In the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Singapore Management University (SMU) has launched a new Resilient Workforces Institute (ResWORK) to strengthen Singapore’s workforce.
ResWORK is a new university-level research institute that advances workforce resilience and lifelong learning amid accelerating technological change.
It is among the first institutes in Singapore and the region to jointly study adult learning and the future of work through an integrated, interdisciplinary lens spanning economics, management, behavioural science, and technology.
Senior Minister of State for Education and Sustainability and the Environment, Dr Janil Puthucheary, graced the launch at SMU as Guest of Honour on Jan 20.
In his speech, he emphasised the importance of recognising that, while technology and AI have brought immense benefits, these changes are occurring rapidly, and people must learn to harness them effectively.
“As a small nation with no natural resources, our success depends on our people’s and nation’s ability to continuously adapt and keep pace with change,” he noted.
He said that for individuals, this would mean going beyond developing deep domain knowledge to harnessing digital tools, AI, and machines effectively in their respective fields of work.
“For employers, they would need to redesign jobs and processes to deploy both talent and technology effectively. This could involve integrating technological systems into workflows and business processes to enable workers to be more productive in their work,” he added.
Praising SMU’s crucial role in this process, Dr Janil also said that it not only provides training but also serves as a centre of knowledge creation and evidence-based practice.
ResWORK will serve as a focal point for transdisciplinary research across SMU, organised around three core pillars: Optimising Human-Machine Collaboration, Transforming Organisations, and Maximising Societal Human Capital.
At the launch, SMU and SkillsFuture Singapore also signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to mutually identify and drive strategic research on how AI, digital technologies, and generational changes in work preferences are transforming job tasks, skills demand, and career and learning pathways. The MoU also touches on translating these insights into policies that sustain employability and inclusive growth.
Professor Archan Misra, Vice Provost (Research) and Interim Director of ResWORK, said: “ResWORK is built on the belief that AI-led change will reshape opportunity rather than displace it. Our research agenda is designed to move beyond diagnosis to solutioning, working with government agencies, employers and other partners to generate evidence that informs policy, organisational practice, and lifelong learning systems.”
ResWORK has already secured the participation of several globally renowned visiting scholars and over 20 faculty members across SMU’s six schools.
Its faculty has recently initiated nine internally seed-funded research projects, as well as multiple externally funded research programmes, collectively worth over S$1.5 million.
Some of these projects include studies on job security and employee motivation, valuing flexible work arrangements, and AI in higher education.
RELATED STORIES
13 Jan 2026 16:33
