Today’s Singaporean youth have grown up in an environment shaped by products and services enabled by digital technologies, as well as the public policies governing their use. Increasingly, they are active participants in the digital economy — not only as consumers but also as members of the workforce and as the innovators of tomorrow. The way young people engage with technology and with the world will shape Singapore’s approach to digital innovation, adoption, and governance.
Within this landscape, the Tech for Good Institute, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the National Youth Council, co-hosted a youth-focused roundtable discussion for young people in Singapore. The session was moderated by Mr Matin Mohdari, Head of Public Policy, Government and Corporate Affairs (Southeast and South Asia), Expedia Group and Advisor of the Singapore Youth Panels, and was graced by Mr Soo Chun Kit, Deputy Director of the Youth Division at MCCY. The discussion centred on key issues affecting Singapore’s youth and the nation’s future. These insights will also contribute to the Singapore Youth Plan — a national five-year action plan by youths and for youths to realise their aspirations for themselves and for Singapore.
Key Takeaways
1.Mitigating the impact of rapid adoption
As more young Singaporeans create and share content in a digital-first world, participants stressed that a robust intellectual property regime should both foster innovation and protect the creative economy. They also observed the incessant use of digital technologies among their peers, including experimenting with AI as a tool for managing mental well-being. Concerns were raised about the instinctive turn toward “digital pacifiers” rather than developing emotional resilience.
According to Deloitte’s 2024 report, the majority of students (86%) and employees (67%) in Singapore use GenAI, surpassing Asia-Pacific averages of 81% and 62% respectively. As digital natives, youth may require more — not less — support to stay safe, adapt to a rapidly changing digital ecosystem, and prepare for an uncertain future.
2. From Skills Frameworks to Skill Stacks
The rapid adoption of AI was evident to all, whether as students, team managers, or employers. While AI is widely used to enhance productivity in both study and work, participants questioned how its adoption might be balanced with continued investment in long-term human capital development.
Participants noted that overreliance on digital tools, especially AI, can dull critical thinking and the ability to apply learning skills. One participant remarked that adopting AI sometimes felt like “training the model that will likely replace me.” Beyond building AI skills, participants urged going further upstream into education policy to ensure that AI empowers rather than undermines its current and future users.
To complement industry-focused skills frameworks such as those developed by SkillsFuture, the idea of personal “skill stacks” was raised. A skill stack could be a layered combination of technical expertise and soft skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, creativity, and empathy — unique to the individual. Participants identified collaboration, systematic problem-solving, and the ability to synthesise solutions across disciplines as skill stack elements essential for Singapore’s future competitiveness. This emphasis aligns with national efforts such as the Ministry of Education’s EdTech Masterplan 2030, which promotes digital literacy through a “Find, Think, Apply, Create” framework to nurture critical and creative thinking from a young age.
3.Rethinking the Digital Divide and Social Mobility
Participants stressed the need for a “people-first” society, where the needs, rights, and dignity of all Singaporeans — including those with varying abilities and disabilities — are prioritised. They highlighted how inclusion by design could strengthen Singapore’s social policies, from place-making and physical space design to the delivery of digital government services.
Singapore has made significant progress in bridging the digital access divide, with 99% of resident households connected to the internet and smartphone ownership reaching a record 97%. A participant referenced Jakob Nielsen’s “Three Stages of the Digital Divide” (2006) to frame Singapore’s current context, emphasising the need to look beyond basic access. Seniors and other marginalised groups risk exclusion if they are not adequately supported to engage with new technologies. The challenge is to ensure digital tools are used meaningfully, and that all segments of society can tap into the networks that create opportunities.
Participants also saw themselves playing a role in strengthening intergenerational adaptation to digitalisation, recognising the success of initiatives such as the Digital For Life Movement. However, they cautioned that digital and data literacy alone are insufficient if Singapore’s long-standing social mobility project is to withstand disruption. Deliberate interventions are needed for those without the head start in building know-how and networks — not only as a matter of equity but as a strategic necessity for resilience and competitiveness.
4. Sustainability and governance
Participants raised concerns about the environmental impact of expanding digital infrastructure. Southeast Asia’s data centre market is projected to reach USD 11.8 billion by 2030, with Singapore hosting over 60% of the region’s capacity. Much of this demand is driven by AI, which requires intensive computing power and cooling in the region’s tropical climate, thereby heightening carbon emissions and water usage.
Youth participants called for climate resilience and environmental considerations to be embedded in technology policy. They also urged for a stronger youth voice in technology governance and ethics, recognising their role in shaping Singapore’s future. In particular, they were keen to contribute to discussions on AI ethics and accountability in education, workforce policies, and the delivery of public services.
Conclusion
Since 2023, 120 youths across four Youth Panels have co-created policy recommendations with government agencies, engaging more than 5,000 peers through surveys, dialogues, and focus groups. These efforts culminated in four policy papers and 11 recommendations in January 2025, with implementation now underway.
This roundtable showcased the enthusiasm of youth to participate in national conversations, while also reminding participants of their unique ability to take action and mobilise peers rapidly and authentically. Their speed and agility can complement longer-term policy shifts that require time for deliberation and consultation.
As technology policy cuts across economic, social, and environmental domains, fostering diverse, respectful, and action-oriented conversations across public, private, civil, and academic sectors will be critical to supporting Singapore’s digital progress for all.
TFGI x SG Youth Plan: Youth-focused Roundtable Discussion — Charting Singapore’s Digital Progress was organised by the Tech for Good Institute, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the National Youth Council of Singapore.
