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AI or Be Replaced? Why Singaporean Professionals Are Rushing to Upskill

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SINGAPORE, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore’s workforce is at a turning point. As artificial intelligence (AI) adoption accelerates, businesses are rethinking how they operate, automate, and scale. According to the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), in 2024, over 75% of industries worldwide have integrated AI into their workflows. Singapore’s push for digital transformation has made AI upskilling a necessity rather than an option. Companies and individuals that fail to adapt risk falling behind as AI-powered automation reshapes work processes, decision-making, and talent requirements. Illustrating this shift, local bank DBS recently announced that it expects to cut around 4,000 contract roles in the next three years as AI increasingly automates these functions.

With AI rapidly disrupting industries, adoption is becoming a non-negotiable for professionals and businesses alike. Organisations implementing AI-driven automation report 30% faster workflows, as highlighted in Singapore’s National AI Strategy report by Smart Nation. The IMDA’s AI Readiness Index & Case Studies further indicate a 50% reduction in repetitive tasks. Cost is also a significant driver of AI adoption, with companies potentially saving up to 50% in operational expenses, according to Amazon Web Services’ AI Adoption Study. However, successful AI integration hinges on ensuring that workers have access to upskilling opportunities.

Greater Support for Upskilling: Budget 2025

During the Budget 2025 announcement on February 18, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong acknowledged concerns about the impact of rapid industry changes on Singaporeans’ livelihoods. The SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme (SFLP) will be significantly enhanced to support mid-career development, offering greater flexibility for Singaporeans aged 40 and above.

Starting in early 2026, a new part-time training allowance of S$300 per month will be introduced to support individuals pursuing part-time courses, while the existing full-time allowance of up to S$3,000 per month remains available for those seeking career transitions.

The Challenge of Building an AI-Ready Workforce

Yet, the real challenge lies in developing an AI-ready workforce that can harness these tools effectively. A 2024 YouGov survey of 1,000 Singaporean employees found that 63% had not received employer-led training in using generative AI ethically. This reflects a gap in corporate AI education efforts.

Recognising this need, Vertical Institute, a leading provider of in-demand AI training, has committed to making AI education accessible to a broad audience. With over 15,000 alums, the Singapore-based training provider has played a key role in equipping Singapore’s professionals with the skills needed to leverage AI for business impact. Beyond alumni numbers, Vertical Institute’s true success lies in the professionals who have transformed their careers—and their companies—through these training programmes.

From Spreadsheets to AI-Driven Workflows: Hidayah’s Story

Hidayah Alias, 28, an analyst at an investment firm, is one such alumnus who has reaped the benefits of AI upskilling. When tasked with developing dashboards and streamlining reporting processes, she struggled with inefficiencies – 90% of her time was spent on pivot tables and manually processing data. She recognised the need to enhance her data science skills, so she used her SkillsFuture credits to enrol in an AI course at Vertical Institute.

“Learning AI-powered problem-solving skills completely changed my approach at work,” Hidayah shared. “The course didn’t just introduce new tools—it helped me break down complex challenges into manageable steps. Learning from instructors who are industry experts gave me the confidence to apply AI-driven solutions at work.”

Following her upskilling journey, Hidayah successfully implemented automated reporting systems, cutting manual effort significantly and improving decision-making efficiency within her company.

AI-Driven Job Search Success: Aishah’s Journey

AI is transforming business operations and reshaping hiring and job search strategies. Nur Aishah Abdullah, 38, another Vertical Institute alumnus, leveraged her training to secure a new role at a multinational law firm.

“The role-playing interviews using ChatGPT were a game-changer,” she recalled. “Practicing real-world responses, anticipating interview questions, and refining my communication skills gave me theconfidence that translated into my actual interview performance, which helped me to secure the job.”

Beyond technical skills, Aishah found value in the structured online learning experience, which allowed her to learn from industry AI practitioners. “It wasn’t just theory. The case studies and real-world examples made the learning highly practical,” she added.

The Future of Work: Businesses Need AI-Ready Talent

Singaporean businesses are actively investing in AI, with 67% of companies already integrating it into their operations. Yet, the biggest hurdle remains: finding talent capable of navigating, implementing, and maximising AI technologies.

