How Generative AI is transforming workforce skills for the future 

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As Asia undergoes a technological revolution with one of three companies adopting Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) [1], technology is on track to redefine skill sets. Explore how Gen AI is transforming the skills needed in the future workforce.

More than half of the respondents in the Global Talent Trends 2025 say Gen AI has led to the need for reskilling, highlighting the critical need for companies to adapt swiftly and efficiently to the future of work as skills deemed essential today may become obsolete tomorrow.

Technical skills remain essential, though they will require an update of skills due to AI’s rapid advancement. Additionally, the age of AI is seeing the rise in importance of soft skills, often referred to as core skills. As Gen AI takes over routine and repetitive tasks, organisations need to support employees in adopting a mindset of continuous learning. Employees will be required to bring a unique set of interpersonal and cognitive abilities to the table. 

The growing importance of soft skills in the age of AI

While Gen AI takes over technical expertise such as complex calculations to analysing massive data with formidable precision, it lacks human empathy, intuition, and other core soft skills, which are becoming important as skills for the future workforce.

Managing the transitions of technical skills

Organisations’ ability to define and manage skills proficiencies remains an issue globally and in Asia. 51% of organisations report not managing skill proficiencies centrally, with only 22% doing so [2]. The responsibilities for reskilling and upskilling lie with both organisations and their people, and they need to be proactive in anticipating changes in technical skills. Human resources (HR) need to support employees in preparing for change as the rapid advancement of AI requires a strategic approach to transitioning technical skills over time. 

Understanding the complexities of an AI-driven future to adapt your workforce

The development of future skills requires that companies understand the complexities of an AI-driven future to effectively develop critical soft skills and strategically manage technical skill transitions to unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation. You can embark on the reskilling and upskilling of your workforce internally or partner with a trusted HR consulting firm to help you accelerate your digital implementation and support change management. 
About the author(s)
Lewis Garrad

Partner, Asia Career Practice Leader