More Singapore workers managing bots as firms ramp up AI use
As companies turn to AI agents to boost productivity, workers are increasingly taking on the role of managing them – raising questions about how jobs and on-the-job learning will change.
Singapore firms are increasingly utilizing AI agents to enhance productivity, leading to the emergence of "AI agent managers" among workers. These managers direct AI agents, analyze their output, and ensure the accuracy of the generated results. Mr Ong Zhi Chuan, a senior manager at EY, finds AI agents save him valuable time by analyzing documents in a fraction of the time it would take him to do so manually.
However, he emphasizes the importance of human judgement in the audit process, as regulators still demand human oversight. EY's head of assurance, Lee Wei Hock, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the thin margin for error when it comes to AI hallucinations. As AI agents become more capable, analysts predict a redesign of jobs to incorporate AI management, questioning, and checking.
Audrey Chan, executive director at Kerry Consulting, notes that the workforce is adapting by redesigning jobs and upskilling employees to work alongside AI. SAP's survey reveals that 92% of Singapore firms are exploring or utilizing agentic AI, with AI supporting an average of 27% of tasks and expected to reach 47% within two years.
The shift towards AI integration demands "AI bilingualism," allowing professionals to seamlessly combine their domain expertise with AI capabilities. However, the rapid adoption of AI also poses challenges, including the risk of diminishing critical judgement and limited on-the-job learning for new employees. Companies must preserve the "spirit of apprenticeship" while redesigning jobs to incorporate AI, ensuring junior employees maintain their ability to think independently.
Written by urgent.news from CNA - Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- More Singapore workers managing bots as firms ramp up AI use channelnewsasia.com
