In an interview with e27, Huanbo Luan, CEO and Founder of 6Estates, highlights a significant skill mismatch as one of the primary challenges faced by artificial intelligence (AI) leaders in Singapore.

“Rapid new technological advancements in recent years have contributed to a gap between the workforce’s skills and industry needs,” he notes.

As AI technology continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, the skills required by industries are shifting, often leaving professionals struggling to keep up. This gap poses a serious challenge to developing a robust talent pool in Singapore.

Another challenge identified by Luan is the highly competitive market for AI talent. He explains that top talent is often drawn to more attractive opportunities in other regions with more mature and well-funded ecosystems, such as the US and China. Additionally, Big Tech companies offer lucrative packages that can be difficult for local firms to match.

To address these challenges, Luan emphasised the importance of upskilling programmes. “We believe that a key part of the solution is to provide high-quality AI upskilling programmes, focusing on both technical and commercial elements, in collaboration with academia and industry,” he says.

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Luan also stresses the need for companies to offer clear career pathways and opportunities for advancement within organisations. This would help retain top talent and motivate professionals to continue developing their skills.

Finally, Luan underscores the role of the public sector in fostering the growth of the ecosystem in Singapore. Supportive policies and regulations that promote AI adoption, development, and funding are crucial to strengthening companies’ ability to compensate and retain talent.

Building an AI career in Singapore

When asked about building a career in AI in Singapore, Luan stresses that it demands more than technical proficiency; it requires a blend of skills and qualities that align with the field’s fast-paced, innovation-driven nature.

A continuous learning mindset is one of the most crucial qualities of AI talent in Singapore. The landscape is rapidly changing, with significant developments happening more frequently than ever before.

“Where once we might have seen major advancements on a quarterly or yearly basis, today’s AI professionals must stay up to date with new breakthroughs that can occur almost monthly. This constant evolution means that AI talent must be committed to lifelong learning, always seeking to expand their knowledge and skillset to keep pace with the latest trends and technologies,” he explains.

Another essential quality is alertness to advancements in key markets, particularly the US and China. These countries are at the forefront of AI research and application, and innovations often emerge from these regions before spreading globally. This awareness allows them to identify cutting-edge technologies and applications that can be adapted and implemented locally, ensuring Singapore remains competitive globally.

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In addition to staying informed, AI professionals must focus on practical applications. The technology’s true value lies in its ability to solve real-world problems and transform processes within specific industries.

“In our experience as an Enterprise AI specialist in this region, customers aren’t interested in purchasing fundamental models; instead, they want business-ready, LLM/AI-powered applications.”

Lastly, strong interpersonal skills are essential for AI professionals in Singapore. Successful implementation requires collaboration across various sectors, including academia, industry, and government. Understanding the diverse needs and motivations of different stakeholders is crucial for effectively applying AI in ways that benefit all parties involved.

As advice to aspiring AI talents in Singapore, Luan advises them to continuously update their knowledge on both academic advancements in LLMs and the latest commercial applications of GenAI. “Pay attention to developments in Singapore and abroad.”

He also suggests talents to build a strong network by attending AI-related groups, events and conferences.

“This will improve your understanding of the landscape,” he closes. “Seek internships, projects, and real-world applications to build hands-on experience.”

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Image Credit: 6estates

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