The MOE's AI Learning Impact Study: A Timely Response to Emerging Concerns

Singapore's Ministry of Education (MOE) has launched a comprehensive study into the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on student learning, spotlighting worries about over-reliance on these powerful tools. Announced by Senior Minister of State Desmond Lee during the Budget 2026 parliamentary debate on February 25, 2026, this initiative comes amid rapid AI adoption across educational levels, including higher education institutions (IHLs). While primarily focused on school settings, the study's findings hold significant implications for universities like the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Singapore Management University (SMU), where AI tools are increasingly integrated into curricula and research.

The study addresses a critical gap: while anecdotal evidence and international research highlight risks, Singapore lacks localized data on how AI influences cognitive development. MOE's proactive stance aligns with the EdTech Masterplan 2030, aiming to balance innovation with foundational skill-building. For higher education, this means rethinking how AI augments rather than replaces critical thinking in advanced learning environments.

Defining Over-Reliance: What Does It Mean for Learners?

Over-reliance on AI occurs when students delegate core cognitive processes—such as recall, basic comprehension, and problem-solving—to tools like generative AI chatbots, leading to 'cognitive atrophy.' This phenomenon undermines the development of higher-order thinking skills, including analysis, evaluation, and creation. In Singapore's context, where academic rigor is prized, such dependency could erode the competitive edge that has propelled institutions like NUS (ranked 8th globally in QS 2026) and NTU (12th).

Experts define it step-by-step: first, students input queries without prior knowledge; second, accept outputs uncritically; third, skip iterative thinking, resulting in shallow understanding. In universities, this manifests in assignments where AI generates essays or code, bypassing personal insight. MOE's study seeks empirical evidence to guide interventions across the education continuum.

International Research: Lessons for Singapore's Higher Education

Global studies provide cautionary insights. Research from the International AI Safety Report 2026 warns of risks in general-purpose AI systems affecting learning outcomes. Similarly, surveys show 77% of Singapore teachers use AI for summarization, double overseas peers, raising parallel concerns for university lecturers.

• Over-reliance reduces basic recall by up to 30% in unstructured tasks (OECD data).
• Hampers higher-order skills, with AI users scoring 15% lower in critical thinking tests.
• Ethical issues like bias amplification in AI feedback loops.

Singapore IHLs draw from these, adapting policies to foster 'AI literacy'—knowing when and how to use tools effectively.

MOE's AI in Education page outlines aligned strategies.

MOE's Phased AI Integration: From Schools to Universities

MOE employs a developmental approach: minimal tech in lower primary for hands-on learning, supervised AI from Primary 4, and independent use in secondary via personalized tasks. This blueprint influences IHLs, where students arrive AI-familiar but need advanced oversight.

In higher education, universities extend this: foundational modules emphasize independent mastery before AI augmentation. Proctored exams without AI ensure core competencies, mirroring MOE's practices.

Spotlight on SLS AI Tools: Building Blocks for University Readiness

The Singapore Student Learning Space (SLS) deploys safe AI tools like Adaptive Learning System (ALS) for Math and Geography, Learning Assistant (LEA), and Feedback Assistants (FA-Math, SAFA). These personalize paths while preventing outsourcing.

These prepare polytechnic and university students for sophisticated applications.

Google-MOE AI Living Labs: Revolutionizing IHLs

Launched February 10, 2026, Google AI Living Labs in IHLs like ITE College East, polytechnics, and universities provide hands-on spaces for AI experimentation. Partnering with MOE, they focus on workforce readiness, addressing over-reliance by teaching ethical use and innovation.

At NTU and NUS, labs enable prototyping AI for research, aligning with MOE's study by piloting impact assessments.

Straits Times on AI Labs

University-Specific AI Strategies Amid MOE Guidelines

Singapore universities align with MOE's AIEd Ethics Framework (Agency, Inclusivity, Fairness, Safety). NUS's ClassAId platform creates custom bots; NTU integrates AI in curricula; SMU launches MSc in Business AI.

• NUS: AI-resistant assessments, few cheating cases reported.
• NTU: AI for creation, not rote tasks.
• SMU: ESG-focused AI training.

Link to higher ed jobs in AI pedagogy booming.

Addressing AI Cheating and Academic Integrity

Despite concerns, Singapore IHLs report minimal AI misuse cases. Educators shift to oral defenses, process-based grading. MOE's study informs these adaptations, ensuring AI enables integrity.

Equipping Lecturers: Professional Development in AI

Recent programs like 'Preparing Educators for AI-Enhanced Future' train K-12 teachers, extending to IHLs. Universities offer workshops on AI lesson design, echoing MOE's in-service learning.

Check higher ed career advice for AI skills.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Students, Faculty, and Industry

Students value personalization but fear dependency; faculty advocate balanced use; industry seeks AI-literate graduates. Assoc Prof Jamus Lim urges reforms for AI era.

Challenges, Solutions, and Ethical Frameworks

• Risks: Bias, privacy, equity gaps.
• Solutions: Guardrails, literacy programs, audits.

MOE's framework guides IHLs.

AIEd Ethics Framework

Photo by Desola Lanre-Ologun on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Budget 2026 and Beyond

Budget 2026 boosts AI literacy in IHLs, funding labs and training. As MOE study concludes, expect refined policies enhancing Singapore's higher ed leadership. Explore opportunities at university jobs, higher ed jobs, rate my professor, and career advice.

With thoughtful integration, AI will empower, not erode, learning.