Post by : Rohit Dhiman

Singapore has launched more than 200 artificial intelligence-related training courses alongside a new skills and careers centre as the government expands support for workers adapting to changes in the workplace. The Skills and Workforce Development Agency, or SWDA, announced that eligible Singapore citizens aged 18 and above can receive six months of complimentary access to selected premium AI tools when they enrol in and attend participating courses. The initiative is part of Singapore's broader effort to make training, career guidance and workforce support easier for people to access. The government is also seeking to help businesses and employees respond to technological changes, particularly the growing use of artificial intelligence across different industries. The new programme covers a wide range of training needs, from basic workplace applications to more advanced skills for AI-enabled jobs and business transformation.

New Skills Centre Brings Support Under One Roof

SWDA has also launched Connect by SWDA at the Lifelong Learning Institute. The new centre brings career guidance, skills development and employment support together in one location. Speaking at the opening, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said Singapore's skills system should become simpler and more focused on the needs of individuals and businesses. He said people should not have to understand which government agency operates a particular programme before they can receive assistance. The centre is designed to provide a more integrated experience for workers, job seekers and businesses. Visitors can receive advice from career and skills advisers and access AI-powered recommendations covering training opportunities, courses and available funding. The first floor is intended for direct access to career and skills support, while the second floor provides space for appointments and more focused activities.

AI Courses Cover Different Levels of Skills

The new programme offers more than 200 AI courses supported by around 30 training providers. The courses are designed for people with different levels of experience and cover practical applications of artificial intelligence in the workplace. Some programmes focus on using AI to improve productivity, while others are aimed at workers seeking more advanced capabilities for AI-related roles and business transformation. The initiative is intended to give Singaporeans opportunities to learn the technology and practise using it in practical situations rather than simply gaining theoretical knowledge. Eligible participants who enrol in and attend the participating courses from September 16 will receive six months of complimentary access to selected premium AI services.

Free Access to Premium AI Tools

Under the three-year SkillsFuture AI Subscription initiative, participants can choose from several AI services, including ChatGPT Plus, Google AI Pro, Manus AI and Microsoft 365 Personal. Participants can also choose the Singtel AI Pass, which provides access to seven AI tools, including Otter.AI and Hailuo AI. The government first announced the AI subscription initiative during Budget 2026. The objective is to allow Singaporeans to gain practical experience with more advanced AI models and tools that would normally require paid subscriptions. The programme is particularly aimed at helping workers become more comfortable with AI as the technology becomes increasingly integrated into everyday jobs. Acting Manpower Minister Jasmin Lau said people may have different reasons for taking the courses. For some workers, the goal may simply be to become more familiar with AI terminology and tools, while others may want to develop deeper skills for their existing careers or prepare for emerging occupations.

Training Costs Supported Through SkillsFuture

The AI courses are supported and subsidised by SWDA. Participants can also use their SkillsFuture credits to cover the remaining course fees. The government hopes the combination of subsidised training and access to premium tools will encourage more people to experiment with AI and develop practical confidence. The programme covers areas related to AI training, workplace productivity and emerging roles. By giving participants access to paid tools for a limited period, the initiative is also designed to give learners an opportunity to apply what they learn during their training.

New AI Readiness Assessment Tool

SWDA has partnered with the Singapore Institute of Technology to develop an online assessment tool known as the AI Ready Quiz. The tool allows individuals to assess their current level of AI readiness and can recommend learning resources and selected courses based on their results. This is intended to help workers identify suitable learning options rather than choosing courses without first understanding their existing skills and areas for development. The AI readiness assessment, course information and details about the AI subscription programme are available through the MySkillsFuture portal.

Connecting Skills With Jobs

Lawrence Wong said the new agency must focus on connecting learning with employment and career development. This means training should not only provide certificates or individual skills but should also help workers understand how those skills can be applied in actual jobs. SWDA is expected to work closely with educational institutions, training providers and employers to improve the quality and relevance of training. The agency is also expected to support workers at both the pre-employment and employment stages. The government has stressed that workers should remain part of business transformation as companies adopt new technologies. The objective is to help businesses improve productivity and competitiveness while ensuring employees can gain better skills and access better career opportunities.

New Digital Portal for Employers

SWDA has also launched OurWorkforce, a new one-stop digital portal for employers. The platform replaces the previous SkillsFuture for Business website. The portal brings together training and workforce development services for businesses in a single digital platform. Employers can use it to identify relevant training programmes and workforce solutions. The system can also provide customised recommendations based on individual business requirements. The platform includes digital tools designed to help companies identify transformation opportunities, redesign jobs and adopt AI more effectively. The move is part of Singapore's wider attempt to make workforce support easier for companies while encouraging businesses to invest in employee development.

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SkillsFuture Festival 2026

The new initiatives were announced during the SkillsFuture Festival 2026, which runs from September 16 to October 28. The festival features more than 140 events across Singapore for individuals and businesses. The activities are focused on skills development, career planning, workforce transformation and lifelong learning. The launch of the new AI courses, free premium tool access and Connect by SWDA comes as Singapore continues to prepare workers and businesses for changes linked to automation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence.

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