{
  "id": 6104218,
  "title": "Beyond STEM: Why Singapore tertiary institutions are putting more emphasis on arts and social sciences",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/beyond-stem-why-singapore-tertiary-institutions-are-putting-more",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-07T05:52:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CNA - Singapore",
    "slug": "cna-singapore",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/beyond-stem-singapore-tertiary-emphasis-arts-social-sciences-6362811"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As artificial intelligence assumes more technical and routine tasks, Singapore's tertiary institutions are placing a greater emphasis on arts and social sciences. Programming a robot used to involve writing lines of code, but now AI handles much of the technical work, leaving students with more time to focus on creativity, critical thinking, communication, empathy, and real-world problem-solving. This shift is part of a broader transition from STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) to STEAM (adding arts).\n\nPSB Academy reported a 47% increase in demand for STEAM education over the past two years, with student numbers growing from about 3,400 in 2023 to 5,000 in the previous year. The institution is constructing an Integrated STEAM Hub at Tai Seng, with expected completion in 2027. At Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), there is a growing focus on combining technology with humanities and social sciences, such as economics, business, psychology, and philosophy. The university's curriculum aims to teach students not just to ask \"can we do this,\" but \"should we do this, for whom, and under what conditions?\"\n\nJames Cook University's Singapore campus is also emphasizing practical skills through its new barramundi hatchery facility. Meanwhile, schools like Singapore Management University (SMU) are piloting dance choreography courses to foster creativity, empathy, and cultural understanding, areas AI struggles with. At Kaplan and Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS), more working professionals are enrolling, with employers seeking individuals capable of interpreting AI-generated information and turning it into actionable insights. EHL Hospitality Business School has noted a nearly 40% increase in enrollment from working professionals, reflecting the demand for practical, skills-based learning.",
  "summary": "As AI takes on more technical and routine tasks, educators are placing greater emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, communication, empathy and real-world problem solving.",
  "key_points": [
    "Singapore's tertiary institutions shifting focus from STEM to STEAM.",
    "PSB Academy sees 47% rise in STEAM education demand over two years.",
    "SUTD integrates technology with humanities, business, psychology, and philosophy."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Singapore's tertiary institutions are shifting focus from STEM to STEAM, emphasizing arts and social sciences to equip students with creativity, critical thinking, and empathy that complement AI-driven technical skills.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "[UPDATED] Anwar wants stronger STEM enrolment, deeper uptake of pure sciences",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/updated-anwar-wants-stronger-stem-enrolment-deeper-uptake-of-pure",
        "published": "2026-09-07T03:25:36.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Beyond STEM: Why Singapore tertiary institutions are putting more emphasis on arts and social sciences",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/beyond-stem-why-singapore-tertiary-institutions-are-putting-more-6106871",
        "published": "2026-09-07T05:52:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}