Latest news with #FourthIndustrialRevolution
IOL News
16 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa is not ready for the coming white-collar AI bloodbath
South Africa is not ready for the coming white-collar AI bloodbath, says the author. Image: AI LAB A major disruption is unfolding in global white-collar employment. According to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, up to 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs could vanish in the next five years due to advances in artificial intelligence. As detailed in Axios' article 'Behind the Curtain: A White-Collar Bloodbath', this isn't science fiction; it's a forecast from one of the leading minds in the AI field. South Africa, already battling youth unemployment and graduate underemployment, is ill-prepared for this transformation. According to StatsSA, South Africa's youth unemployment rate stood at 45.5% in quarter one 2024, and even university graduates struggle to find meaningful, skills-aligned work. Our economy continues to rely heavily on labour-intensive sectors like mining and retail while offering limited pathways into knowledge work. Now, with AI rapidly mastering entry-level professional tasks, such as document drafting, basic analysis, and customer interaction, the last buffer between graduates and long-term exclusion may collapse. This shift is not about robots in factories; it is about machines replacing tasks traditionally assigned to junior professionals. Legal clerks, marketing interns, junior auditors, and admin graduates' roles, meant to build workplace experience, are increasingly handled by AI systems that are faster, cheaper, and tireless. Employers may not downsize immediately, but they are already freezing hiring or redesigning roles to be 'AI-first.' Without access to these stepping-stone roles, South Africa's already marginalised youth may find themselves locked out of the formal economy altogether. The government, academia, and business sectors are largely unresponsive to this looming crisis. Government conversations remain stuck in Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) rhetoric, disconnected from the speed and nature of current technological shifts. We are no longer preparing for change; we are reacting too late to one that is already here. To date, responses have been piecemeal. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has produced documents like the National Data and Cloud Policy and launched an AI Institute with the CSIR and UJ. However, these efforts lack a coordinated AI-readiness strategy that connects automation with job protection, ethical deployment, and skills development. The 2020 Presidential Commission on the 4IR laid out strong recommendations, but implementation has stalled. Meanwhile, digital upskilling initiatives funded through the National Skills Fund or SETAs focus mostly on basic IT literacy and coding, not AI fluency or workplace adaptation. Universities and TVET colleges continue to produce graduates for roles vulnerable to automation. While some institutions offer data science or entrepreneurship programmes, the majority of curricula remain outdated. Employers, for their part, are adopting AI in operations, particularly in banking, consulting, and customer service, but without public commitments to ethical deployment, job transition planning, or internship preservation. Public discourse is also behind. Civil society and researchers have begun tackling data ethics and algorithmic bias, but little attention is paid to AI's role in reshaping the graduate labour market. As a result, policy and pedagogy remain misaligned with the rapid automation of professional tasks. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ South Africa urgently needs a coordinated national strategy for AI integration and labour resilience. This strategy must include: Regulation of AI deployment in sectors like finance, education, and HR. An AI usage tax or levy to fund reskilling, digital public employment schemes, or universal basic income pilots. Labour market forecasting that tracks which roles are most vulnerable and identifies growth sectors suited to human skills. The education sector must act now. From basic education through to postgraduate study, curricula must equip students with data literacy, AI ethics, systems thinking, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. All disciplines, not just STEM, must be AI-aware. Pedagogies must evolve from rote learning to adaptive, applied learning. Employers must also take responsibility. Ethical AI adoption should include