SINGAPORE: Singaporeans who take up selected SkillsFuture artificial intelligence courses will receive six months of free access to premium artificial intelligence tools from the second half of 2026.
The subsidy, announced by Dr Tan See Leng during the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) budget debate on March 3, is part of larger plans to help Singaporeans gain confidence to work alongside AI and thrive.
“Like learning a language, developing true fluency in AI comes from consistent use and building confidence through experimentation,” said Dr Tan, adding that the move will make it easier for Singaporeans to have hands-on experience.
Free AI subscriptions will be roll out in the second half of this year, with details of the qualifying AI courses and tools to be announced later, he added.
Discussions are underway with providers such as Google, Manus, Microsoft and OpenAI, said the Manpower Minister, who is also the Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology.
In announcing the move, Dr Tan agreed with Nominated MP Terence Ho that AI access should be inclusive, regardless of age or income.
Ho had suggested that MOM consider extending access to premium AI tools to a larger group of Singaporeans such as mature workers or lower-income Singaporeans on a longer-term basis. - The Straits Times/ANN
