Only 6% of Singapore desk workers use AI daily, says Salesforce

2026-07-08 · Source: Dataconomy · Field: Business & Management — Corporate Strategy & Leadership, Operations & Process Management, Human Resources & Workforce Development · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Only 6% of desk workers in Singapore use artificial intelligence (AI) daily, significantly below the global average of 11%, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by Salesforce. Conducted between December 2025 and January 2026, the survey of over 1,500 desk workers across 14 markets found 29% of Singapore respondents were AI sceptics, lower than the 37% global figure. Key reasons for unsuccessful AI initiatives included generic outputs (40%), distrust in responses (38%), and lack of business context (30%). While Deloitte previously noted 67% of Singapore employees had used generative AI at some point, daily usage remains low. In response, Singapore's National AI Strategy 2.0 introduces measures like an expanded SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace 2.0 and an enterprise playbook to enhance AI workforce skills and governance.

Key takeaway

For Directors of AI/ML or executives aiming to boost AI adoption within your Singaporean workforce, recognize that low daily usage is tied to specific AI tool shortcomings. You should prioritize solutions that deliver contextually relevant outputs and build trust, rather than just deploying generic AI. Consider utilizing national initiatives like SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace 2.0 and developing tailored enterprise playbooks to address skill gaps and integration challenges directly.

Key insights

Low daily AI adoption in Singapore stems from perceived AI failures, despite lower overall skepticism.

Principles

• AI pilot failures often result from generic outputs.
• Distrust and lack of business context hinder AI integration.
• National strategies can drive AI workforce development.

In practice

• Implement targeted training like SkillsFuture for generative AI.
• Develop enterprise playbooks for AI solution integration.
• Address AI output quality and contextual relevance.

Topics

• AI Adoption
• Singapore Workforce
• AI Scepticism
• National AI Strategy
• SkillsFuture
• Enterprise AI Integration

Best for: Director of AI/ML, Executive, Consultant

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Dataconomy.