Most firms stuck on simple AI tasks as cognitive gaps stall growth

About 65% struggle to scale AI despite 70% of workers being digitally literate.

Singapore professionals face constraints in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, as skills gaps persist and 65% of firms focus only on basic AI use cases, according to an Epitome Global report.

The report revealed that only around one in five in Singapore, as well as Malaysia, consistently demonstrated AI-ready skills, including persistence, curiosity, and reflective learning.

Whilst over 70% reported advanced digital literacy, about 56% rated themselves at a basic level in decision-making, and 42% reported basic confidence in computational thinking.

The government is investing $37b into the ‘Research, Innovation, and Enterprise 2030’ plan to advance the country’s technological capabilities and workforce readiness. It is also set to roll out national AI missions in key sectors, as announced in Budget 2026.

However, skills gaps could still widen without thoughtful job redesign and practical training, said Jessica Zhang, Senior Vice President for APAC at ADP, citing that around one in five workers are unsure how AI will affect their jobs.

The uncertainty is higher amongst knowledge workers (26%) and those aged 18 to 26 (23%), compared with 9% amongst workers aged 55 to 64.

“In the next phase of adoption, the differentiator will not be access to technology, but clarity around what people can actually do, how they make decisions, adapt and collaborate with AI-enabled systems,” said Kevin Chan, CEO of Epitome Global.

Companies are expected to continue cutting roles that no longer match future needs, whilst hiring selectively for advanced technical and cross-functional capabilities, Epitome Global added.

Separately, a National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) survey said that over half (56%) of professionals, managers, and executives feel the need to upskill to remain relevant amidst technological shifts.

Since then, NTUC has rolled out an initiative that is designed as a ‘one-stop’ platform for skills development, business transformation, and improved job matching. The group will also offer AI training pathways and a funding scheme under the initiative.

If you've been wondering whether SBR could work for your company — yes, probably.

A lot of the companies we partner with started as readers. They'd been following our coverage for a while, saw their own customers and competitors in it, and eventually asked the obvious question: could we do something with you? The answer is usually yes. The shape of it depends on what you're trying to do.

The options are broader than most people assume — thought leadership articles, sponsored content, industry summits across Southeast Asia, regional awards programmes, podcasts, and media placements in print and digital. Some partners use one channel; most use a mix. We figure out the right combination by starting with your brief, not with our rate card.

So if the question has been on your mind, here's the easy way to ask it.

We'll tell you honestly whether we can help, and how. It's a better use of everyone's time.

Book a meeting

| Or download the media kit (PDF)

240,000 senior readers quarterly in print Top 1,700 Singapore companies reached

7 markets across Southeast Asia