Aishah believes the key is not fearing AI but learning to work alongside it.

“Many professionals worry about AI replacing jobs, but what’s more crucial is learning how to adapt and apply AI to everyday tasks. The ability to evolve with technology makes you invaluable to any company,” she said.

Generative AI is no longer a futuristic concept for businesses—it is a competitive advantage. From automating workflows and reducing operational costs to enhancing decision-making, the ability to leverage AI is now a defining factor in business success.

Vertical Institute: Bridging the AI Skills Gap

What sets Vertical Institute apart is its commitment to real-world learning. Unlike traditional training providers, Vertical Institute offers AI courses designed and taught by industry professionals who use AI daily in their respective roles. This approach ensures participants learn AI concepts and acquire practical skills that drive tangible business outcomes.

“Vertical Institute’s Generative AI curriculum equips students with real-world skills that put them ahead of industry trends, empowering them to innovate, lead, and shape the future of their careers in an increasingly AI-driven world,” says Dr Peter Finn, Generative AI Instructor at Vertical Institute and also Co-founder and CEO @ Synectify.

Vertical Institute website: https://verticalinstitute.com/generative-ai-course/

About Vertical Institute

Vertical Institute prepares individuals for the jobs of tomorrow. We specialise in teaching in-demand skills and building the next generation of changemakers and inventors through our world-class in-demand courses and certifications.

Vertical Institute is accredited as an Approved Training Provider (ATO) by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and the Institute of Banking and Finance Singapore (IBF). All our courses are government-subsidised and eligible for SkillsFuture Credits usage and NTUC UTAP Funding.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/ai-or-be-replaced-why-singaporean-professionals-are-rushing-to-upskill-302404086.html

SOURCE Vertical Institute Pte Ltd

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Forum on the Development of Internet Public Welfare Held at 2026 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit

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WUZHEN, China, Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from CRI Online

On November 4, the Forum on the Development of Internet Public Welfare was held as part of the 2026 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit in Wuzhen, Zhejiang. Under the theme of “Digital Intelligence for Innovation: Advancing High-Quality Development of Internet Public Welfare”, the forum aimed to explore new paths for the high-quality development of public welfare undertakings in the era of digital intelligence, bring together forces for good, and contribute insights from the public welfare sector to building a community with a shared future in cyberspace.

At the forum, representatives of public welfare organizations, enterprises and media from China, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, the United States and other countries, together with experts, scholars and internet celebrities, delivered keynote speeches, sharing their latest practical experience and reflections on leveraging digital intelligence technologies to advance the high-quality development of charity and to bring together forces for good worldwide. The forum screened “Digital Technology for Good, Advancing Public Welfare Together”, a video showcasing the achievements of the China Internet Development Foundation’s public welfare initiatives, and released the findings of the research report on internet public welfare practices by internet and cybersecurity enterprises. The forum also held roundtable discussions on two topics — “Internet Public Welfare for the Global Flow of Goodwill” and “Online Cultural and Humanistic Creation Empowering Public Welfare Communication” — inviting participating guests to jointly explore the paths and methods for the high-quality development of internet public welfare. In addition, celebrity public welfare advocates public welfare projects powered by digital and intelligent technologies, along with examples of online initiatives supporting farmers, that they had taken an interest in. Their sharing encouraged more people to take an interest in and participate in public welfare initiatives.

The forum was hosted by the Cyberspace Administration of China and the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and co-organized by the China Internet Development Foundation, the China Charity Alliance and Guoguang Media Development Co., Ltd. More than 100 guests attended the event, including representatives of government departments, international organizations, multinational enterprises and public welfare organizations from many countries, as well as experts, scholars and internet public welfare advocates.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/forum-on-the-development-of-internet-public-welfare-held-at-2026-world-internet-conference-wuzhen-summit-302931693.html

SOURCE CRI Online

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Ev Dynamics Explores “AI+” Green Mobility Model

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Zhongtong Kinetic Energy, a Subsidiary of the Group, to Focus on Battery Swapping for New Energy Heavy Trucks and Fixed-route Transportation

Advancing Intelligent Dispatching, Energy Replenishment Management and Transportation Carbon Emission Data Management

HONG KONG, Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EV Dynamics (Holdings) Limited (the “Company”, stock code: 476.HK, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) is exploring an expansion from the supply of new energy commercial vehicles into comprehensive green mobility services. Using battery swapping for new energy heavy trucks and fixed-route transportation as entry points, the Group will integrate artificial intelligence-powered dispatching, energy replenishment management and transportation carbon emission data management to progressively validate the “Transport as a Service” (TaaS) model.

