Professor Tan Eng Chye, President of NUS, delivered two insightful lectures in the last quarter of 2024 at LKYSPP on “AI, Jobs, and Higher Learning.” In the lectures addressing the students who studied the Digital Technologies and Public Policy module and MPAM students, he delved into the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping industries, jobs, and education. Through discussions on neural networks, generative models, and AI’s potential applications, the sessions provided a thought-provoking exploration of AI’s opportunities and challenges. Students walked away with not just insights but also lingering questions about AI’s future.
AI in Education: Transforming Learning and Teaching
Professor Tan emphasised AI’s potential in revolutionising education, from personalised learning experiences to identifying at-risk students. His discussion on how educational institutions need to adapt to AI-driven change particularly resonated. The lecture’s focus on neural networks and algorithms also left a strong impression. The evolution from AlphaGo beating human grandmasters to AlphaFold solving scientific problems highlighted AI's incredible potential—not just in mastering games but in advancing fields like medicine and biology.
Reflecting on AI’s impact on teaching, Aris Manguera shared, “Embracing AI as a tool for enhancing learning is essential. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that AI complements critical thinking rather than replacing it.” This sentiment was echoed by Mo Yayuan, who appreciated how understanding technical components like algorithms and GPUs offered deeper insights into AI's capabilities in education. As Professor Tan pointed out, the importance of equipping educators with data literacy and AI skills is key to staying relevant and effective in the AI age.
AI and the Workforce: Evolving Jobs and Industries
The lecture’s exploration of AI’s impact on industries and jobs sparked thoughtful discussions. For many, the idea that “people who use AI will replace those who don’t” underscored the urgency of adopting AI skills. This insight was both exciting and intimidating, as it highlighted the rapid pace of change and the need to stay adaptable in the evolving workforce.
Paul Lee summarised, “The real concern for the future of jobs is not whether AI will replace humans, but whether those who don’t adopt AI will be replaced by those who do.” This practical perspective was reinforced by examples from Professor Tan, including initiatives like ensuring all NUS staff learn data literacy and AI skills—a reminder that lifelong learning is critical for everyone, regardless of career stage.
For Justin Fan, the discussion on AI’s implications for productivity and inclusion resonated deeply. He reflected on the challenges of achieving “AI inclusion” in emerging markets, particularly in the Global South. Guo Juan, drawing from her entrepreneurial background, emphasised the potential of autonomous AI agents in reshaping industries and creating innovative opportunities.
Broader Implications: Ethical and Global Perspectives
Beyond education and the workforce, the lecture touched on broader societal implications. The historical overview of industrial revolutions placed AI in a larger context, showing how the gaps between these revolutions have grown shorter, with AI pushing us into a fifth industrial revolution at an unprecedented pace. This rapid transformation left many students, including me, reflecting on how prepared we are for such changes.
Professor Tan also highlighted ethical concerns, such as the risks of AI misuse and over-reliance on technology diminishing critical thinking. Yayuan reflected, “AI is not just a logical machine but a probabilistic oracle—powerful yet bounded.” This balanced perspective emphasised the importance of mindful AI stewardship. Aris echoed this by stressing the need to cultivate skills AI cannot replicate, like emotional intelligence and interpersonal communication, particularly in fields like law.
Conclusion: Inspiring Future Leaders
Professor Tan’s lecture inspired students to critically assess AI’s role in shaping the future. From education and labour to ethics and inclusion, the discussions left students with valuable insights and a sense of urgency to address AI’s challenges. Personally, the lecture motivated me to think about how I can integrate AI into my career and leverage it to grow. It was a call to action to not just learn AI but to actively shape its development and use.
As Justin aptly concluded, “Together with my classmates, we will analyse AI’s potential implications for labour, education, and social policy. We hope for more opportunities to exchange ideas and learn from leaders like Professor Tan.”
This seminar was not just a lesson on AI but a reminder that the future is ours to shape—one responsible, innovative step at a time.
