Many analysts say we have to accept the fact that hashtagAI will replace many types of jobs, especially those that mainly use a screen. But do you agree with that?
I attended a Tech Professional networking event at the Mosque Tech Challenge in Masjid Ar Raudhah, Singapore, on March 7, 2026. I joined a panel featuring Mas Ainun Najib and Fariza Salleh, where they discussed the impact of hashtagArtificialIntelligence on the job market, especially in Singapore.
With the recent situation where many companies are reducing their workforce in favour of AI, many people are worried about what they should do and how they should prepare.
Mas Ainun gave a reminder: “We have to practice tawakkul and accept that change will happen. We just need to do our best, then trust the rest to Allah SWT!” In many ways, this feels like the antidote to anxiety.
He also shared a few practical thoughts.
First, AI is still in its early stages. Not many people are using it fully yet. That means there is still an opportunity for everyone to explore it and make it relevant to their own industry.
Second, try to master AI tools and subscribe to a plan you can afford. By using the tools regularly, especially the premium ones, the learning curve will be faster, and you can benefit more.
Farizza brought another perspective. She spoke openly about resilience. After being retrenched twice, she made the decision to pivot and become an entrepreneur. Listening to her story reminded me that no industry is completely immune to AI disruption. Still, some fields will always require human presence and empathy. Healthcare is one good example.
The bigger picture is also interesting.
Singapore is clearly serious about championing AI in the Southeast Asia region. In Budget 2026, AI is placed at the centre of its economic strategy. The government announced around S$1 billion for AI research and development, a new National AI Council, and expanded tax breaks for businesses, including 400% tax deductions for AI-related expenses.
Singapore will also provide free premium AI subscriptions for people taking selected SkillsFuture courses starting in the second half of 2026.
At the event, I met Sister Claudia Ang, who was representing Tech Talent AssemBly (TTAB) (National Trades Union Congress (NTUC)), shared that the Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) provides course fee support for members of up to $250 to $500 per year, depending on age.
This shows that Singapore is serious to AI development. There is real action to build the ecosystem, from industry support to human talent development.
Thanks to Yayasan MENDAKI for inviting me to join this event. It was a meaningful evening. People came not only to network, but also to share worries, ideas, and a bit of hope during uncertain times.
Personally, I do not think everyone needs to become an AI engineer. But understanding how these systems work is becoming basic literacy.
A bit like learning how the internet worked twenty years ago.
Right?
