The Rise of AI in Education
Singapore’s tuition industry is one of the most competitive and lucrative in the world, with families spending nearly S$1.8 billion on private tuition in 2023. Traditionally, parents have turned to tuition centres and private tutors to give their children a competitive edge in exams. But a new contender has emerged: AI-powered tutors.
Once a futuristic concept, AI tutors are now becoming mainstream. Platforms such as Tutorly, WizzTutor, and Geniebook are positioning themselves as more affordable, flexible, and accessible alternatives to conventional tuition classes. The question many parents and educators are now asking is simple: could AI fundamentally disrupt Singapore’s tuition ecosystem?
A Parent’s Perspective: From Traditional Tuition to AI Support
For years, parents like Ms Shubhada Jayant Bhide relied on established tuition centres. She recalls the time, effort, and money spent ferrying her daughter to classes. Today, her younger son Shrihaan enjoys a very different learning experience. Using an AI tutor, he receives academic support at home, instantly and at a fraction of the cost.
“It is such a gamechanger,” said Ms Shubhada, describing the platform as learning at her son’s fingertips. Her story reflects a larger trend — families seeking convenience without compromising academic support.
Why AI Tutors Appeal to Singapore Families
1. Cost-Effectiveness
Traditional tuition can be expensive. A single secondary-level class at a premium centre like The Learning Lab can cost up to S$172 per lesson. By contrast, AI platforms such as Tutorly charge S$49 per month, offering unlimited access to practice questions, explanations, and past exam papers. WizzTutor, which focuses on mathematics, costs S$74 per month, roughly the price of a daily coffee.
2. Flexibility and Accessibility
AI tutors are available anytime, anywhere. Students can ask questions at midnight, revise before exams, or catch up on missed concepts without waiting for the next class. For busy parents, this eliminates the need to schedule travel and waiting time.
3. Personalised Learning at Scale
AI tools adapt to student inputs, offering explanations and customised practice. While not yet perfect, many parents see these platforms as bridging the gap between costly one-on-one sessions and self-study.
Growth of AI Education Platforms in Singapore
The demand is undeniable. Tutorly has gained over 1,200 free users since launching in January, while WizzTutor attracted 800 users within its first few months. Established edutech company Geniebook, which combines physical branches with AI-powered tools, reported a 25 per cent year-on-year increase in usage.
This rapid growth suggests that AI tutors are more than a passing trend. They are being integrated into Singapore’s highly competitive education culture.
The Challenges of AI-Driven Learning
Despite the appeal, experts warn of potential pitfalls.
Risk of Shortcut Learning
AI tools can sometimes provide direct answers instead of guiding students through the process. As NUS lecturer Jonathan Sim explained, students may develop “shortcut thinking” and lose essential skills like analysis and independent judgment if they over-rely on bots.
Lack of Human Motivation
While AI can explain and drill practice questions, it cannot replicate a teacher’s encouragement, discipline, or ability to inspire. As Dr Wong Lung Hsiang of NIE notes, a good teacher does more than deliver knowledge — they guide mindset, perseverance, and confidence.
Parent and Teacher Involvement Still Key
Most experts agree that AI tutors work best when paired with human oversight. Some platforms are already building parent dashboards to monitor usage and encourage responsible learning habits.
Hybrid Models: The Likely Future of Tuition
Rather than replacing tuition centres entirely, AI tutors are expected to co-exist with human educators. Hybrid models may combine the affordability and accessibility of AI with the mentorship of in-person teachers. Geniebook, for example, is expanding both online and physical services to create a “symbiotic” approach.
This reflects a larger truth: while AI offers speed, scale, and convenience, the human touch remains irreplaceable in motivating and nurturing students.
Final Thoughts
The rise of AI tutors in Singapore is not just a passing phase — it is a real disruption to the billion-dollar tuition market. Parents are drawn to the affordability and flexibility, students enjoy the accessibility, and platforms are scaling fast.
Still, experts caution against treating AI as a magic solution. The best learning outcomes will likely come from a balanced approach, where AI supports students with instant feedback while teachers provide guidance, mentorship, and motivation.
For parents, this shift represents both an opportunity and a challenge. As Ms Shubhada summed up, “Now the ball is in the court of tuition centres. They have to give something AI doesn’t give.”
