Kenny Nai is preparing the next generation to survive and navigate the AI-driven economy in Singapore
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, redefining the skills and leadership qualities needed to thrive in the future economy. For businesses, the challenge is clear: how do we cultivate leaders who are not only technically proficient but also capable of navigating complexity in the upcoming AI-driven economy?
Singapore’s agencies for Education and Manpower leaders respectively Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon (Manpower) and Mr David Neo (Education) at an AI upskilling workshop conducted by Grab Academy recently emphasized the need to integrate work and study requirements to build AI literacy. This vision resonates globally, and it is what Kenny Nai has championed for over a decade through pioneering programmes that blend structured learning with real‑world practice long before it becomes a national priority.
Work-study integration programme launched by Youth’s Leader Singapore from 2011 to 2025 for nearly two decades
One such example is SG50 Female Leaders Media Academy programme which was designed as a work‑study model that blends structured learning with real‑world practice. Young women were mentored by industry leaders, trained in bilingual media communication, and given live presentation opportunities that built confidence and resilience. This integration of classroom knowledge with workplace application mirrors the very model now being championed at the national level.
The 5th Generation Leaders programme was a landmark initiative to expose students to leadership challenges and envision Singapore’s future under the stewardship of the next generation.
Launched in 2011 by then Acting Minister of Community, Youth and Sports Development Mr Chan Chun Sing, participants were challenged to think critically about national issues and articulate bold visions for Singapore’s future. Through guest speakers, townhall discussions, and young leaders’ mock-up policy papers presentation, the mock-up version often seen in workplace retreats serve as critical high-level engagements between leadership and employees.
The debut of the TKA Care Challenge, co‑created by Singapore Press Holdings-SPH media and Youth’s Leader Singapore in 2017, embodied the essence of the work–study model by taking learning beyond the classroom into real industry settings.
Partnering with diverse industry stakeholders, students engaged in sessions that exposed them to practical challenges, from eco‑innovation to fundraising, while simultaneously applying their creativity and teamwork to design solutions.
This integration of structured learning with workplace immersion not only raised funds for The Straits Times Pocket Money Fund but also gave youths the confidence to lead, communicate, and envision their role in shaping Singapore’s future. The Care Challenge stands as a pioneering example of how education, industry, and civic responsibility can converge to build resilient, self-direct learners ”
Economic challenges facing the next generation of young workers over AI ‘Tsunami’ hitting jobs
“The IMF’s chief Kristalina Georgieva warns that the next generation of workers faces an ‘AI tsunami’ that will erode entry-level opportunities and destabilize middle-class jobs, leaving young professionals struggling to gain a foothold in the economy. For businesses, this disruption is not just a workforce challenge but a leadership test: they must harness AI’s productivity gains while investing in reskilling, redesigning career pipelines, and safeguarding trust. In this new era, business leaders will be judged not only on profits but on how responsibly they steer their organizations through the turbulence of technological change.”
The next generation to face the harsh realities of an AI-driven economy in Singapore
Preparing the next generation for the realities of an AI-driven economy requires more than technical training—it demands resilience, adaptability, and proactive leadership. Youth’s Leader Singapore is tackling this challenge head-on by integrating work–study pathways, industry recognised qualifications, and practical guidebooks into its initiatives. Founder Kenny Nai emphasizes, ‘We must equip young professionals not only with future-ready skills but also with a self-directed learning approach, so they are not swept aside by disruption but become architects of the new economy.’ This vision positions Singapore’s youth not as passive participants, but as leaders ready to shape the AI era.”
A new kind of learning pathway in redesigning career pipelines for AI-driven economy
In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and eroding traditional career routes, Youth’s Leader Singapore is launching TalentGen-AI in 2026. This flagship school holiday programme is designed to bridge the gap between education and career success, equipping undergraduates and pre-university students with career-focused qualifications.
By enabling motivated learners to complete real-world tasks using AI tools, TalentGen-AI empowers the next generation to develop AI-literacy, skills, and grit—ensuring they are not swept aside by disruption but prepared to thrive in the AI-driven economy.
It truly is a win-win when proactive talent acquisition—pipelining high school students to fill in-demand jobs—creates career opportunities for youth and generates returns that last a lifetime.
Shaping the next generation: 2,800 Youth Leaders Singapore’s AI Economy
TalentGen-AI is charting a five-year mission to nurture 2,800 young leaders who will anchor Singapore’s AI-driven future. At its core, the programme bridges two vital outcomes: bringing the realities of the workplace into schools, and carrying the strengths of schools into the workplace.
By uplifting both AI literacy and career literacy, TalentGen-AI equips students with the skills employers demand while empowering organizations with a workforce fluent in innovation, adaptability, and leadership. This dual integration ensures that education and industry evolve together—creating a resilient pipeline of talent ready to thrive in the AI-powered economy.
Shaping tomorrow with AI and Career Literacy Companion
To anchor this mission, TalentGen-AI will introduce the AI and Career Literacy Workbook—a practical guide written by Kenny Nai designed to bridge classrooms and workplaces. The workbook equips students with foundational AI knowledge while cultivating essential career skills, ensuring they can translate academic learning into workplace readiness and bring workplace insights back into schools. With reflection exercises, case studies, and dual-outcome activities, it empowers youth to become fluent in both technology and professional competencies, reinforcing Singapore’s pipeline of leaders for the AI-driven economy.
Recognition and Legacy: Kenny Nai’s Continued Impact on Youth Leadership
Kenny’s tireless efforts in youth leadership have not gone unnoticed. In 2026, he was recognized as Singapore’s Best Youth Mentor by the Evergreen Awards, a testament to his decades of work in shaping the future of leadership in Singapore. This recognition underscores the lasting impact of his initiatives, not only on the students he has mentored but also on the national landscape of youth leadership.
As the world faces increasingly complex global challenges, Kenny’s work is more relevant than ever. His focus on nurturing resilience, adaptability, and a sense of global consciousness in young leaders ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow
Explore more about Kenny Nai’s work and his mission to create future-ready leaders at Youth’s Leader Singapore. Follow his journey and discover how you can contribute to shaping the future of youth leadership today.
To learn more about Kenny Nai’s programs and leadership initiatives, visit Youth Leadership Singapore.
