Budget 2024 debate: Gerald Giam on ecosystem that champions fair competition, leverages AI and robotics
As Singapore charts its course through the rapidly changing global and technological terrain, its policies must embody a steadfast dedication to fairness, meritocracy and innovation, said MP Gerald Giam. It must nurture an ecosystem that champions fair competition, leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, and places the welfare and progress of every Singaporean at its heart, he added. Speaking in Parliament on Monday (Feb 26), Mr Giam stressed the need to remain committed to building a society where access to opportunities, a culture of excellence and the value of each individual’s contributions shape the Singaporean journey for generations to come. Mr Giam highlighted the need to tap the opportunities in AI and robotics, saying the Government can spur a broader uptick not only for scientists and businesses but also for general purpose use by ordinary citizens. He said Singapore needs the right institutions and opportunities to attract and retain the best minds, including talented Singaporean students, scientists and entrepreneurs. At the same time, it needs to proactively re-train workers who are most at risk of displacement from AI. He called for interventions against AI-driven job redundancy, saying it is better to be the “architects of our own disruption”. He suggested giving every Singaporean hands-on practice and tacit learning with AI and robotics to ensure that the gains of these technologies go to everyone. Turning to the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme, Mr Giam wanted to know how the Government arrived at the conclusion that diploma and degree programmes have better employability outcomes. He suggested that the Government subsidises apprenticeship programmes.
As Singapore charts its course through the rapidly changing global and technological terrain, its policies must embody a steadfast dedication to fairness, meritocracy and innovation, said MP Gerald Giam. It must nurture an ecosystem that champions fair competition, leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, and places the welfare and progress of every Singaporean at its heart, he added. Speaking in Parliament on Monday (Feb 26), Mr Giam stressed the need to remain committed to building a society where access to opportunities, a culture of excellence and the value of each individual’s contributions shape the Singaporean journey for generations to come. Mr Giam highlighted the need to tap the opportunities in AI and robotics, saying the Government can spur a broader uptick not only for scientists and businesses but also for general purpose use by ordinary citizens. He said Singapore needs the right institutions and opportunities to attract and retain the best minds, including talented Singaporean students, scientists and entrepreneurs. At the same time, it needs to proactively re-train workers who are most at risk of displacement from AI. He called for interventions against AI-driven job redundancy, saying it is better to be the “architects of our own disruption”. He suggested giving every Singaporean hands-on practice and tacit learning with AI and robotics to ensure that the gains of these technologies go to everyone. Turning to the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme, Mr Giam wanted to know how the Government arrived at the conclusion that diploma and degree programmes have better employability outcomes. He suggested that the Government subsidises apprenticeship programmes.
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