AI literacy courses for prison inmates

Question:

Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what programmes are currently in place to provide safe and secure exposure to AI and digital skills training for inmates, so that they are better equipped for employmen t after release; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider piloting structured AI literacy courses within Singapore Prison Service institutions, potentially in partnership with educational providers.


Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG) and Singapore Prison Service (SPS) provide inmates with access to digital tools and skills training that are aligned with job market demands. Since 2022, YRSG has progressively introduced numerous digital skills training pr ogrammes for inmates, including introductory computing skills, proficiency training in workplace productivity tools, and cybersecurity awareness, benefitting about 3,600 inmates.

2. YRSG and SPS are also exploring collaboration with various organisations to deliver training on AI literacy and skills. In March 2026, SPS will, in collaboration with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)’s Seniors Go Digital programme, trial a programme that equips elderly inmates with basic knowledge and usage of common Generative AI tools. In 2026, YRSG will also commence “SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace 2.0” training for community supervisees, which will equip them with essential digital s kills, including AI-related skills.