commitments to preserving pathways for young professionals, supporting employee reskilling, and maintaining entry-level learning opportunities. Without these, automation will deepen inequality and economic exclusion. We must also be bolder in where we look for future jobs. Care work, social entrepreneurship, the digital creative economy, rural innovation, and climate adaptation all require skills that AI cannot easily replicate, such as human judgement, emotional nuance, and cultural intelligence. If supported with funding and training, these sectors could provide both dignity and economic inclusion. While structural change is vital, individuals, especially tertiary students, must act proactively. First, they must become AI literate, understanding how platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and are transforming work. Many free or low-cost online courses are available. Second, students must strengthen human-centred skills such as ethical reasoning, creativity, communication, and teamwork, areas where machines still struggle. They should build real-world experience through volunteering, student leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Third, graduates must build adaptable portfolios, showcasing skills through blogs, digital artefacts, or small projects. A certificate alone will no longer open doors. Finally, students should demand more from their institutions, AI-informed teaching, curriculum updates, and exposure to emerging tools and thinking. This moment demands courage and clarity. AI is not on the horizon; it is in the room. Without urgent, collaborative action across government, higher education, and business, South Africa risks cementing a two-tier society: those who build and manage the machines, and those left behind. If we act wisely, we can still shape a future where human talent and machine capability work together to create inclusive, ethical prosperity. Dr Zamandlovu Sizile Makola is a senior lecturer in the College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS) at Unisa. *** The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Independent Media or IOL. BUSINESS REPORT
New Indian Express
18 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Minister Nara Lokesh taps Singapore expertise to build future-ready talent pool
VIJAYAWADA: HRD, IT and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh shared a bold vision for the future of education and skill development in Andhra Pradesh. Speaking at a roundtable conference titled 'Skills to Competencies: Accelerating Workforce Transformation' in Singapore, he emphasised that traditional education systems no longer suffice in a fast-changing, tech-driven world, adding, 'The Fourth Industrial Revolution demands more than technical knowledge. It requires adaptability, innovation and complex problem-solving.' The minister affirmed that Andhra Pradesh is revamping its university curricula to include skill-based programmes aligned with global trends to meet these challenges, and is fostering a culture of lifelong learning. He announced the State government's readiness to collaborate with Singapore institutions like Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) to establish skill-based universities focused on continuous education. Andhra Pradesh is also keen to work with Singapore Management University (SMU) and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) to integrate industry needs into academic programmes, he said. 'Andhra Pradesh is investing in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and IoT. The State plans to partner with SMU's Lab to develop AI-centric education and research programmes,' Lokesh emphasised. He cited Singapore's SkillsSG Ventures as a model for aligning skill-building with industry needs, a strategy AP plans to adopt through its Skill Development Mission. He revealed that the State government is also exploring partnerships with institutions like the National University of Singapore (NUS) for student exchange programmes, joint research and global exposure. 'The challenges of workforce transformation are global, and our solutions must be global too,' Lokesh said. 'By combining Andhra Pradesh's vision with Singapore's expertise, we can create a globally competitive workforce.' NUS Registrar R Rajaram, NTU Associate Vice President Sia Siew, SMU Professor Pradeep Reddy, SUTD Chair Professor Rajesh Elara Mohan, SUSS Associate Professor Yap Meen Sheng and SkillsSG Ventures directors were present.
EVN Report
20 hours ago
- Business
- EVN Report
Tech Diplomacy: Reshaping Global Power Dynamics?
