Why the future of work depends on the future of learning

The Adult Learning Xchange (ALX) 2025 was held from 29-30 May 2025 under the theme “From Wow to How: Unleashing Human Brilliance with AI”. (Photo credit: IAL)

When adult educators, researchers, and industry leaders gathered at the Adult Learning Xchange (ALX) 2025 from 29-30 May, one message rang loud and clear: The future of adult education lies at the intersection of human potential and AI.

Organised by the Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) and supported by SkillsFuture Singapore, this year’s ALX carried the provocative theme: From Wow to How: Unleashing Human Brilliance with AI. It was more than a showcase of innovation—it was a call to action for the training and adult education (TAE) sector to evolve alongside the fast-changing world of work.

Attendees engaged in fireside chats on the human-AI interface, joined masterclasses led by global experts from Harvard University, Micron Technology, and the University of Kentucky, and explored cutting-edge learning tools through an immersive technology showcase. But beyond the excitement, a deeper conversation took shape—one that continues to resonate.

“Progress hinges on collaboration,” Dr Samson Tan, Director of Learning and Professional Development at IAL, told HRM Asia. “ALX exemplifies this by creating a forum where educators, industry leaders, and innovators converge. This synergy is critical for fostering the exploration and experimentation of novel approaches to adult learning, which we are confident will be indispensable for future success.”

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the SkillsFuture movement, a fitting backdrop for ALX’s forward-looking agenda. Reflecting on the decade, Dr Tan emphasised a shift that is quietly redefining workforce development: moving beyond academic qualifications as the sole marker of professional readiness.

“We must cultivate a more dynamic and equitable system where demonstrated skills—regardless of their provenance—become the primary conduit to professional opportunities,” said Dr Tan. “This shift requires a thoughtful redesign of how we structure job roles, foster career progression, and support continuous learning and development within the work environment.”

To enable this shift, IAL continues to invest in the professionalisation of adult educators through structured development pathways, recognition frameworks, and exposure to new pedagogical approaches.

“To future-proof our workforce, we must first invest in the educators who guide and shape the learning journeys of others,” he added.

Much of ALX 2025 focused on how AI is reshaping learning and work. While Singapore’s workforce has long been praised for its adaptability, Dr Tan noted that new capability gaps are emerging—particularly in data literacy, AI fluency, and confidence with tech adoption.

“The shift to an AI-driven economy presents a steep learning curve,” he acknowledged. “These aren’t only technical gaps—they’re also about mindsets and comfort with change.”

In response, IAL has launched over 10 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses on AI in pedagogy, drawing more than 800 participants over the past two years. A bold step further is IAL’s pilot of AI Learning Companion Avatars—conversational digital guides that offer real-time feedback, reflection prompts, and adaptive support during microlearning sessions.

READ MORE: Empowering lifelong learning: A dual approach to adult education

“While this pilot is still in its nascent phase, the preliminary feedback has been notably positive,” said Dr Tan. “At its core, technology’s fundamental purpose is to create value for humanity, not to pose a threat. Through thoughtful application, technology can enhance our collective human experience. Our primary obligation is to empower the workforce, cultivating the assurance necessary to harness these tools for constructive and beneficial outcomes.”

And as the workforce becomes increasingly multigenerational, spanning Gen Z to employees in their 60s, IAL is also rethinking how learning is designed and delivered. Flexibility, accessibility, and personalisation are key.

“Every generation learns differently,” said Dr Tan. “Gen Z might prefer self-paced microlearning on their phones, while older employees often appreciate more structured, guided learning environments.”

To this end, IAL is embedding Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in educator training, advocating blended formats and bite-sized content delivery. The AI avatars mentioned earlier are also designed to feel intuitive regardless of age or background—an effort to make learning not just smarter, but more human.

“Ultimately, our role is to make learning feel relevant, empowering, and human, no matter where someone is in their career,” he concluded.