and natural language processing (221% growth).
However, the rise of generative AI has also sparked concerns about job displacement. The report found that 45% of teaching skills are “potentially augmentable” by generative AI. This means that AI could be used to automate some aspects of teaching, such as grading papers or creating lesson plans.
The report also found that soft skills like creative thinking, leadership, and communication are becoming more important as AI automation increases. These skills are essential for tasks that require human judgment and creativity.
Microsoft, a leading provider of AI technology, emphasised that humans should remain in control of AI-generated content and decisions. The company also stressed the importance of emotional intelligence in determining when to use AI versus human capabilities.
Overall, the report suggests that AI is having a major impact on the workforce. Workers who are able to adopt AI skills and develop soft skills will be well-positioned for success in the future.