Healthcare and social sectors say technology should ease workloads, not replace human touch

In his speech, he said: “AI is not a silver bullet, nor can it replace the care professional. But used well, AI can help us reach further, respond faster, and support families more effectively than ever before.”

AI is already being put to practical use across the social service sector, from facial recognition tools that help ensure clients receive the correct medication to platforms that support case workers handling complex family cases.

Social service agencies told CNA that a fresh tranche of funding will help expand these efforts and scale successful solutions.

Care Corner Singapore, for instance, has deployed an AI-powered transcription tool that has cut the time staff spend on administrative tasks by at least half.

It is also trialling an AI-enabled case management platform designed to surface gaps in assessments and strengthen case planning.

“Our social workers are coming back to tell us that case numbers may not see big increases, but the kinds of cases that they are working with have become a lot more complex,” said Care Corner Singapore CEO Christian Chao.

“So the time taken to support the family, help them through that difficult period, actually now requires a lot more effort.”