SMU Unveils Resilient Workforces Institute Amid AI Transformation
Singapore Management University (SMU) marked a significant milestone on January 20, 2026, with the official launch of the Resilient Workforces Institute (ResWORK). This university-level research hub is dedicated to fortifying Singapore's workforce against the rapid shifts brought by artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies. With an initial commitment of S$5 million over five years from SMU, and ambitions to raise an additional S$8 million within three years, ResWORK positions itself at the forefront of addressing future-of-work challenges.
The launch event, graced by Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary, underscored the urgency of adapting to AI-driven changes. As Puthucheary noted, technology brings immense benefits but evolves rapidly, necessitating a whole-of-society effort to harness it effectively and ensure every Singaporean thrives.
Mission and Vision: Building Resilient Workers and Inclusive Economies
ResWORK's mission is to cultivate workforce resilience and maximize human potential through multidisciplinary research at the intersection of technology, management, and public policy. It embeds findings into lifelong learning systems and industry innovations, tackling disruptions from AI, robotics, flexible work, and demographic shifts.
Its vision—Resilient Workers, Innovative Workplaces, Inclusive Work—guides efforts to ensure productive and fulfilling careers amid transformation. Drawing on SMU's strengths in economics, computer science, public policy, and more, the institute crafts strategies for the futures of work and adult learning.
Three Core Research Pillars Driving Innovation
ResWORK organizes its work around three pillars, each addressing critical facets of workforce evolution.
- Optimising Human-Machine Collaboration: Develops technologies like AI-powered tutoring, service robots, and immersive interactions to enhance learning and task execution in tandem with machines. Examples include AI-enhanced course design to optimize cognitive load and studies on law students' metacognition with AI outputs.
- Transforming Organisations: Innovates workflows, leadership, and governance for AI-integrated teams, addressing gig economy and ageing workforces. Projects explore flexible work valuations and job insecurity's impact on motivation.
- Maximising Societal Human Capital: Analyzes labor markets for policy insights on inclusive growth. A flagship is the AI-Large Language Model (LLM) exposure index to measure task compatibility with AI, guiding training resource allocation.
These pillars unite 20 faculty from SMU's six schools, with nine seed-funded projects worth over S$1.5 million already underway.
Leadership and Strategic Partnerships Fueling Progress
Professor Archan Misra, SMU's Vice Provost (Research), serves as interim director, bringing expertise in AI and urban systems. SMU Provost Alan Chan highlighted the need for AI fluency alongside human-centered skills like creativity and ethics.
Key partnerships amplify impact: a two-year MOU with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) translates research into employability policies, while Equinix's S$450,000 funds the AI exposure study—the first corporate-backed initiative under ResWORK. For those eyeing careers in this space, explore higher education career advice on adapting to AI roles.
Photo by VacationTravelInsider .com on Unsplash
Singapore's AI Workforce Challenges: The Imperative for Reskilling
Singapore faces acute pressures as AI adoption surges ahead of workforce readiness. Surveys reveal 58% of workers fear job replacement within two years, with 77% of the workforce exposed to AI per IMF estimates. Another study projects 20.6% displacement risk by 2028.
78% of businesses anticipate reskilling half their staff due to AI in five years, amid burnout (72%) and talent shortages. Tech workforce grew to 214,000 in 2024, yet skills gaps persist in integration.
ResWORK's task-level AI exposure index directly tackles this by distinguishing complementary vs. substitutive AI effects, enabling targeted upskilling.
Government Initiatives Align with ResWORK's Goals
Budget 2026 bolsters AI readiness with six months' free premium AI tools for SkillsFuture course takers, starting in accountancy and law. Over 105,000 enrolled in 137,000 AI-related places in 2025 via SSG-supported courses—a 20% rise year-on-year.
- SkillsFuture Credit offsets fees for lifelong learning.
- Redesigned platforms prioritize practical AI capabilities.
- Career conversion programs expand to mitigate displacement.
These complement ResWORK's policy-focused research, fostering an AI-literate society.
SMU's Role in Singapore's Higher Education AI Landscape
While NUS (8th QS 2026) and NTU (12th) lead global AI rankings—with NUS 13th in THE CS and NTU 1st Shanghai AI—SMU carves a niche in management-AI intersections. ResWORK bridges academia and industry, unlike research-heavy peers.
Students benefit from applied projects; check Rate My Professor for SMU faculty insights or university jobs in AI policy.
Real-World Impacts: From Research to Actionable Insights
Equinix's funded study maps AI's job reshaping, informing SSG training. Professor Li Jia (SMU School of Economics) explains: the index allocates resources efficiently for relevant courses.
Organisational projects quantify flexible work value, vital post-pandemic. Human-machine pillar advances AR/VR for upskilling, e.g., robots aiding service tasks.
Stakeholders praise: Equinix MD Leong Yee May calls it aligned with national AI fluency goals. SMU President Lily Kong envisions regional navigation of AI changes.
Future Outlook: Towards an AI-Resilient Singapore
ResWORK eyes global collaborations, expanding projects amid Budget 2026's AI Park at one-north. Challenges like inequality loom without corporate reskilling, but initiatives promise inclusive growth.
For aspiring professionals, AI fluency boosts employability—pair ResWORK insights with higher ed jobs in Singapore's tech sector via AcademicJobs SG.
Opportunities for Students and Professionals
SMU's efforts signal demand for AI-savvy graduates. Explore how to craft a winning academic CV or lecturer roles. ResWORK research offers internships; lifelong learners access SkillsFuture.
- Develop hybrid skills: technical + soft (empathy, ethics).
- Leverage tools like AI tutors for personalized growth.
- Monitor labor trends via ResWORK outputs.
Position yourself: visit Rate My Professor, hunt higher ed jobs, or seek career advice.
