Accenture’s latest report reveals that whilst Singaporean enterprises are advancing in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, they are lagging in workforce transformation, which is crucial for real growth. The report, titled “Singapore’s Growth Mandate: Why the AI future will be won or lost on people, not technology,” underscores the importance of treating workforce transformation with the same urgency as technology spending.
The study, conducted between December 2025 and February 2026, highlights that 90% of companies have moved beyond AI awareness to implementation, with half deploying Generative AI in specific units. However, only one-third have a talent strategy aligned with their AI strategy, and 46% of technology leaders have not addressed job role redesigns. Accenture argues that organisations focusing on people-centric AI transformation saw revenue and profit growth surpassing their peers by 1.8 and 1.4 percentage points, respectively.
Entry-level talent remains underutilised, with job postings rebounding by 8% in 2025, yet entry-level ICT roles fell by 38% since 2022. The demand for skills in AI, machine learning, and data management is rising, indicating a shift towards a skills-based workforce. Despite 95% of young Singaporeans believing in the country’s AI leadership potential, only 31% agree it is people-centric.
Mark Tham, Accenture’s Country Managing Director, emphasised, “Singapore’s AI future will not be won or lost on algorithms or the latest technology, but on our ability to equip people, redesign work and build trust.” The report calls for CEOs to prioritise workforce transformation, viewing AI as a redesign of work rather than just a technological upgrade.
