More Singapore workers managing bots as firms ramp up AI use

Singapore companies are increasingly leveraging AI agents to enhance productivity, leading to a new role for workers - managing these digital assistants. Workers are directing AI agents to analyze documents, crunch data and complete tasks, which can now be accomplished in mere minutes. However, human oversight remains crucial, as AI agents can still produce errors, a phenomenon known as "AI hallucination."

EY Singapore's head of assurance, Mr. Lee Wei Hock, emphasized that while AI improves efficiency, professionals must still exercise their judgement and skepticism. As AI agents become more capable, jobs are being redesigned to incorporate directing, questioning, and checking AI output. Audrey Chan, executive director at Kerry Consulting, noted that this shift is happening faster than job titles are changing, requiring workers to be "AI-bilingual" - proficient in both their profession and AI.

A SAP survey revealed that 92% of Singapore firms are exploring or using agentic AI, with AI projected to support 47% of tasks within two years. This integration of AI into core business processes necessitates a workforce skilled in both traditional and AI-related tasks. However, there's a risk of weakening critical judgement and on-the-job learning among junior employees who use AI without developing their own analytical skills.

Companies must therefore maintain the "spirit of apprenticeship" in their AI-integrated jobs, ensuring junior employees still cultivate independent critical thinking. The key to success in this AI-driven era lies in combining trusted data, well-designed processes, and a workforce trained to be proficient in both traditional and AI-related tasks.