Taming the Algorithm: HR’s Role in the Age of AI

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Artificial intelligence is transforming the future of work. It is changing how organisations think about jobs, skills, and leadership. This was the focus of the 2025 AmChamSG Human Capital Conference, which brought together business leaders, HR professionals, and policymakers on 24 November. Minister for Manpower, Dr Tan See Leng, opened the event, setting the stage for a day of candid discussions on opportunities, challenges, and the evolving role of HR in this new era.

Rethinking Roles Through an AI Lens

A clear message emerged: HR’s role is not to “protect” jobs, but to help businesses reimagine them. Instead of fitting people into static job descriptions, HR must identify tasks suited to AI and redesign job roles around uniquely human skills. This shift creates space for employees to focus on what they do best, while preparing organisations for the future. To succeed, HR must lead in building AI literacy and driving sustained change — or risk seeing adoption fade.

Hiring in the Age of AI

As AI accelerates workplace change, companies must look beyond traditional hiring methods. Breadth of skills, curiosity across disciplines, a commitment to continuous learning, and agility in adapting to change are now critical traits for future‑ready talent.

Benefits and Challenges of AI Adoption

AI adoption must ultimately drive growth and performance, not serve as an end in itself. Although investments are rising, productivity gains remain uncertain, with costs, legacy systems, and the pace of change posing barriers. Organisations must consider what new possibilities AI can unlock, and how they can lead in realising them.

People First: High-Tech, High-Touch

Through all the conversations, one principle stood firm: people come first. Trust, connection, and a high‑tech, high‑touch approach will define the future of HR leadership. Change captains, case studies, and sustained upskilling will be essential to anchor transformation and ensure AI becomes an enabler, not just a tool.

Closing Takeaway

Dr Tan described AI as a “tsunami” that cannot be avoided but must be embraced. He stressed the need for trusted infrastructures, a future‑ready workforce, and collaboration. With government support for upskilling and reskilling, workers must become “bilingual” — combining deep domain expertise with adaptive AI literacy. HR plays a critical role in helping employees view AI as an augmentation rather than a threat.

The conference underscored this message: HR must lead from the front in shaping AI adoption. By rethinking roles, building AI literacy, and keeping people at the heart of transformation, HR can ensure that AI truly amplifies the human workforce.