Zhongtong Kinetic Energy (Hangzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zhongtong Kinetic Energy”), the Group’s China operating headquarters platform and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group, will start with actual transportation demand, prioritising the study of fixed routes, stable cargo sources and high-frequency transportation scenarios. It will progressively establish a closed-loop operating model covering vehicles, energy replenishment, dispatching and operational evaluation, with vehicle utilisation rate, energy consumption per unit of transportation, energy replenishment efficiency, transportation costs and service stability serving as the key validation indicators.

In terms of artificial intelligence applications, the Group intends to explore functions such as intelligent route scheduling, energy replenishment planning, and operational and maintenance alerts based on transportation orders, driving routes, vehicle energy consumption, battery status and battery swapping station utilisation. These functions are intended to reduce empty running and waiting time, and improve the utilisation efficiency of vehicles and energy replenishment facilities. The relevant technologies will be progressively tested and iterated in conjunction with actual application scenarios, rather than remaining at the level of a standalone conceptual demonstration.

This direction is in line with the policy trend towards the large-scale application of new energy heavy trucks. In June 2026, the Ministry of Transport and ten other departments publicly issued the Implementation Plan for Promoting the Large-scale Application of New Energy Heavy Trucks (《推動新能源重卡規模化應用實施方案》), which proposed that, by 2030, the penetration rate of new energy heavy trucks should reach 40%, with the number of new energy heavy trucks in operation exceeding 1.6 million units, 30,000 kilometres of zero-carbon road transportation corridors to be constructed, and approximately 3,000 heavy truck charging and battery swapping stations to be supported and guided for construction.

Industry penetration has also continued to increase. According to terminal actual sales data under the compulsory traffic accident liability insurance for motor vehicles cited by First Commercial Vehicle Network, 33,100 new energy heavy trucks were sold in Mainland China in September 2026, representing a year-on-year increase of 37%, with the monthly penetration rate reaching 50.28%. These figures exclude exports and military vehicles, while the cumulative penetration rate for the period from January to September 2026 was 38.10%.

Mr. Zeng Yan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ev Dynamics, said: “We hope to start with actual transportation scenarios, first establishing vehicle operations, energy replenishment efficiency and dispatching management for fixed routes, and subsequently validate the transport service-based charging model. The value of artificial intelligence does not lie in introducing another concept, but in helping to reduce empty running and waiting time, improve the utilisation rates of vehicles and energy replenishment facilities, and provide customers with more efficient and quantifiable green transportation services.”

In terms of business models, the Group will explore an expansion from vehicle sales into battery swapping services, intelligent dispatching and mobility operations, and study transportation service arrangements charged by mileage or ton-kilometre, with a view to reducing customers’ initial capital investment and barriers to technology adoption, while seeking to progressively establish recurring revenue. The specific cooperation models will be determined according to route conditions, cargo source stability, energy replenishment requirements and project economic benefits.

In terms of carbon emission management, the Group intends to progressively establish the capabilities for digital recording, accounting and reporting of transportation mileage, energy consumption and emission reduction results, thereby providing data support for customers’ green supply chain management.

On 30 October 2026, the Group participated in the “The Oujiang Dialogue — AI Plus Integrated Innovation Development Forum” (「甌江論道——『人工智能+』融合創新發展論壇」) held in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, and entered into a strategic agreement with the International Academician Science and Technology Innovation Centre. Building on this agreement, both parties will explore the alignment of scientific research resources and industry-academia-research cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence, new energy and intelligent connected vehicles. The Group also took this opportunity to exchange views with universities, research institutions and industry representatives on technology applications and the integration of technologies with practical application scenarios.