See below to read more on what each student shared:
"Professor Tan discussed AI’s impact on teaching and learning, from personalised learning tools to identifying at-risk students. He also addressed the risks of AI misuse in assessments, stressing the importance for educational institutions to adapt and implement AI responsibly. Furthermore, the lecture provided a nuanced perspective on AI's effects on the job market. While some low-skilled roles, particularly in developing regions, may be displaced, emerging AI-related opportunities present a promising outlook.
As an educator, prosecutor, and policymaker, the lecture prompted me to reflect deeply on AI's impact on education and the workplace.
In higher education, embracing AI as a tool for enhancing learning is essential. The challenge lies in ensuring that AI complements the development of students' critical thinking. Schools must design curricula that foster key competencies alongside AI, integrating personalised instruction and assessment techniques to enhance learning outcomes.
Additionally, educational institutions and policymakers must evaluate AI's implications for industry and labor. This involves two primary focuses: incorporating digital literacy as a fundamental component of education and prioritising skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
In the legal field, digital literacy is becoming increasingly vital for lawyers. Understanding how to effectively employ AI tools can enhance both efficiency and outcomes.
AI is increasingly capable of automating tasks such as document review, legal research, and contract analysis. For instance, AI can swiftly analyze large volumes of case law to extract relevant information, traditionally a task for junior lawyers or paralegals. Given AI’s capabilities, legal education and training programs should focus on cultivating skills that AI cannot easily replicate, like advanced critical thinking and client counselling. Lawyers need to develop emotional intelligence and interpersonal communication skills, essential for advising clients and navigating complex legal issues.
By adapting curricula to emphasise both digital and human-centered skills, we can ensure that lawyers—and other professionals—remain valuable and relevant in an AI-enhanced environment. Proactive curriculum development and capacity building are essential to prepare the workforce for the future."
Aris Manguera
Master in Public Administration Student, 2024
Research Focus: Cybersecurity, Counter-Terrorism, Prosecutorial Discretion, Artificial Intelligence, Prison Health, and Climate Change
Senior Prosecutor, Philippine Ministry of Justice
“Prof Tan's lecture on AI, jobs, and higher education illuminated the essence of AI as not just a logical machine but a probabilistic oracle—powerful yet bounded, demanding mindful stewardship. He highlighted how AI can change the nature of many jobs while still requiring human intervention. Our role, as he emphasised, is to learn to use AI intelligently, mastering it rather than becoming over-reliant. He also warned of the risks of AI making people lazy and diminishing their fundamental thinking capabilities, which we must remain aware of.
One particularly thought-provoking aspect was the comparison between algorithms, CPUs, and GPUs. Even as public policy students, understanding these technical components helps us grasp AI's role as a tool, offering thorough yet broad insights into its capabilities. I really enjoyed how the lecture introduced AI, from its basic composing elements to its application in education, triggering not only a deeper understanding of AI as a revolutionary tool but also its potential applications in various fields.”
Miranda Mo Yayuan
Master in International Affairs Student, 2023
AI Start-Up Founder in HK
Former HK Legislative Council Research Assistant
“President Tan's lecture went beyond discussing the relationship between AI, jobs, and higher education. It provided a comprehensive overview of AI, covering its evolution, principles, applications, limitations, impacts, challenges, and future trends. The session offered valuable insights and a deeper understanding of AI.
As President Tan mentioned, the real concern for the future of jobs is not whether AI will replace human workers, but whether those who do not adopt AI will be replaced by those who do.
AI is a tool that assists humans in applying knowledge, but humans remain the masters. In light of AI’s development, the best approach may be to embrace AI, use it effectively and correctly, and leverage it to drive the progress of human society.”
Paul Lee
Master in Public Administration and Management (高级公共行政与管理硕士) Student, 2024
Chief Administrative Officer, Asia Silicon Valley Development Agency, Taiwan
Professional Focus: Professional background: policy research, public opinion surveys, campaigns, and the promotion of digital technology and startups
“With a working background of professional data service (previously known as Thomson Reuters Financial & Risk division, now a part of London Stock Exchange Group), I acknowledged the lecture delivered today by President Tan deeply, he talked about the true essential importance of data, and how is AI driven by data, and how is the fresh new industrial revolution driven by AI.
