More than 150,000 public officers to receive AI, cybersecurity training at new institute

Singapore's Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) and the Civil Service College (CSC) have launched the Institute of Digital Government (IDG) to train over 150,000 public officers in AI, cybersecurity, and data capabilities by 2028. The institute, which was officially inaugurated on September 18 at the AI Tech Festival, aims to provide standardized and centralized training for public officers across various roles and digital proficiency levels.

All officers will be required to complete annual foundational modules covering cybersecurity, data protection, and AI literacy. These modules will be regularly updated to reflect the latest technological advancements. IDG will also offer three structured learning pathways – Aware 101 for novices, Apply 201 for those with basic AI knowledge, and Build 301 for those interested in designing solutions – based on officers' familiarity with AI or digital tools.

The institute will support transformation efforts through AI Sprints, workshops that enable officers to apply digital and AI skills to real workplace challenges. Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, Jasmin Lau, highlighted that senior leaders in the public sector have already undergone foundational digital capability training and are now experimenting with AI in their roles.

She emphasized the importance of AI as a tool to help public officers perform their duties more efficiently and free up time for tasks requiring human judgment and empathy.