Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) has launched the Centre for Behaviour and Nudge Design (BaND), introducing Abbi, the world’s first AI-enabled Behavioural Insights Coach. Unveiled at the Institute for Human Resource Professionals’ People Behind People Forum, Abbi was co-developed with the UK-based Behavioural Insights Team (BIT). This innovative tool is designed to help organisations enhance workplace culture and productivity by integrating behavioural science with AI coaching.
The BaND initiative is a response to the low engagement levels among Singaporean workers, as highlighted by a recent ADP Research study. Only 12% of Singapore’s workforce is engaged, the lowest in Southeast Asia. Abbi aims to address this by using behavioural science methods and AI tools to foster positive workplace habits. NP’s Principal and CEO, Lim Kok Kiang, emphasised the transformative potential of behavioural science and AI, stating, “We see behavioural science and AI not just as tools, but as catalysts for transformation in the workplace.”
The programme has already shown promise through a pilot with UOB, where behavioural nudges increased online training completion rates fourfold among 3,000 employees. This success has led to plans to expand the initiative to 30,000 employees regionally. UOB will also utilise BaND’s capabilities to conduct data-driven experiments to refine nudging strategies further.
Looking ahead, NP plans to integrate BaND’s offerings into its curriculum by 2027, providing 400 students with skills in behavioural science and nudging. This initiative marks a significant step in preparing a future-ready workforce equipped to tackle complex challenges.