The Rise of AI LLMs (Large Language Models) such as ChatGPT and other Generative AI tools evolves the nature of work, President Tan’s lecture took us to through from a high level on what does AI mean for the future of work, how can AI technologies unlock greater potential to enhance or put some limitations on the quality and output of the quality and output of work.
President Tan’s lecture inspires me, as a student of MPAM programme, to further think about productivity and the relationships of production, for instance, what would the global ESG framework be impacted by AI? How to achieve “AI Inclusion” in emerging markets especially the Global South. At the moment, I don’t have a clear answer or a solution, but together with my M15 classmates, we will bring our take aways from today and analyse AI’s potential implications for labour, education and social policy. We really enjoyed today’s lecture, and we hope to have more learning and thoughts exchange opportunities with our President Tan.”
Justin Fan Jing
Master in Public Administration and Management (高级公共行政与管理硕士) Student, 2024
Former Professional in Data Service and Media (Thomson Reuters and Xinhua News Agency)
Research Focus: Digital ESG and AI driven financial inclusion in Emerging Markets
“The President of NUS, Professor Tan, today delivered an inspiring lecture that shed light on the transformative potential of AI. His insightful discussion on the practical applications of AI across various industries was particularly captivating. His enthusiasm for fostering an innovative and engaging learning environment in higher education was evident, and I wholeheartedly agree with his assessment of AI's growing significance in today's world. I am confident that Professor Tan will continue to make substantial contributions to the fields of AI and education. Overall, the lecture was both enlightening and motivating.
Professor Tan's lecture provided valuable insights into the intricate relationship between AI, the future of work, and higher education. I gained a deeper understanding of how AI can both create new job opportunities and disrupt existing industries. It's clear that AI will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of work, and higher education institutions must adapt to prepare students for this evolving landscape. The limits of current AI technology are also deeply discussed.
I was particularly intrigued by the discussion on the evolution of LLMs towards autonomous AI agents. As I am currently working on my own AI startup, this development holds immense potential for innovative applications.”
Guo Juan
Master in Public Administration and Management (高级公共行政与管理硕士) Student, 2024
AI Start-Up Founder
15+ Years Experience in Financial Debt & Equity Investment Financing
As a young graduate stepping into the workforce, attending this lecture on artificial intelligence (AI) felt incredibly relevant and eye-opening. Prof Tan’s focus on how quickly AI is advancing and reshaping industries really hit home. The idea that AI is pushing us into a fifth industrial revolution was both exciting and a little intimidating—it made me wonder how prepared I am for these changes.
The historical overview of industrial revolutions gave me a better understanding of the context. It’s crazy to think about how the gaps between these revolutions have gotten so much shorter, and now with AI, the pace is faster than ever.
One part that really stood out to me was the discussion about neural networks and algorithms. The story of AlphaGo beating human grandmasters and the evolution to AlphaZero and AlphaFold was fascinating. It showed how far AI has come, from mastering games to solving scientific problems like protein folding, which has real-world benefits in medicine and biology. It made me realize how much potential AI has to solve problems we haven’t even thought about yet.
As someone just starting out in my career, I found the speaker’s insights into how AI is changing the workforce really relevant. The idea that “people who use AI will replace those who don’t” stuck with me. It’s not just about learning AI for the sake of it—it’s about staying relevant and adaptable. His example of making all NUS staff learn data literacy and AI skills showed how important it is to keep learning, no matter where you are in your career.
Overall, this lecture left me feeling inspired but also aware of the challenges ahead. It’s clear that AI is going to be a big part of my career, no matter what path I take. It motivated me to start learning more about AI and think about how I can use it to grow in my career moving forward.
Charmaine Thong
Management Associate, July 2024 – December 2024
Thought Leadership & Strategic Communications