Navigating AI and staying adaptable -- key lessons from the first Learning Day

By Sadia Roohi

AI is reshaping the workplace and professionals must adapt by developing both technological and soft skills, and prepare themselves for roles where humans and machines collaborate, said one of the keynote speakers at NTU’s inaugural Alumni Learning Day in March.

Sam Liew, Deputy CEO of NCS and a Nanyang Business School alumnus, shared his insights on the evolving workplace in the Intelligent Age. He predicted a rise in software-as-a-service adoption, increasing system complexity, and greater integration of business processes. 

"Humans need to think critically and navigate complexity, as jobs will be structured within a more integrated work ecosystem. We still need human workers to crack the code. Therefore, professionals should focus on taking courses that ensure their relevance in this Age," he told the alumni attendees.

The event, which catered to alumni of all career life stages, attracted close to 300 participants hoping to explore learning pathways designed for today’s professional. They heard advice on upskilling and career development from over 16 speakers and interacted with NTU Schools and learning centres on their offers available to alumni.

The inaugural NTU Alumni Learning Day held on 22 March was popular with alumni learners.

(From left) Prof Boh Wai Fong from NTU; Henry Tan from CLA Global TS; Dr Gog Soon Joo from SkillsFuture Singapore; and Sam Liew from NCS.

Victor Ong, an alumnus of NTU's School of Art, Design and Media, is currently on a career break and said the Alumni Learning Day was useful for navigating his career, especially the learning sessions on digital economy.

"I’ve been actively seeking opportunities to learn and reconnect, and Alumni Learning Day provided both. I gained fresh insights into how Generative AI is reshaping the media and education sectors and had meaningful conversations with others navigating similar career transitions," said Victor, a former lecturer at a private educational institution. 

Mohammad Shakir Bin Mohd, who graduated last year from NTU's School of Materials Science and Engineering, is in his first job but remains committed to continuous learning.

"Listening to others share their journeys at today’s event made me realise that there’s no single path to success. What truly matters is staying curious, embracing lifelong learning, and keeping up with industry trends," Shakir shared.

(From left) Prof S Vishwanathan, Director of Centre of Business Sustainability, Nanyang Business School, NTU, moderated the session on "From Vision to Action, Leading with Purpose in a Green Economy" which featured speakers Chua Sin Wee, Vice President, Health & Safety and Security, Telenor Asia Pte Ltd; Norshidah Simon, Project Manager & Sustainability Lead, APAC Customer Solutions, FedEx Express; and Jean-Phillipe Mota, AIR Lab Operations Director, Thales Solutions Asia Pte Ltd.

(From left) Assoc Prof Tan Joo Seng from Division of Strategy, International Business & Entrepreneurship, Nanyang Business School, NTU, moderated a session on developing continuous learning skills to thrive in change. Speakers included alumna Sharon Teo, Co-founder & CEO, Inspire Tech; Laurence Smith, Head of Transformation, Global Transformation Partners/Co-Founder, Asian Sustainability Network; and alumna Sonia Rao, Global Manager, Technical Partner Management (Signals & Measurement), Facebook.

Insights shared by speakers

Industry practitioners and NTU alumni covered leadership, change management, AI fluency and sustainability. Here are some of their top insights:

	“I believe that we can never be replaced by technology. Tech alone does not always solve the problem as there must be some integration by humans. We should continuously upgrade ourselves so that we remain relevant in the workplace,” said NTU Vice President (Lifelong Learning & Alumni Engagement), Prof Boh Wai Fong.
	"Don’t be afraid,” said Dr Gog Soon Joo, Chief Skills Officer at SkillsFuture Singapore and alumna of NIE. “AI can automate routine tasks, but it cannot replace humans. Take the time to explore AI tools — understand how they can boost your productivity and recognise their limitations.”
	“Beyond learning, the key to thriving is keeping an open mind and embracing new ways and technologies of doing things. We work with the Nanyang Business School on the Strategic Project at Nanyang where their MBA students recently helped us implement an AI-driven initiative for anti-money laundering,” said NBS alumnus Henry Tan, Group CEO of CLA Global TS.
	“While there are risks associated with Generative AI such as intellectual complacency, the goal is not to reject the use of Gen AI but find a healthy balanced relationship that enhances human intelligence instead of eroding it,” said Assoc Prof Goh Wei Boon, Associate Dean (Continuing Education - FlexiMasters & Short Courses), NTU College of Computing and Data Science.
	"I'm building a Talent Steering Community at SG Tech to open doors for career conversions into the tech industry. Staying relevant isn't just about learning, it's about getting the chance to practise what you’ve learned," said NBS alumna Sharon Teo, Co-founder & CEO, Inspire Tech.

NTU offers a range of professional development opportunities tailored for its alumni – click here to explore flexible courses, subsidies, and lifelong learning support.