Equinix Supports Applied AI Research through SMU’s Resilient Workforces Institute
Artificial intelligence is widely expected to reshape the future of work. Yet there is still limited evidence on how these changes are unfolding in practice, particularly across Southeast Asia. Understanding where and how AI is influencing jobs will be essential for workers, employers and policymakers preparing for the next phase of economic transformation.
To address this gap, Singapore Management University’s Resilient Workforces Institute (ResWORK) has launched a research initiative that will develop a public index measuring how AI is influencing new job openings across occupations, industries and different groups of workers. By analysing job advertisements and evolving task requirements, the project will provide insights into how work is changing and where new capabilities are emerging. These findings will help inform workforce planning, reskilling programmes and employment policy.
Led by Professor Li Jia, Dean, School of Economics and Lee Kong Chian Professor of Economics, the research will track shifts in job requirements over time, helping policymakers, organisations and training providers better anticipate workforce needs and design effective reskilling programmes.
Supporting this work is Equinix, a global digital infrastructure company that provides data centre solutions. With a contribution of S$450,000, Equinix is enabling the development of this research and the creation of the index, which will provide an evidence-based view of how AI is influencing the nature of work across different sectors.
This collaboration marks the first corporate-supported research initiative under ResWORK and reflects a shared commitment to advancing research that shapes practical solutions for the future of work. By translating data into actionable insights, the initiative aims to help organisations, workers and policymakers better navigate the opportunities and challenges brought about by AI.
Ms Leong Yee May, Managing Director, Equinix Singapore, said the partnership reflects a long-standing collaboration between Equinix and SMU. “Equinix and SMU have enjoyed a long and collaborative partnership aimed at building a sustainable digital future. By partnering with SMU on its Resilient Workforces initiative, we’re investing in research that will help position Singapore as a regional leader on AI and the future of work, informing the design of targeted policies like reskilling programmes.”
By combining rigorous research with real-world partnerships, initiatives like this help ensure that technological progress translates into stronger, more resilient workforces.
The research collaboration was announced during the launch of ResWORK, which is among the first institutes in Singapore and the region to study the future of work and lifelong learning through an integrated, interdisciplinary lens spanning economics, management, behavioural science and technology.
More details on ResWORK can be found in the official announcement: https://news.smu.edu.sg/news/2026/01/20/smu-launches-resilient-workforces-institute-strengthen-singapores-workforce-age
