'Those people who already start using GenAI, they're not necessarily being trained professionally to utilise this technology'
While generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is transforming workplaces across Southeast Asia, a significant gap remains in how organisations train employees to use it effectively, according to one expert.
Already, 62% of workers are integrating the technology into some of their personal and professional lives, according to data from CoachHub.
However, despite high individual adoption rates, many companies are failing to provide structured AI training. In fact, 42% of employees have not received any AI training or guidelines from their organizations or employers, notes Roy Otsuka, VP of APAC at the company.
"Those people who already start using GenAI, they're not necessarily being trained professionally to utilise this technology,” he says.
While women constitute 45% of all learners in Singapore, they make up just 32% of enrolments in GenAI courses, according to a previous Coursera report.
Businesses are leveraging AI for a variety of functions, particularly in automating repetitive tasks and streamlining recruitment processes, notes Otsuka.
AI, at this moment, is “very efficient” when it comes to automating routine work and repetitive tasks, he says.
This allows employees “to focus on more strategic responsibilities”.
In the HR field, AI has proven effective in recruitment by streamlining the hiring process.
“Some companies are already using AI for interviews,” says Otsuka.
Nearly 3 in 4 HR professionals across the world are now using AI weekly, according to a previous report from HireVue.
AI has also allowed large companies to “scale their training programs to reach out to a wider audience,” says Otsuka.
One thing that has been limited to executives is coaching on the use of AI, he says.
Ironically, AI can help companies in bringing more personalized training on AI to managers and frontline workers, he says.
There is a growing talent gap in terms of artificial intelligence as the technology's adoption in workplaces expands while the number of qualified candidates is not keeping pace, according to a previous Bain & Company report.
While some Asian economies are embracing AI rapidly, many businesses still struggle with adoption due to unclear strategies and a lack of training support.
To effectively train employees in using GenAI, organisations must first ensure workers see it as an enhancement tool rather than a job replacement threat, says Otsuka.
GenAI is an enabler and cannot replace the human in HR, according to one expert.
Also, it’s highly important for employers to identify the skills gap among their workers, Otsuka says.
“A lot of organizations need to improve their leadership skills,” he says as an example.
Employers must also create sustainable learning ecosystems that drive both employee and business success. Development and learning is not a time thing, and companies must create a “culture of learning,” he says.
Otsuka also notes that the training should be customized to fit the needs of each worker, “personalized for each employee based on their current skills and their career goals”.
“It has to be something continuous. Employers need to provide those opportunities for employees to learn and keep learning. And that's when something like coaching should come in. And that has to be something accessible for everyone despite their work locations.”
AI-powered learning solutions can help make this possible.
Recently, CoachHub released AIMY, an AI tool which leverages established coaching frameworks to guide conversations and align with company objectives.
In February, the Singaporean government unveiled new initiatives that aim to support employers in upskilling their workforce in the wake of rapid workplace transformation due to technological advances.
