Roundtable examined technology, skills development and employment opportunities shaping South Africa’s future economy.
The South African High Commission in Singapore, in partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), convened the Future Economies, Future Jobs and Future Skills Roundtable on 22 September 2026 as part of South Africa Focus Week in Singapore (SAFWS) 2026. The discussion examined how technological developments are reshaping the world of work and how people, institutions and economies can prepare to participate in this transformation.
The South African delegation was led by Deputy Minister Thandi Moraka, who also presented an award to Mr. Girish Ramachandran, President, Growth Markets at Tata Consultancy Services.
The roundtable provided a platform for diplomats, policymakers and business leaders from South Africa and Singapore to discuss technology, talent, innovation and employment. Discussions focused on four priorities: workforce transformation, closing the skills gap, emerging opportunities, and youth and sustainable employment.
On workforce transformation, participants examined South Africa–Singapore cooperation in technology, talent and innovation as artificial intelligence, automation and digitalisation reshape economies. The discussion also considered Singapore’s emphasis on applied learning, industry partnerships and continuous skills development, with attention to pathways that could enable young people in South Africa to develop, create and innovate with technology.
Emerging sectors discussed included fintech, robotics, health technology, data analytics and the green economy, where evolving skills requirements could create new opportunities for enterprises and employment.
The roundtable also addressed the importance of practical approaches to upskilling, entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable job creation. For South Africa, the discussion highlighted the need for young people to participate actively in the digital economy as designers, entrepreneurs, engineers, innovators and leaders.
The dialogue also considered South Africa’s potential as a strategic partner for Singapore, including its human capital, entrepreneurial activity, market opportunities and access to the African continent.
The discussions underlined that the future of work would be shaped not only by technology, but also by decisions on people, skills, education, innovation and partnerships. The roundtable was one of the activities under SAFWS 2026, which provides a platform for South African and Singaporean stakeholders to engage on areas of mutual interest.
Source: South African High Commission in Singapore
