Singaporeans across generations raise concern on impact of AI in job security

Technical and soft skills were found to be the most crucial skills in future workplaces.

Singaporeans from different generations have aired common concerns over the impact of automation and AI on job opportunities, which calls for upskilling of talent to stay relevant, according to Reeracoen.

A recent survey showed nearly half of Gen Z and Y (48%), while 52% of Gen X and Baby Boomers (52%) are expecting automation and AI to eliminate certain job roles. A third of Gen Z and Y and 30% of Gen X and Baby Boomers emphasized the need for upskilling of existing talent. 

The study also showed younger generations see remote work as the most significant change in the future of the workplace while older generations prioritise the impact of changes in technology in daily work, emphasizing “the rapid evolution of technology and its transformative impact on work practices.”

“Reasons for these choices included the flexibility and cost-saving benefits of remote work, along with the necessity of keeping pace with technological advancements for future relevance in the digital economy,” the report said.

Almost half of both groups believed that technical skills were the most sought-after skills in the future job market with more Gen Ys and Zs (46%) than Gen Xs and Baby Boomers (44%). Soft skills closely followed for both groups.

Both generational groups were strongly in agreement that continuous learning would be essential for career growth in the future job market, with close to three-fourths of Gen Zs and Ys (64%) and Gen Xs and Baby Boomers (71%) sharing the sentiment.

The survey by Reeracoen involved 304 respondents, with 59% being Gen X and Baby Boomers and 41% being Gen Y and Gen Z.