When Denmark appointed Casper Klynge as the first tech ambassador to Silicon Valley, it wasn't just a novel diplomatic move, it helped launch the concept of 'tech diplomacy', a new frontier in international relations. But is this the beginning of a transformative shift in global power dynamics, or a symbolic gesture in an increasingly digital world? Evolution of 'Tech Diplomacy' Foreign policy is undergoing profound transformation, making active engagement with technology crucial for states to remain effective global players. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by technological advancements, is advancing rapidly. Tech giants like Google, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft now influence international norms and regulatory landscapes with a reach that rivals, and in some cases surpasses, that of traditional state actors. In this fluid era, a new arms race centered on technological advancement is emerging between nations, reshaping their international relationships. Traditional diplomatic attachés struggle to keep pace with rapid technological change. In response, governments are appointing tech, digital and cyber diplomats to assert influence in the digital realm. Though these roles have distinct definitions, they are commonly grouped under the single umbrella term of 'tech diplomacy.' Techplomacy, Denmark's term for 'tech diplomacy', reflects the country's goal to establish a presence and gain access to major tech corporations, ensuring it has influence in shaping global technological trends. Based in Silicon Valley, the Danish tech ambassador focuses on regulatory matters, cybersecurity, and expanding Denmark's soft power in developing countries. The role also provides early insight into emerging technologies, enabling it to assess risks and collaborate with the private sector on national defense priorities including cybersecurity, data protection, and digital infrastructure. A key objective is to engage directly with companies responsible in these domains, such as Microsoft for tech ethics, OpenAI for AI governance, and Cisco Systems for digital infrastructure. Alongside these bilateral efforts, multilateral and community-based tech diplomacy approaches are also gaining momentum. The Tech Diplomacy Network and NASA's Artemis Accords exemplify this trend. These platforms bring together governments, civil society, academia, and the tech industry to collaborate in both technological and geopolitical spheres. They promote international cooperation in space by establishing standards for transparency, sustainable space exploration, and shared regulatory frameworks. These initiatives demonstrate how tech diplomacy is evolving beyond bilateral engagements into broader, more inclusive models that address shared global challenges and ambitions. 'To put it bluntly,' Casper Klynge stated , referring to the vital alliance between technology and diplomacy, 'there is a need to stick together because any alternative is quite frightening.' Others Soon Followed: UK, China, UAE Joe White, the UK's former tech envoy to Silicon Valley, described his role as a clear signal that Britain was reasserting itself on the global stage. The UK sees tech envoys as a way to deepen ties with the tech industry, attract investment, influence regulatory frameworks, and support national defense strategies. Building on this approach, the government later appointed James Cleverly as tech envoy to the Indo-Pacific to strengthen partnerships with India and South Asia, broadening the UK's global tech presence. China offers another illustration, with tech envoys deployed to nearly 50 countries under its Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST). These envoys carry out 'standard' responsibilities: monitoring technological advancements, identifying investment opportunities, and promoting collaborations beneficial to China. Additionally, Jin Zhuanglong was appointed as a special tech envoy to President Xi Jinping, participating in various tech related events, highlighting the important role of technological influence in China's foreign policy. Not all tech diplomacy is formal, however. In the Gulf, the UAE has bypassed official tech envoys in favor of strategic investments. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE National Security Adviser and Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, chairs G42 , an AI and cloud computing company in Abu Dhabi, and MGX , an AI and advanced technology investor, and directs major investments in AI infrastructure and development, including partnerships with global tech giants like Microsoft, which has contributed $1.5 billion. The initiatives range from Arabic-language AI systems and climate technology solutions with NVIDIA (a global leader in AI and GPU technologies), to the establishment of data centers. Through these efforts, the UAE extends its influence and positions itself as a key player in the emerging global AI order. Armenia's 'Quiet' Strategy Diplomacy isn't always about official titles. Sometimes, a nation's influence is shaped by the quiet power of expertise and global networks. In the early 17th century, when Shah Abbas I of Persia