Republic Polytechnic has unveiled a comprehensive AI transformation strategy aimed at strengthening teaching and learning, deepening staff capabilities and expanding industry partnerships, as Singapore steps up efforts to build an AI-ready workforce.
The Republic Polytechnic AI strategy, launched on the first day of the institution’s Open House 2026, focuses on embedding applied artificial intelligence (AI) skills across diploma programmes, upgrading staff capabilities and working closely with industry to ensure graduates remain relevant to future workplaces.
The launch was officiated by David Neo, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Senior Minister of State for Education. He joined RP in recognising collaborations with AI Singapore, Autodesk, Microsoft, NVIDIA and ST Engineering.
Image credit: Republic Polytechnic by Keng Photography.
AI-Enhanced Teaching and Learning Ecosystem
Under the Republic Polytechnic AI strategy, AI competencies have been progressively embedded across all diploma programmes. By Academic Year 2027, at least half of the discipline-specific modules in each diploma will incorporate applied AI skills.
This is intended to give learners hands-on experience with industry-relevant AI tools, applications and practices used in real workplaces. The approach also extends to RP’s Continuing Education and Training (CET) programmes, where AI skills will be infused into specialist and part-time diplomas to help adult learners keep pace with emerging technologies.
CET learners will be trained to use industry-specific AI tools for productivity, analysis and decision-making, with selected programmes offering opportunities to develop or deploy AI applications relevant to their sectors.
“Our goal is to create an environment where every learner is empowered to succeed in the AI era,” said Ms Jeanne Liew, Principal and CEO of Republic Polytechnic. “By bringing the use of AI into the classroom, strengthening our workforce capabilities and working closely with industry partners, we equip our learners with the confidence, judgement and skills to use and navigate new technologies.”
Academic staff are also integrating AI into curriculum design and delivery, while working with industry partners to identify emerging tools and practices. AI-enabled systems are being used to support lesson planning, assessments and learning activities, freeing up time for staff to focus on mentoring and deeper engagement with learners.
Assessment methods have been redesigned to evaluate not just final outputs, but also students’ thinking processes, use of AI tools and ability to work effectively alongside them. This aligns with RP’s problem-based learning approach, which positions AI as a cognitive partner while strengthening critical thinking, ethical reasoning and creativity.
Deepening Industry Partnerships for Applied AI
The Republic Polytechnic AI strategy is underpinned by partnerships with leading technology companies. In addition to its collaboration with NVIDIA, RP has signed memoranda of understanding with AI Singapore, Autodesk, Microsoft and ST Engineering.
These partnerships will give learners access to technologies such as generative AI, agentic AI, edge computing, cybersecurity automation and AI-enabled design tools. They also support applied research, co-development of AI solutions and personalised learning enabled by AI.
For industry partners, the collaborations aim to strengthen workforce pipelines by providing graduates with practical, job-ready AI skills, while jointly developing innovations relevant to industry needs.
Building an AI-Ready Workforce at RP
Beyond students, RP is also preparing its own workforce to harness AI. All 1,200 staff will undergo AI capability development, from role-relevant applications to advanced certifications.
More than half of the workforce has already attained baseline AI capability, and all staff are expected to reach this level by end-2026. RP said this will enhance productivity and service delivery across academic and operational functions.
