In an interview with e27, Huanbo Luan, CEO and Founder of 6Estates, discusses a significant skill mismatch as one of the main challenges faced by artificial intelligence (AI) leaders in Singapore.

“Recent rapid technological advancements have led to a gap between the skills of the workforce and the needs of the industry,” he points out.

As AI technology continues to progress rapidly, the skills required by industries are changing, leaving professionals struggling to keep up. This gap presents a significant challenge in developing a strong talent pool in Singapore.

Another challenge identified by Luan is the highly competitive market for AI talent, with top talent often attracted to opportunities in more mature ecosystems with larger funding like the US and China. Additionally, Big Tech companies offer attractive packages that local firms find difficult to compete with.

To tackle these challenges, Luan stresses the importance of upskilling programs. “We believe that providing high-quality AI upskilling programs that focus on technical and commercial aspects in collaboration with academia and industry is key to solving the problem,” he says.

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Luan also emphasizes the need for clear career pathways and advancement opportunities within organizations to retain top talent and motivate professionals to keep developing their skills.

Lastly, Luan highlights the role of the public sector in fostering the growth of the ecosystem in Singapore. Supportive policies and regulations promoting AI adoption, development, and funding are crucial for strengthening companies’ ability to retain and compensate talent.

Building an AI career in Singapore

When asked about building a career in AI in Singapore, Luan emphasizes that it requires more than just technical skills; it demands a combination of skills and qualities that align with the fast-paced, innovation-driven nature of the field.

A continuous learning mindset is one of the most critical qualities of AI talent in Singapore, as the landscape is rapidly changing with significant developments occurring more frequently than ever before.

“Today’s AI professionals must stay updated with new breakthroughs that can happen almost monthly, showing their commitment to lifelong learning to keep up with the latest trends and technologies,” he explains.

Another essential quality is being aware of advancements in key markets, especially the US and China, at the forefront of AI research and application. This awareness helps identify cutting-edge technologies and innovations that can be locally adapted and implemented to keep Singapore globally competitive.

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In addition to staying informed, AI professionals must focus on practical applications as the technology’s true value lies in solving real-world problems and transforming processes within specific industries.

“Customers aren’t looking for fundamental models; they want business-ready, LLM/AI-powered applications in our experience as an Enterprise AI specialist in this region,” he notes.

Lastly, strong interpersonal skills are crucial for AI professionals in Singapore as successful implementation requires collaboration across various sectors. Understanding the needs and motivations of different stakeholders is essential for effectively applying AI to benefit all involved parties.

Offering advice to aspiring AI talents in Singapore, Luan suggests continuously updating their knowledge on academic advancements in LLMs and the latest commercial applications of GenAI. “Stay informed about developments locally and abroad,” he advises.

He also recommends building a strong network by participating in AI-related groups, events, and conferences to improve understanding of the landscape and gain hands-on experience through internships, projects, and real-world applications.

Image Credit: 6estates

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