Singapore Management University (SMU) has taken a decisive step forward in preparing the nation for the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution by launching the Resilient Workforces Institute, known as ResWORK. Announced on January 20, 2026, this initiative underscores the growing urgency for higher education institutions to lead in fostering workforce adaptability amid rapid technological shifts. With AI reshaping job roles across sectors, ResWORK positions SMU at the forefront of research that bridges academia, industry, and policy to build a future-ready workforce.

The institute's establishment reflects a proactive response to the evolving demands of the AI era, where tasks are automating faster than skills can adapt. In Singapore, a hub for innovation and a global leader in AI readiness—ranking third worldwide according to the 2024 Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index—such efforts are crucial. Nearly 60 percent of workers express concerns over AI-driven job displacement, as highlighted in a recent ManpowerGroup survey. ResWORK aims to turn these challenges into opportunities by advancing interdisciplinary research on lifelong learning and human-AI collaboration.

🔬 The Launch: A Milestone for Singapore's Higher Education Landscape

The launch event at SMU drew key figures including Senior Minister of State Dr. Janil Puthucheary as guest-of-honour, SMU President Professor Lily Kong, and SkillsFuture Singapore Chief Executive Mr. Tan Kok Yam. Professor Kong emphasized that ResWORK embodies SMU's dedication to impactful research that influences public policy and organizational strategies. 'By bringing together insights across disciplines, ResWORK will help Singapore and the region navigate the profound changes reshaping work and learning in the age of AI,' she stated.

Interim Director Professor Archan Misra, SMU's Vice Provost for Research, outlined the institute's vision: viewing AI as a catalyst for opportunity rather than displacement. Over 20 faculty members from SMU's six schools—spanning economics, management, behavioural science, and computing—are already engaged, alongside visiting scholars. This collaborative approach highlights how universities like SMU are evolving to tackle real-world problems through transdisciplinary efforts.

The ceremony also featured the signing of a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SkillsFuture Singapore, solidifying a partnership to study AI's effects on jobs and skills while informing national upskilling policies.

Funding and Ambitious Scale-Up Plans

SMU has pledged S$5 million over five years to anchor ResWORK, with ambitions to attract an additional S$8 million in external funding within three years. Initial momentum is strong: over S$1.5 million has been secured for nine internally seed-funded projects and several external grants. A standout contribution is S$450,000 from Equinix Singapore for a flagship study on occupational AI exposure, marking the first corporate-backed initiative under the institute.

This financial commitment not only fuels research but also signals to prospective academics and researchers the robust support for AI-related studies at SMU. For those eyeing research assistant jobs or faculty positions in Singapore, ResWORK opens doors to cutting-edge projects at the intersection of technology and management.

Core Pillars: Optimising Human-Machine Synergy

ResWORK's research agenda rests on three interconnected pillars, each designed to address specific facets of AI integration into the workforce.

• Optimising Human-Machine Collaboration: This pillar explores how workers can thrive alongside AI tools, robots, and automation. Research delves into redesigning tasks for complementary strengths—AI for routine processing, humans for creativity and empathy. For instance, early projects examine how large language models (LLMs) augment rather than replace roles in customer service or data analysis.
• Building Resilient Organisations: Focuses on transforming business processes, leadership styles, and work cultures for AI-enabled environments. Studies will analyse how firms can foster agility, with case examples from Singapore's finance and logistics sectors, where AI adoption is accelerating.
• Maximising Societal Human Capital: Targets labour market transitions, inclusive employment policies, and reskilling pathways. By tracking skill shifts, ResWORK aims to ensure no segment of society is left behind, particularly mid-career professionals and older workers.

These pillars provide a framework for practical solutions, drawing on SMU's strengths in applied research to deliver actionable insights for employers and policymakers.

Strategic Partnerships Amplifying Reach

Beyond funding, partnerships are central to ResWORK's success. The MOU with SkillsFuture Singapore—Singapore's national platform for lifelong learning—will jointly investigate generational work changes and digital disruptions. SkillsFuture has noted a doubling of demand for AI-related skills from 2022 to 2025, yet human-centric competencies like critical thinking remain vital.

