Forget one major – graduates may need 10 minors in the AI age: Piyush Gupta
With AI providing instant knowledge, luniversities must now teach students how to think.
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly proficient at retrieving and explaining information, universities are shifting their focus from merely transferring knowledge to training students' minds. Piyush Gupta, chairman of the board of trustees at Singapore Management University (SMU), argues that this transformation necessitates a broadened approach to education, encouraging students to adopt multiple areas of study rather than concentrating on a single major.
"Forget one or two majors and focus on 10 minors, so you get enough cross-disciplinary and eclectic learning," Gupta said.
The former chief executive of DBS and current chairman of Keppel Corporation and the Mandai Wildlife Group contends that in the AI era, graduates will need more than just technical skills. They must develop their curiosity, judgement, understanding of context, and ability to connect ideas across disciplines. This shift is essential because AI can perform routine research, coding, accounting, and administrative tasks, potentially reducing the premium traditionally associated with university graduates' higher salaries.
Universities must also address the risk of "cognitive debt" – a weakening of mental capabilities due to overreliance on AI. While AI can be a valuable tool in the workplace, it is crucial that students learn to identify its flaws and hallucinations, ensuring they retain essential reasoning and conceptual skills. Gupta emphasizes that universities should embrace AI while also redefining pedagogy to maintain and enhance these critical skills.
In light of these changes, Gupta suggests that students should consider taking on internships, apprenticeships, and real-world projects earlier in their university careers. This hands-on experience will better prepare them for the advanced responsibilities they may face upon entering the workforce, even as many companies begin to reduce entry-level hiring and rely more on AI automation.
By fostering these applied learning experiences, universities can help graduates navigate a rapidly evolving job market and maintain their competitive edge.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
