How tech education should be reframed with AI in mind

“They took our jobs!” is a common refrain that was originally targeted at immigrants in the US.

While such claims were unfounded, it was used so much that it’s been turned into a meme, mocking those who use the phrase unironically.

Today, however, that fear of jobs being taken away is no longer about losing it to someone else but something else: AI.

With AI becoming an integral part of many professions, it’s important to not only fix the symptoms of being unprepared but also the root cause. In other words, it starts from the fundamentals of tech education – students need to learn how to become more adaptable to work alongside such technologies.

This is something that Beh Min Yan – CEO and co-founder of Heicoders Academy, a Singapore-based training institute for tech education – strongly believes in.

Beh Min Yan, CEO and co-founder of Heicoders Academy / Photo credit: Beh Min Yan

We spoke with her to find out more about what she thinks of AI’s impact on tech education in the coming years.

The following responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.

1. What do you do at Heicoders Academy?

As CEO, I ensure that our business operations align with our mission to equip learners with industry-relevant tech skills. Concurrently, I shape the strategic direction of Heicoders to make sure that we not only respond to the present needs of our students and the tech industry but also anticipate the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. To achieve this, we work with partners across the private and public sectors to bolster our offerings and reach.

2. What keeps you up at night?

The rapid pace of tech evolution and the responsibility I feel toward our students keep me awake. With the constant developments in the tech scene, especially in AI, ensuring that our curriculum remains updated and relevant to students is a herculean task.

That’s why Heicoders is continually innovating – to ensure that our students are not only well-versed in current technologies but are also prepared for an AI-integrated future.

3. What is one thing you wish people knew about your industry?

Tech education is more than simply acquiring a set of skills for a high-paying job. Contrary to flashy ads from other course providers, transitioning into a tech career isn’t just about completing a short course and instantly securing a high salary. It’s a transformative journey. The reality is that career transitions demand considerable time, effort, and commitment from the students.

Photo credit: nonwarit / 123RF

4. Why do you think Southeast Asia is a bright spot in the tech industry?

5. What are your thoughts on the rise of AI and its potential impact on the workforce in Asia?

6. What are you going to talk about at the TIA Conference and why is it important?