relocated thousands of Armenians from Julfa to a newly established district in Isfaha, called New Julfa. This wasn't simply displacement––it was a calculated political strategy. The Armenians possessed valuable skills the Safavid Empire desperately needed: expertise in long-distance trade, silk cultivation, and textile production. Through their extensive commercial networks, they became essential in strengthening Persia's global economic position. In exchange, they were granted autonomy, religious freedom, and exclusive trade privileges. This episode shows how a small, skilled community—armed with knowledge rather than military might—can rise to diplomatic prominence. It's a legacy that continues in new forms today. Armenia is working to gain recognition as a regional tech hub. Organizations like the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises ( UATE ) lead this effort, aiming to transform Armenia into a 'high-tech powerhouse.' Through initiatives in business development, education, and international expansion, Armenia's approach relies heavily on collaboration. UATE strengthens Armenia's global tech presence indirectly through Armenia-founded companies and international partners. By aligning with tech diplomacy, Armenia leverages diaspora and international partnerships as multipliers of influence, ensuring a seat at the table without having to build it alone. With significant diaspora communities in Los Angeles and San Francisco, Armenia benefits from influential diaspora-led companies––a form of 'diaspora diplomacy.' Startups like ServiceTitan , Picsart , and Krisp AI serve as informal tech ambassadors, connecting Armenia to international markets, investments, resources, and recognition. Even without official tech diplomats, this strategy allows Armenia to leverage its voice through global corporations. A prime example is the recent partnership between NVIDIA, Firebird (a tech company driving innovation in Armenia), and the Armenian government. This collaboration includes a $500 million investment to establish AI factories in the country. Beyond creating a regional supercomputing AI hub and data processing center, this initiative showcases Armenia's active participation in global AI advancement and confirms its position as a regional center for innovation and technology. The Armenian Virtual Bridge , launched in 2020 by the Ministry of High-Tech Industry and AGBU Silicon Valley, was an early attempt to formalize connections between tech communities in Armenia and Silicon Valley. The program aimed to connect Armenian tech startups with international ecosystems through incubation, acceleration, and mentorship opportunities. Despite its early promise, supporting 15 startups and partnering with Draper University, the initiative failed to develop into a sustained platform. This case serves as a warning that without sustainability, the full potential of diaspora and global tech collaboration remains unrealized. Yet, relying solely on diaspora ties may not be enough in a competitive global landscape where major tech firms prioritize large markets. The key challenge is balancing informal networks with the need for an official presence and a clear strategic direction. The Diplomatic School of Armenia, operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, increasingly focuses on equipping diplomats with technological knowledge. This ensures representation in global tech policy discussions and advocacy for national interests. Armenia's recent joining of the 'Artemis Accords' demonstrates the country's growing engagement in tech diplomacy—a strategic priority area. Additionally, public-private initiatives like the nationwide flagship edtech program Armath and the Center for Creative Technologies TUMO are gaining international recognition. These programs have already become tools of Armenia's soft power in the global tech and education landscape, projecting the country's influence and values worldwide. 'The Game Is Changing, Whether We're Ready or Not' Emerging technologies are becoming as influential as politics. In contemporary society, citizens need a basic understanding of technology, much like they need a foundational awareness of political systems. Diplomats, whether serving as ambassadors to Silicon Valley or as tech envoys abroad, benefit from a strong understanding of technological developments. The future of tech diplomacy likely belongs to those with hybrid profiles: engineers who possess management experience and diplomatic skills. New programs like the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy and the increasing focus on technology in state diplomatic schools reflect this emerging standard. Small countries can strengthen their foreign policy by training all diplomats in technological literacy. This doesn't mean learning programming, but rather developing a deep understanding of the strategic importance of digital assets like data centers and local cloud infrastructure. The goal is to equip diplomats with the knowledge needed to identify and engage with key institutions that can support their states' technological development. 'The game is changing,' and we'd better be ready for it.
