Technology Updates: AI tutors are on the rise. Could they disrupt Singapore's billion-dollar tuition industry?

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ai-tutors-tuition-industry-moe-learning-5357791

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AI-powered tutors are gaining traction in Singapore, offering parents and students a cheaper and more convenient alternative to the S$1.8 billion tuition industry. Platforms like Tutorly and WizzTutor provide on-demand explanations, practice questions, and feedback tailored to the local syllabus. Tutorly, for example, charges S$49 a month with unlimited resources, while WizzTutor costs S$74 monthly. Established edutech firms such as Geniebook have also seen rising demand, reporting a 25% increase in use of their AI services.

For parents like IT professional Ms Shubhada Bhide, whose son now uses Tutorly, AI tutors are “gamechangers” compared with traditional tuition, which can cost up to S$172 per lesson at top centres. Students appreciate accessibility and affordability, especially when traditional classes are full or expensive.

However, experts warn of risks. The Ministry of Education (MOE) clarified that AI tools are for self-directed learning and not subject to registration under the Education Act, but advised cautious use. Academics stress that AI tutors could promote “shortcut thinking,” where students become reliant on instant answers and fail to build critical skills like analysis and judgment. NUS lecturer Jonathan Sim and NIE’s Dr Wong Lung Hsiang highlighted the importance of pairing AI with human guidance to ensure meaningful learning.

Businesses themselves acknowledge these limits. Tutorly relies on parental oversight, while WizzTutor offers dashboards for parents to monitor usage. Edutech leaders and researchers agree AI cannot replace the motivation and personal touch of human teachers. Instead, hybrid models are expected to grow, with firms like Geniebook expanding both physical centres and AI tools.

Ultimately, AI tutors are disrupting the industry, but human educators remain essential in inspiring, motivating, and guiding students.