The Skills for Success in the Age of Generative AI

An article in The Business Times reported that 40% of Singaporeans use AI at work, and 76% of them pass it off as their own, according to a survey commissioned by Salesforce and conducted by YouGov. Based on your own casual observation or anecdotes, this behaviour might not be surprising. It might seem that the playing field is now levelled, with the likes of Generative AI apps, that complete laborious tasks in a fraction of the time.

However, as Generative AI bots have been known to hallucinate, producing inaccurate information that sound believable, it suggests that if a user doesn’t already know the answer to what they’re asking, it might be hard to discern what is or isn’t accurate information.  In one instance, Chatpdf was instructed to summarise a document, and it cited a fine when there wasn’t one in the original document, as well as the page number where it was supposedly found.

Source: PDPC / Chatpdf

In the ever-evolving landscape of AI, staying ahead of the curve is essential for career success. The advent of various Generative AI tools has reshaped the dynamics of artificial intelligence, shedding light on the need for a new set of competencies in the age of Generative AI.

Skills for Success in the AI Era

As revealed in Microsoft’s 2023 Work Trend Index,, the proliferation of AI in the workplace demands a shift in our skill sets. To thrive in this era, employees must embrace a new set of core competencies. These skills are the linchpin for individuals seeking to make the most of Generative AI, which falls short in terms of certain human traits. Here are the competencies that are now in high demand:

1. Analytical Judgement: The ability to critically assess information generated by AI.
2. Flexibility: Being adaptable in the face of rapid technological changes.
3. Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions effectively, a quality AI lacks.
4. Intellectual Curiosity: A relentless thirst for knowledge and learning.
5. Bias Detection and Handling: Recognizing and addressing biases in AI-generated content.

Cumarran Kaliyaperumal, Chief Data & Analytics Officer, APAC at Microsoft, emphasized the importance of judgment in the age of Generative AI, highlighting its significance in a recent Masterclass hosted by Straits Interactive.

The Ethics of Responsible Generative AI Use

The utilisation of Generative AI at work has raised ethical concerns. The research cited in the Business Times article disclosed that only 35 to 37 percent of respondents using Generative AI could identify ethical actions. This underscores the urgency for organizations to establish Gen AI governance policies. Educating employees on the responsible and ethical use of Generative AI is pivotal in safeguarding against potential workplace risks.

Skilling Up to Navigate the AI Wave

Individuals can take proactive steps to upskill themselves, becoming responsible and ethical users of Generative AI. This involves gaining a deep understanding of the value, constraints, and risks associated with Generative AI. It differentiates a professional who truly grasps these new skills from one who merely dabbles in them. 

Aligned with the new core competencies identified by Microsoft, upskilling can be the key to success in this AI-driven landscape. Consider enrolling in courses like the two-day AI Business Professional Course and the six-module Advanced Certificate in Generative AI, Ethics and Data Protection. These courses provide invaluable insights into working with Generative AI and offer guidance on applying the core skills essential for thriving in this new technological landscape. 

The age of Generative AI demands a shift in our skill sets and a strong commitment to ethical AI use. By acquiring the right competencies and understanding the ethical considerations, you can ride the wave of Generative AI with confidence, ensuring your success in the evolving world of artificial intelligence.