Lokesh seeks partnership with varsity’s CARE.AI Lab & NUS to upskill students in AP

At the second day of his visit at Singapore, Andhra Pradesh’s Education, IT, and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh shared a bold vision for the future of education and skill development during a high-level roundtable meeting.

Addressing a session, titled “Skills to Competencies: Accelerating Workforce Transformation,” with top leaders from Singapore’s top universities and institutions,

He stressed the need for industry-academia partnerships, praising Singapore institutions like SMU and SUTD for aligning education with real-world needs. He proposed similar collaborations in Andhra Pradesh to co-design curriculum, internships, and research programs.

According to the State Government, Lokesh seized the opportunity to invite SkillsSG Ventures to help tailor skilling programs to Andhra's industry demands. He further expressed interest in partnering with SMU’s CARE.AI Lab and NUS to boost AI research, innovation, and global exposure for students through exchange programs and joint research.

During the discussion, he praised Singapore’s models of lifelong learning, AI research, and industry-integrated education, noting that Andhra Pradesh is already setting up Skill Universities and AI Innovation Hubs in line with global trends.

The roundtable session was attended by respected academic leaders, including R. Rajaram, Registrar, National University of Singapore; Associate Vice President Sia Siew Kean, Nanyang Technological University; Prof. Pradeep Reddy, Singapore Management University; Chair Prof. Rajesh Elara Mohan, SUTD; Dr Yap Meen Sheng, Singapore University of Social Sciences; Mr Chenh Hong Siang, Directors at Skills SSG Ventures.

During the discussion, Lokesh explained how the youth can be better-equipped for a rapidly changing world.

Lokesh said “In today’s fast-changing world, traditional degrees are no longer enough. We need to build not just technical skills, but also the ability to adapt, innovate, and solve real-world problems."

The Minister apprised the delegation on the vision of the State Government and said that, “AP Government is trying to transition from educating for jobs to educating for lifelong competency and adaptability.”

He said that “with our digital skilling infrastructure and globally benchmarked reforms, Andhra Pradesh stands as a ready-for-partnership platform for Singapore and ASEAN knowledge ecosystems.”

“Let us co-create, experiment, and scale workforce solutions that serve not only our regions but set global standards for future skills and mobility," he added.

He underlined that Andhra Pradesh is revamping its university curricula, introducing future-focused courses in AI, blockchain, IoT, and building skill universities based on successful Singaporean models like NTU and SUSS.