Hans India
a day ago
- Business
- Hans India
We are equipping youth with future skills: Lokesh
Singapore: Minister for education, IT, and electronics Nara Lokesh on Monday declared that the state is actively preparing its youth with future-ready skills, moving beyond traditional education to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving technological landscape. He stressed that the challenges of workforce transformation are not limited to any single region, and Andhra Pradesh aims to collaborate with Singapore for accelerated transformation. Speaking at a round-table conference on 'Skills to Competencies, Accelerating Workforce Transformation' in Singapore, Lokesh said, 'In today's competitive world, with technology advancing at a rapid pace, traditional education is no longer sufficient for skill development. The Fourth Industrial Revolution demands not just technical skills but also competencies.' He highlighted the need for individuals to possess the ability to adapt, innovate, and solve complex problems in dynamic environments. 'As the IT & electronics minister of Andhra Pradesh, we are striving to position our state as a hub for innovation and a leader in workforce transformation,' he said. 'We are not just preparing our youth for jobs; we are equipping them with the skills necessary for the future.' He announced that Andhra Pradesh universities are introducing skill development courses and fundamentally changing curricula to align with international technological advancements. 'We are ready to work with Singaporean universities on research, innovation, student exchange, and entrepreneurship,' Lokesh added. He stressed the need for Andhra Pradesh and the organisations represented in Singapore to collaborate to create synergies that accelerate transformation. R. Rajaram (registrar, National University of Singapore), Sia Siew Kien (associate vice president, Nanyang Technology University), Professor Pradeep Reddy (Singapore Management University), chairman Professor Rajesh Elara Mohan (Singapore University of Technology and Design), associate professor Yap Meen Sheng (Singapore University of Social Science), and Chen Hong Xiang (business development director, Skills Future SG Ventures) attended the conference.
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Govt taking holistic approach to prepare workforce for AI disruptions, HR Minister tells Parliament
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is adopting a holistic approach to prepare Malaysia's workforce for the challenges posed by automation and artificial intelligence (AI), including the risk of job displacement, says Human Resources Minister Steven Sim. He said the ministry is currently undertaking a comprehensive review through the National Labour and Human Resources Policy Study, which includes aspects of reskilling and upskilling. The study is expected to be completed in 2026. 'To minimise the negative impact and maximise the positive potential of technological advancement, we are implementing several major initiatives focusing on human capital development through reskilling and upskilling, strategic industry-academia partnerships, and strengthened social protection programmes,' Sim said in a parliamentary written reply on Monday (July 28). He was responding to a question from Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang), who had asked whether the government intends to introduce a large-scale policy for reskilling and upskilling workers at risk of losing their jobs due to advancements in AI, along with the implementation and funding details of such efforts. Sim said that as a first step, TalentCorp has conducted a study on the impact of AI, digitalisation, and the green economy on Malaysia's workforce. Based on the findings, he said the ministry has developed the digital portal as a one-stop reference centre for future job roles, required skills and training programmes aligned with current labour market needs. To ensure skills development meets industry demands, he said the MyMAHIR Future Skills Talent Council (FSTC) has also been established, led by key industry players. 'This council is responsible for identifying training requirements and selecting suitable training centres,' he said. Sim added that the Department of Skills Development (JPK) has taken proactive steps to address the challenges of automation by developing new National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS) geared towards future job demands. 'So far, more than 120 NOSS related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) have been introduced. 'These standards cover fields such as industrial automation, robotics, AI, cyber-physical systems and data analytics, and are implemented in over 3,600 accredited centres using modular approaches to accelerate workforce reskilling and upskilling,' he said. According to him, government is also expanding the Industry-Based Academy (ADI) programme, which allows existing employees to undergo training at their workplace without having to leave their jobs. He said this approach is supported by flexible certification pathways, such as Recognition of Prior Achievement (PPT) and micro-credentials, as well as strategic industry collaboration to involve employers directly. 'These efforts aim to produce a resilient workforce capable of transitioning from high-risk jobs to emerging growth sectors like smart logistics, renewable energy, agricultural automation and cybersecurity.' At the same time, he said the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) continues to provide upskilling and reskilling programmes through levy contributions from eligible employers. 'As of June 2025, 101,506 employers and 4.84 million workers have registered with HRD Corp, with 24.75 million training placements approved in the same period.' Meanwhile, he said the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) has also been actively offering reskilling and upskilling initiatives to insured individuals who have lost their jobs and require new skills to remain employable. 'Between Jan 1 and July 4, 2025, a total of 5,403 individuals participated in these programmes.' To support access to training, Sim said the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) has allocated RM100 million in training grants under the 2025 High-Impact Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Financing Scheme. 'This funding will benefit 4,167 trainees across seven key high-growth, high-value sectors, including artificial intelligence,' he said.
