In a commentary, SMU Vice President (Partnerships and Engagement) and Lee Kong Chian Professor of Communication & Technology Lim Sun Sun reflected on Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s National Day Rally, noting artificial intelligence’s (AI) dual role as an opportunity and a challenge. She emphasised that evolving our education system across every life stage is more vital than ever, to level everyone up and prevent the widening of divides. Prof Lim stressed the need to teach children and youth not just how but when to use AI responsibly, with parents and teachers as key guides. She also highlighted how initiatives such as SMU Academy’s ChatGPT for Educators course are empowering teachers to harness AI effectively, while programmes like the Smart Nation Educator Fellowship build communities of practice around pedagogy and technology. Ultimately, Prof Lim said that education must remain centred on developing human strengths such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, so that Singaporeans can thrive in an AI-driven future without widening divides.