Regarding participation in the development of the Qidu Island Urban Intelligent Connected Vehicle Demonstration Zone, Mr. Zeng Yan proposed three directions: First, to prioritise the selection of actual fixed routes and establish an agile, iteratively upgradeable closed-loop operating model; Second, to explore joint operations and evaluation mechanisms with local partners, using operational efficiency, service safety and actual emission reduction results as the basis for evaluation; and Third, based on the validation of application scenarios in Mainland China, to explore opportunities to connect with Hong Kong’s resources in finance, professional services, standards and international markets.

Mr. Zeng Yan added: “Ev Dynamics hopes to become not merely a vehicle supplier, but also a participant in application scenarios and a co-builder of long-term operational mechanisms. The application scenarios and supply chain capabilities in Mainland China, combined with Hong Kong’s professional services and international connections, are expected to create favourable conditions for external cooperation in green mobility solutions.”

Looking ahead, the Group will adopt Academician Chen Qingquan’s “Four Networks and Four Flows” theory as a methodological guide for its green mobility system, exploring the coordination of the energy network, transportation network, information network and humanity network, and promoting the integration of energy flow, information flow, material flow and value flow. The Group will also put these concepts into practice across specific aspects such as vehicle dispatching, energy replenishment management and transportation services. Through Zhongtong Kinetic Energy, the Group will steadily advance the validation of application scenarios involving battery swapping for new energy heavy trucks, intelligent logistics dispatching and green mobility operations, while exploring industry-academia-research cooperation in technologies such as autonomous driving for specific transportation scenarios, including “Xinjiang Coal Outbound Transport”. The relevant businesses will be progressively advanced based on actual project progress and commercial feasibility.

About Ev Dynamics (Holdings) Limited

Guided by its mission to ‘revolutionise transportation’, Ev Dynamics is evolving from a pioneer in the global new energy commercial vehicle market into an integrated solution provider of ‘new energy transport vehicles + energy infrastructure’. The Group has supported electrification across multiple countries and cities worldwide. In addition to the development and production of electric vehicles, including electric buses and purpose-built electric vehicles, the Group has expanded into integrated e-Mobility Solutions, offering in the PRC a comprehensive ecosystem that combines vehicle supply, operations, and value-added services such as charging infrastructure deployment.

For more information, please visit: https://evdynamics.com/zh-hant/

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/ev-dynamics-explores-ai-green-mobility-model-302931694.html

SOURCE Ev Dynamics

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Tech-Access Canada welcomes Budget 2026 and stands ready to help more Canadian companies commercialise

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OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 5, 2026 /CNW/ — Tech-Access Canada, the national network of Canada’s 70 Technology Access Centres (TACs), welcomes Budget 2026’s proposals to expand the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax incentive and renew federal clean technology support. TACs already help Canadian companies test new technologies, validate products and prepare for production. Tech-Access Canada’s proposed Canadian Innovation Pipeline Initiative would give more businesses year-round access to the teams and facilities already doing that work.

TACs already provide contract research services to businesses. Under existing Canada Revenue Agency rules, businesses can claim eligible costs for qualifying SR&ED work that TACs perform under contract on their behalf. The proposed expansion, estimated at $930 million over five years, would extend eligibility to certain commercialisation expenses. These include testing and validation required for initial regulatory approval or certification when directly linked to an eligible SR&ED project. Tech-Access Canada is ready to share its project experience as the agency develops sector-specific guidance.

“A tax credit can help a company recover eligible costs. Somebody still has to pay for the test first,” said Ken Doyle, Executive Director of Tech-Access Canada. “Some of the firms our TACs work with are still building the case for NRC IRAP funding or seeking their first outside investment. That test can be exactly what a customer or investor needs to see before they commit. Canada already has the people, the labs and the equipment. Let’s fund the projects that put them to work.”

The National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) is Canada’s leading innovation assistance program for small and medium-sized businesses. Tech-Access Canada estimates that, through their partnership, NRC IRAP has funded approximately 75,000 hours of applied innovation and commercialisation support delivered by TACs over the past decade.

