Singapore leads APAC in workplace AI integration

Four in 10 firms are already using AI in their operations.

Singapore leads the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region in AI adoption in the workplace, with 45% of businesses already using AI in their operations and 38% planning to adopt it soon, PERSOLKELLY reported.

In Singapore, 47% of businesses plan to implement internal AI policies within a year, 26% in two years, and 9%, in over two years.

Employers also focus more on technology than employee support, with 45% of leaders willing to redefine job roles for AI, but only 27% prepared to help affected employees transition to new opportunities (APAC, 36%).

In addition, 53% of companies plan to offer reskilling programs, 47% will create new jobs that complement AI, and 41% educate employees on AI's impacts and solutions. 

However, despite 80% of employers predicting significant job displacement due to AI, only 16% plan to offer internal upskilling and just 17% will support employees in gaining relevant AI certifications and education to address the skills gap.

PERSOLKELLY also revealed that Singapore firms use AI to boost productivity (57%) and efficiency (59%) and reduce human error (40%), with AI Chatbots and Virtual Assistants (27%), AI for writing (23%), and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Tools (19%) being the top tools used.

The study report also revealed that only 8% of Singapore firms will hire AI-skilled individuals, whilst 5% will partner with specialized staffing companies. 

Only 11% of leaders see AI affecting legal departments and 10% use AI in recruitment (APAC, 16%).