67% of Businesses Are Investing in AI—Here’s Why Employee Upskilling Matters

AI is no longer a future ambition—it’s a present-day priority for companies across Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region. However, as investment grows, so does the need for a skilled workforce.

AI-related News in 2025:

• According to a 2025 report by Capgemini, a global leader in consulting, digital transformation, and technology services, 67% of businesses in Singapore are investing in AI, making it the top technology focus this year.
  
  
• Companies use AI to automate workflows, boost efficiency, and unlock real-time business insights.
  
  
• As Singapore Business Review highlights, nearly two-thirds of businesses plan to increase their tech investments this year.
  
  
• Reported benefits include faster decision-making, cost savings, and better customer experiences.
  

Yet, despite all this progress, there is a clear challenge: a growing gap in AI-related skills and talent.

This article explores why employee upskilling matters—and how equipping your workforce is key to unlocking the full value of AI in business.

Related Article: How AI Trends Are Changing Corporate Learning – And How to Adapt

Don’t Let the AI Skills Gap Leave Your Team Behind

AI adoption is moving fast, and companies are investing in smart tools. However, some employees are struggling to keep up. Here’s why:

• The demand for AI-related roles—such as data analysts, machine learning specialists, and prompt engineers—is rising quickly.
  
  
• Many professionals lack the foundational knowledge to work effectively with AI systems.
  
  
• In Singapore, digital transformation is accelerating, putting even more pressure on businesses to act fast.
  
  
• Companies that don’t prioritise workforce development may struggle to realise significant returns on their AI investments.

This is why employee upskilling matters. It closes the skills gap and empowers teams to confidently and competitively implement, manage, and innovate with AI.

🧠 Curious how AI-ready you are at work? Take our free Generative AI Quiz and find out in minutes.

Related Article: Top 5 Industries in Singapore Using Gen AI & How SMEs Can Upskill

Why Upskilling Is a Competitive Advantage

Today, AI is not replacing workers but transforming jobs. Generative AI tools, data analytics platforms, and predictive systems are reshaping marketing, finance, logistics, and customer service roles.

Organisations that invest in employee upskilling are better positioned to adapt to these changes. According to Capgemini, companies with a strong talent development strategy are more confident in scaling AI solutions organization-wide.

When employees understand AI and can integrate it into their workflows, businesses see:

• 🚀 Faster project rollouts
  
• 💡 More innovative solutions
  
• 📈  Greater ROI from AI tools
  
• 🤝 Improved cross-functional collaboration

In essence, upskilling enables AI to move beyond isolated use and become a fully integrated part of the entire organisation.

Related Article: The Future Impact of AI: Preparing Your Workforce for What’s Next

Why Employee Upskilling Matters to Business Leaders

1. Future-Proofing the Workforce

The World Economic Forum estimates that nearly half of all workers will need to update 44% of their core skills within the next five years. As AI and automation continue to reshape the business landscape, the need for agile, tech-ready teams is more urgent than ever.

Without upskilling, employees risk falling behind, as do the businesses they support. Equipping your workforce with relevant AI skills ensures they stay adaptable, effective, and aligned with the future of work.

2. Driving Operational Efficiency

Employees who understand how to use AI tools like chatbots, predictive analytics, or automation platforms can optimise day-to-day processes. This reduces manual workload and speeds up turnaround times.

3. Supporting Innovation Culture

AI thrives in organisations that promote experimentation. By upskilling employees, you empower them to explore new ways of problem-solving using AI, encouraging innovation at every level of the organisation.

4. Enhancing Customer Experience

AI tools can help personalise marketing, streamline service, and anticipate customer needs. But without human insight, these tools fall flat. Upskilled teams know how to strike the right balance between automation and empathy.

Prepare Your Teams for AI: Invest in Upskilling That Delivers

More companies in Singapore are embracing structured training to keep pace with rapid technological change. AI is no longer just an IT concern but has become a core competency across all organisational functions.

To support this shift, AI upskilling programmes are designed to:

• Align with overall business goals.
  
  
• Offer role-specific training for different departments like marketing, analytics, or operations.
  
  
• Blend technical knowledge with practical application.
  
  
• Provide hands-on experience using real-world AI tools.
  

Companies can access industry-relevant AI courses tailored to working professionals by working with training providers like Vertical Institute. These programmes are built for immediate impact, equipping teams with practical, job-ready skills from day one.

Don’t fall behind—get your workforce AI-ready. Enroll now! ⚡

How to Build a Sustainable AI Strategy That Pays Off Long-Term

AI isn’t a one-off solution—it’s a long-term capability that evolves with your business. To maximise returns, companies must make upskilling a core part of their AI strategy.

Here’s how to do it:

• Create learning pathways tailored to the needs of different teams.
  
  
• Align training initiatives with upcoming AI tools and trends.
  
  
• Recognise and reward upskilled employees, encouraging retention and internal mobility.
  
  
• Integrate AI skills into your hiring and talent development plans.
  

Companies that view training as a strategic investment, not a cost, are better equipped to lead and grow in an AI-powered future.

FAQs About Employee Upskilling

Conclusion 

As 67% of businesses in Singapore double down on AI investment in 2025, employee readiness must not be overlooked. Upskilling is the missing link between technology investment and business value.

It ensures that employees can confidently use AI, drive innovation, and unlock the full potential of new tools. More importantly, it creates a future-ready workforce that can adapt to change and lead with resilience. 

If your organisation is planning to invest in AI this year, ask yourself: Are your people ready?