Tech-Access Canada welcomes the proposed renewal of NRC IRAP’s Clean Technology initiative. In the 2026 pilot, TACs moved quickly to complete 54 projects, helping companies advance from real-world prototype demonstration at technology readiness level (TRL) 7 toward commercial deployment at TRLs 8 and 9. TACs and their industry partners still have 161 projects scoped and ready to start as soon as a second round gets the green light.

“The clean technology pilot gave companies a chance to see how their technologies performed under real operating conditions,” said Jennifer Andersen, Vice-Chair of Tech-Access Canada and Executive Director, Applied Research & Innovation at Fleming College. “That evidence helps a business decide whether it’s ready to deploy or where it needs to do more work. We’d welcome the opportunity to extend that support to more companies.”

Since the tri-agency College and Community Innovation program began, the federal government has invested more than $1 billion through it in applied research. Tech-Access Canada thanks the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada for administering the program in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. The $165 million committed in the 2026 Spring Economic Update will help sustain that capacity.

“Canada’s three granting councils and the Canada Foundation for Innovation have helped build applied research capacity that businesses can draw on across the country,” said Melanie Ross, Chair of Tech-Access Canada and Research Chair at SAIT’s Green Building Technology Access Centre. “We welcome the opportunity to build on those investments and give more Canadian companies access to that expertise.”

Tech-Access Canada estimates that the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) has invested $500 million in federal funding for research infrastructure at colleges and cégeps over the past decade. At the College Fund’s 40% federal contribution ceiling, $500 million in capital funding would correspond to roughly $1.3 billion in eligible research infrastructure costs, with provinces, institutions and other partners contributing the balance. Dedicated, predictable infrastructure support for TACs would build on that partnership, keeping specialised facilities and equipment available on demand so TACs can respond quickly as new industry needs emerge.

“A pilot run can show a manufacturer whether a new process is worth scaling before it commits capital or changes its production line,” said Stephen Reaume, Treasurer of Tech-Access Canada and Director of Research at Lambton College. “TACs give smaller firms access to the equipment and expertise to run those trials and make decisions based on the results.”

Tech-Access Canada welcomes the opportunity to work with NRC research centres and federal departments such as Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. TACs and federal research teams could bring complementary expertise and equipment to company projects, from testing new technologies for fisheries and aquaculture to piloting new processes for food and agricultural businesses.

“When a Canadian company needs specialised equipment or expertise, we can help connect it with the team best equipped to do the work,” said Jean-Philippe Jacques, Vice-Chair of Tech-Access Canada and Director of Innofibre. “Sharing facilities and coordinating equipment purchases can reduce duplication, give companies faster access to the tools they need and make better use of the research infrastructure Canadians have already invested in.”

Tech-Access Canada proposes to deliver the Canadian Innovation Pipeline Initiative through the TAC network. Interactive Visits would help firms decide what’s worth pursuing. Strategic Interactions would help them test and validate their technologies. TRLascend projects would help them demonstrate those technologies at pilot scale and prepare for production or deployment. The proposed $33 million annual investment would support about 3,000 engagements with Canadian businesses each year once fully implemented.

The TAC network already gives companies access to more than 2,100 applied R&D professionals, two million square feet of dedicated applied R&D space and approximately $500 million in specialised equipment. Tech-Access Canada also has intake and project delivery systems in use today. With approval and funding, it could start accepting Pipeline projects within 48 hours. Tech-Access Canada looks forward to working with the federal government on the proposal ahead of the Spring 2027 Economic Update.

Through Commercialisation Canada, Tech-Access Canada will share stories of Canadian companies bringing new products and processes to market with TAC teams working alongside them. Companies bring their ideas and knowledge of their customers. TACs help them test, refine and scale what they’ve developed. This hands-on accompaniment is a Canadian model of collaborative applied innovation and commercialisation that has drawn international attention, including from the OECD. More details will follow.

About Tech-Access Canada

Tech-Access Canada is the national network of Canada’s Technology Access Centres. TACs help businesses solve technical problems, develop and validate products and processes, and adopt new technologies. Companies retain their intellectual property.

SOURCE Tech-Access Canada

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