The Imperative for AI Fluency in Singapore's Leadership

Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) President Professor Phoon Kok Kwang has issued a stark warning to corporate boards and C-suite executives: embrace artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly or risk obsolescence. In a compelling op-ed co-authored with Danny Koh, Managing Director for South-east Asia at Spencer Stuart, published on March 7, 2026, in The Business Times, they argue that the traditional approach of delegating technology decisions to consultants is no longer viable in an AI-accelerated economy. Professor Phoon, drawing from SUTD's forefront position in AI education, emphasizes that AI must be viewed as an amplifier of human capabilities rather than a mere replacement tool. This call resonates deeply within Singapore's higher education landscape, where universities like SUTD are redefining curricula to foster human-AI partnerships essential for national competitiveness.

The urgency stems from AI's exponential advancement—systems now draft legal documents, excel in complex math, and innovate products autonomously. Boards that remain passive, relying on second-hand summaries, forfeit strategic edge. Singapore, aiming to lead globally in AI, sees 56 percent of companies scaling AI initiatives, outpacing regional averages, yet small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lag at just 14.5 percent adoption. Professor Phoon's message underscores higher education's role in bridging this gap through innovative programs.

SUTD's Design·AI Framework: AI as a Collaborative Partner

At the heart of Professor Phoon's vision is SUTD's Design·AI (DAI) initiative, positioning the university as the world's first to fully integrate design, AI, and human values into its core curriculum starting Academic Year 2026. This approach treats AI not as a competitor but as a teammate, enabling 'innovation beyond human imagination' via co-creation. From the first-year Freshmore terms, all students receive hands-on training blending technology with humanities, arts, and social sciences to address ethical concerns like bias and privacy.

The Supercharged DAI undergraduate program, refreshed for 2026 intakes, accommodates diverse backgrounds—science, non-science, and hybrids—with tracks in Embodied AI, Analytics & AI in Operations, Human-Centred AI, and Security & AI. Students develop prototypes tackling real-world issues, such as AI-driven delivery optimizations for GrabFood or interfaith platforms like Kampung.SG, fostering skills for Singapore's projected 10,000 new tech jobs. This mirrors the op-ed's advocacy for intentional partnerships, where humans provide judgment and AI handles data synthesis.

SUTD Academy extends this to professionals, offering over 125 AI courses from April 2025 to January 2026, training nearly 3,700 participants, including 36 executive workshops. Programs like Design, AI and Tech Executive equip leaders with strategic AI deployment, aligning with national efforts under the National AI Strategy.

Evidence from SUTD Research: Amplifying Workforce Productivity

SUTD's empirical studies validate the partner model. A program across 10 enterprises involving over 200 non-technical mid-career professionals boosted productivity from 65 percent to 78 percent and generative AI confidence by 30 percent. These gains highlight AI's role in enhancing creativity and efficiency without displacement.

A real-world case cited in the op-ed involves a major fuel retailer transforming its contact center. Initial chatbot replacements failed due to impersonal interactions, but a redesigned human-AI system—where AI flags sentiments and suggests upsells—improved satisfaction, revenue, and necessitated hiring more agents. This exemplifies how design thinking identifies optimal AI deployment moments, a cornerstone of SUTD's pedagogy.

• AI handles routine queries and real-time analytics.
• Humans deliver empathy and context.
• Outcome: Amplified workforce, business growth.

Singapore's AI Landscape: Higher Education Driving Adoption

Singapore leads AI scaling with 56 percent of firms advancing pilots, per McKinsey-EDB report, fueled by Budget 2026 investments in AI grants and training for 100,000 workers. Yet challenges persist: 68 percent of employees use AI daily, but only 14 percent via approved tools, risking security. Universities like SUTD, NUS, and NTU are pivotal, with SUTD's DAI producing 'trilingual' graduates fluent in domain, AI, and design.

Initiatives like SGTech-SUTD AI Impact Series and partnerships with Mediatek for 6G labs underscore higher ed's industry linkage. Professor Phoon's call aligns with PM Wong's National Day Rally urging AI upskilling, positioning Singapore as a neutral AI hub.

For academics and professionals, explore academic career advice or Singapore higher ed jobs to leverage these opportunities.

Photo by krzhck on Unsplash

Boardroom Transformation: From Fear to AI Fluency

Professor Phoon envisions AI-fluent boards using tools for rapid market scenario simulations, sharpening debates with ethical overlays. In crises, AI analyzes sentiments; HR spots talent; audits monitor risks continuously. Extending to physical AI—like robots—demands environmental foresight, a leadership evolution.

SUTD-Gallagher research reveals ROI challenges, with 95 percent struggling globally, but Singapore's 23 percent customer value lift leads. Higher ed must scale such fluency via executive programs.

Challenges in AI Adoption and SUTD's Solutions

Barriers include SME hesitancy, skills gaps, and over-reliance risks like cognitive deskilling. SUTD counters with blended design-AI training, emphasizing when to bypass AI for human strengths. National efforts target agentic AI deployment by 70 percent of firms by 2028.

• Skills Gap: 3,700 trained via SUTD courses.
• Ethical AI: Humanities integration in DAI.
• Sustainability: Human-centered checks.

Stakeholders from NUS to industry echo this, promoting balanced views.

Case Studies: Human-AI Success in Singapore Contexts

Beyond the fuel retailer, SUTD students' ParkFinder app uses AI for parking optimization, demonstrating practical impact. NUS-NTU collaborations on AI health centers further national synergy. These cases show AI amplifying sectors like logistics and healthcare, vital for Singapore's economy.

Explore related AI programs for inspiration.

Future Outlook: Singapore Higher Ed Leading the AI Era

By 2030, Singapore targets 200,000 foreign talents via AI skilling, with universities central. SUTD's LEAP strategy fosters industry co-creation, ensuring graduates thrive in AI ecosystems. Professor Phoon's 'partner or perish' frames a prosperous path.

Photo by Scribbling Geek on Unsplash

Actionable Insights for Boards, Academics, and Professionals

1. Audit AI inventory and design partnerships.
2. Invest in design-AI training via higher ed jobs platforms.
3. Collaborate with SUTD-like innovators.
4. Prioritize ethics and upskilling.

Visit Rate My Professor, Higher Ed Jobs, Career Advice, University Jobs, and Singapore opportunities to advance your AI journey. For faculty roles, check faculty positions.