Equinix's involvement brings industry perspectives, funding the AI exposure index project led by Associate Professor Li Jia from SMU's School of Economics. This tool will analyse job advertisements to create a public, transparent metric of AI integration across occupations, industries, and demographics—empowering targeted training via platforms like higher ed career advice resources.

Such collaborations exemplify how Singapore universities are forging ecosystems that translate academic findings into national strategies, benefiting students and professionals alike.

Flagship Initiatives: Tracking AI's Real-Time Impact

At the heart of ResWORK is the occupational AI exposure study, which promises groundbreaking data. By processing vast job vacancy datasets, researchers will quantify how AI-compatible tasks are reshaping roles. Complementary effects—where AI boosts human productivity—will be distinguished from substitutive ones, guiding resource allocation for upskilling.

Complementing this are nine seed projects, including analyses of reskilling program efficacy and AI's role in adult learning retention. One initiative uses AI-LLM exposure indices to pinpoint training gaps, ensuring programs align with evolving demands. These efforts build on Singapore's tech workforce growth from 208,300 in 2023 to 214,000 in 2024, amid government investments exceeding S$1 billion in AI compute and talent development.

For higher education enthusiasts, these projects offer avenues for involvement, potentially through Singapore-focused academic opportunities on platforms like AcademicJobs.com.

Addressing Workforce Challenges with Evidence-Based Solutions

Singapore faces unique pressures: high AI adoption rates paired with worker anxieties. While 89 percent of employees use AI tools, only 30 percent of businesses provide targeted training, creating a skills lag. ResWORK's policy-relevant outputs aim to bridge this by redesigning SkillsFuture courses for higher participation—currently challenged by dropout rates in tech modules.

Stakeholder views vary: employers seek productivity gains, workers demand security, and educators push for blended curricula. ResWORK integrates these through behavioural experiments and econometric models, providing concrete examples like AI-assisted diagnostics in healthcare or predictive analytics in supply chains.

• Benefits: Enhanced employability, with AI-fluent workers 40 percent more likely to upskill successfully.
• Risks: Widening inequality if reskilling excludes vulnerable groups.
• Solutions: Tailored interventions, such as modular micro-credentials via SMU Academy.

Higher Education's Pivotal Role in the AI Transition

As a leading business university, SMU's ResWORK elevates higher education's role beyond degree conferral to lifelong ecosystem building. It complements initiatives like the Centre for AI & Data Governance, positioning SMU to attract top professor jobs and international talent. Students benefit from experiential learning, preparing for hybrid careers where AI literacy is non-negotiable.

In Singapore's context—compact, talent-driven economy—this means universities must pioneer adaptive pedagogies. ResWORK's emphasis on adult learning revitalises continuing education, aligning with national goals for 90 percent adult participation by 2028.

Explore faculty positions at innovative institutions like SMU shaping tomorrow's leaders.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Regional Implications

Dr. Puthucheary highlighted whole-of-society partnerships, while Equinix's Leong Yee May stressed positioning Singapore as an AI hub. Regionally, as Southeast Asia grapples with workforce resets, ResWORK's open-access tools could influence ASEAN policies.

Challenges persist: ethical AI deployment, data privacy under PDPA, and balancing innovation with equity. Yet, optimistic outlooks prevail, with AI projected to add S$215 billion to Singapore's economy by 2030 if harnessed inclusively.

Future Outlook: Sustaining Momentum

Looking ahead, ResWORK plans to expand with more corporate tie-ups and global scholars. Expected outcomes include policy briefs for the National AI Strategy 2.0 and scalable training frameworks. For job seekers, this heralds demand for AI ethicists, data scientists, and reskilling specialists—check postdoc opportunities for entry points.

In summary, SMU's Resilient Workforces Institute exemplifies higher education's transformative potential. By investing in resilience, Singapore fortifies its competitive edge. Professionals are encouraged to leverage resources like Rate My Professor, higher ed jobs, and career advice to navigate this era. Visit the SMU announcement for more, and explore university jobs today.

For those posting openings, consider recruitment services to attract top AI talent.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash