Growing use of AI learning tools sparks debate on cost, convenience, and true education value
AI tutors are quickly gaining traction in Singapore, offering affordable and accessible alternatives to traditional tuition. But while some parents and students celebrate the convenience, experts caution against over-reliance on machines that may undermine deeper learning.
A Shift From Tuition Centres
For decades, Singapore’s tuition centres dominated the after-school education market. Households spent S$1.8 billion (US$1.4 billion) on tuition in 2023, up sharply from S$1.4 billion in 2018. Today, however, parents like Ms Shubhada Jayant Bhide are turning to AI-powered tools such as Tutorly to support their children at a fraction of the price.
Affordable Alternatives on the Rise
Platforms like Tutorly and WizzTutor are positioning themselves as cost-effective options. Tutorly charges S$49 per month for access to explanations, practice papers, and past exam resources. WizzTutor, focused on maths, costs S$74 monthly—roughly the price of a daily coffee. In comparison, lessons at top tuition centres such as The Learning Lab can reach S$688 per month for secondary students.
Local EdTech Momentum
The uptake of AI tutoring has been swift. Tutorly has gained over 1,200 free users since January, while WizzTutor has attracted more than 800 users since June. Established edtech firm Geniebook reported a 25% year-on-year increase in its AI services. Developers say these platforms “level the playing field” by providing students with immediate feedback and flexible access to learning support.
Concerns About “Shortcut Thinking”
Despite their promise, experts warn that AI tutors risk encouraging surface-level learning. NUS lecturer Jonathan Sim noted that impatient students may pressure bots into giving direct answers, undermining critical thinking. NIE researcher Dr Wong Lung Hsiang cautioned against “cognitive atrophy,” where overuse of AI weakens essential skills like analysis and judgment.
Human Guidance Still Essential
Parents and educators emphasize the need for oversight. WizzTutor provides dashboards for parents to monitor student activity, while Tutorly relies on parental involvement to ensure responsible use. Experts argue that AI must complement—not replace—human tutors, who play a vital role in motivation and inspiration. As Dr Wong put it, AI should be seen as a “thinking partner, not a solution provider.”
Future of Hybrid Learning
While AI tutors are unlikely to fully disrupt Singapore’s billion-dollar tuition industry, they are reshaping expectations. Firms like Geniebook are already moving toward hybrid models, combining AI-driven tools with human-led classes. As CEO Neo Zhizhong explained, “Technology can do a lot of things, but it cannot do some simple things, like a pat on the back.”
AI tutors are redefining how Singaporean families approach learning, balancing cost savings and convenience against concerns of educational depth. For Indonesians and Singaporeans alike, the trend signals a regional shift in education: technology will complement human teaching, but the human touch remains irreplaceable.
Sources: CNA (2025) , Lumi News Malaysia (2025)
Keywords: AI Tutors, Singapore Tuition, Online Learning, EdTech Platforms, Generative AI, MOE
