SMU Launches Resilient Workforces Institute to Strengthen Singapore’s Workforce in the Age of AI

Singapore Management University (SMU) has launched the Resilient Workforces Institute (ResWORK) to fortify Singapore's labor market against the disruptions of artificial intelligence. The new university level research center was officially inaugurated on January 20, 2026, with Dr Janil Puthucheary serving as the Guest of Honour. This initiative marks one of the first interdisciplinary efforts in the region to study adult learning and the future of work through an integrated lens.

The institute operates under three core pillars designed to optimize human machine collaboration and redesign organizational practices for an AI enabled world. SMU has committed 5 million dollars over five years to anchor the institute, aiming to secure an additional 8 million dollars in external funding. Research focus areas include inclusive employment policies and analyzing how workers can perform effectively alongside robotics and digital technologies.

A key strategic partnership was established through a Memorandum of Understanding with SkillsFuture Singapore. This two year agreement aims to identify how changing job tasks and skills demand affect career pathways for the national workforce. By understanding what employers require in real time, the partnership seeks to ensure that the national adult training system remains relevant and effective.

The institute is also collaborating with industry leaders, notably receiving a 450,000 dollar contribution from Equinix. This funding supports a flagship project to create a transparent index measuring occupational exposure to artificial intelligence. Led by Professor Li Jia, the study will analyze job advertisements to track evolving skills and inform national reskilling programs.

Professor Archan Misra, Interim Director of ResWORK, emphasizes that AI should be viewed as a driver of innovation rather than a threat of displacement. The institute intends to move beyond mere diagnosis of workforce issues to provide concrete solutions for government agencies and employers. Through these sustained efforts, SMU hopes to shape a future ready workforce that can thrive in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

In the coming years, Singapore is expected to leverage these insights to create a more agile national education framework. The data generated by the AI Exposure Index will likely dictate where government subsidies are allocated for adult education. This proactive approach aims to position the nation as a global leader in balancing technological progress with human capital development.