Nagesh Singh, Chairman of Edunet Foundation, in conversation with CIO & Leader, shares his views on how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, employment, and entrepreneurship, and why relearning will define the future workforce.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a defining factor in education and employment, shaping the way institutions, businesses, and individuals approach learning and work. At the forefront of this transition is Nagesh Singh, Chairman of Edunet Foundation, who emphasizes the need for continuous adaptation.
“The single biggest skill anyone needs today is the ability to relearn because what you know today may not be enough tomorrow,” Singh says, underlining the importance of lifelong learning in an AI-driven economy.
AI as a Universal Enabler
While AI is often associated with coding and data science, Singh highlights its broader role. He explains that AI tools are already part of everyday work, whether in accounting, journalism, or law. The emphasis, he says, should not only be on creating AI systems but also on learning how to apply them effectively in various professions to enhance accuracy, accessibility, and efficiency.
Financial Services and Data Advantage
The banking sector illustrates AI’s strengths in handling vast amounts of information. Singh points out that AI helps institutions identify risks, detect fraud, and extend tailored financial services to customers. However, he adds that AI-generated insights should be viewed as direction-setting rather than definitive, with human validation remaining essential.
Education and Policy in Transition
According to Singh, the National Education Policy (NEP) provides a framework for integrating technology into learning, but it must ensure that education remains broad-based and inclusive. A strong foundation in multiple disciplines, combined with exposure to AI, is necessary to equip students for jobs that will continue to change with new technological developments.
He notes that while large institutions in cities are advancing in AI integration, challenges persist in tier-two and tier-three colleges, where faculty training and infrastructure remain limited. Building capacity among teachers, he adds, is crucial for preparing students effectively.
Edunet’s Approach
Edunet Foundation currently reaches nearly 300,000 learners each year through a combination of online content, live mentoring, instructor-led classrooms, and project-based learning. The organization also conducts faculty development programs in collaboration with regulatory bodies to ensure that teachers remain current in their skills and knowledge.
“Capacity development and access to quality trainers are the real game changers,” Singh explains, noting that equipping educators is central to long-term progress.
Lower Barriers for Entrepreneurs
Singh believes that the AI era has created new opportunities for entrepreneurship. With cloud-based infrastructure and digital tools readily available, young innovators can launch ventures at relatively low cost. His advice is straightforward: “If you have a workable idea, start building. The tools you need are already accessible.”
Human Skills Still Matter
Even as AI adoption grows, Singh points out that human qualities such as adaptability, collaboration, and communication remain critical. He emphasizes that professions may not disappear but will undergo transformation, requiring individuals to reskill and adapt continuously.
Looking Ahead
By combining partnerships with technology companies and educational institutions, Edunet Foundation aims to create a workforce that is both technologically skilled and adaptable. Its blended approach of technical training, mentorship, and practical projects positions learners to meet the demands of an evolving economy.
For Singh, the goal is clear: ensure that students and professionals alike are prepared for a future where AI is not just a tool of innovation, but a fundamental part of work and learning.