Budget 2024 debate: Desmond Choo on AI and the new economy and challenges faced by younger Singaporeans

How can Singapore ensure that its youths are ready for artificial intelligence (AI)? Should Institutes of Higher Learning include AI in all courses and do all our workers and educators now need to have AI booster courses? MP Desmond Choo raised these questions in Parliament on Tuesday (Feb 27). He highlighted how this year’s Budget will help more young Singaporeans to succeed, but pointed out that they still face two rather formidable challenges - a transition to an economy shaped by AI and climate change, as well as navigating the workplace. He highlighted the need to support young Singaporeans looking at career transitions, as well as those affected or displaced by AI or the green transition, and urged the Government to consider lowering the SkillsFuture Credit eligibility age from the current 25 years. He also wanted to know if the Government will provide subsidies for second degrees and consider enhancing subsidies for companies to host career trials for young jobseekers.