CBS Training

Generative AI Tools Every Office Administrator Must Know

AI Made Easy: Generative Tools for Smarter Office Administration

Admin and ops professionals are the invisible backbone of every high-functioning team — but their workflows are often invisible too.

From wrangling updates across departments, preparing reports with scattered data, and managing records and logistics across platforms, administrative work is filled with repetitive friction and low-visibility load. AI is often seen as a tool for “creatives” or “data analysts” — not for operations and coordination.

This one-day workshop flips that script.

Over a single day, you’ll learn how to build intelligent assistants that augment your existing workflows: speeding up coordination, streamlining documentation, and giving you more space to focus on strategic support. No AI hype. Just practical, workflow-ready tools that reduce the copy-paste burden, help you track updates in real time, and generate reports that actually make sense.

Learners are required to bring an internet-enabled laptop

Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

  1. Identify recurring friction points in admin and ops workflows
  2. Build modular AI assistants to automate and accelerate documentation, reporting, and updates
  3. Use AI to summarize meetings, emails, and datasets with structured output
  4. Design templates and SOPs powered by tools like M365 Copilot, NotebookLM, Google Gemini, and ChatGPT
  5. Create review checkpoints for Human Intervention to ensure accuracy, compliance, and tone
Course Outline

Module 1: Redefining Admin Work with AI
To explore the value of AI in internal-facing workflows and reposition it as a coordination co-pilot, not a content generator.

  • Why admin work is the perfect candidate for AI augmentation
  • Overview of AI capabilities: summaries, comparisons, task tracking, update logs
  • Case examples: AI as meeting note taker, update assistant, formatting engine

Activities:

  • Friction tour: Participants list weekly admin duties and note where time is lost
  • Quick wins brainstorm: Identify low-stakes, high-repetition tasks for immediate AI support
  • Interactive AI showcase (10 minutes): Show examples of AI in action

Module 2: Friction Mapping for Admin & Ops Flows
To identify repeatable and multi-source workflows where AI can reduce delay and duplication.

  • Core workflows: reporting, tracking, coordination, records, logistics
  • Friction types: version control, follow-up fatigue, tool switching
  • Defining “done”: what does a clean, admin-ready output look like?

Activities:

  • Process mapping canvas: Map a workflow (e.g., monthly report, team update) step by step
  • Flow reframing: Convert friction points into AI-supported outputs
  • Interactive friction mapping exercise (15 minutes): Participants map their workflows and identify areas for AI support

Module 3: Prompt Structures for Admin Use Cases
To create modular, reusable prompts for reporting, summarization, and checklist generation.

  • Prompt formats for admin use: brief summaries, lists, trackers, tables
  • Input consistency: how to feed AI clean, structured context
  • Output standardization: aligning to format, tone, and review cycles

Activities:

  • Prompt tuning lab: Practice adapting the same task across multiple tools (NotebookLM, Gemini, ChatGPT)
  • Template builder: Design one prompt you can use weekly for your real work
  • Quick-prompt writing exercise (20 minutes): Participants create their own prompts and receive feedback

Module 4: Assistant Blueprinting for Admin Tasks
To outline an AI assistant that fits into a weekly or monthly administrative cycle.

  • Assistant roles: the updater, the reporter, the formatter, the checker
  • Defining input triggers and review checkpoints
  • Setting up handoff logic: from assistant to human decision

Activities:

  • Assistant canvas: Define inputs, expected output, frequency, and tools
  • Test scenario: Run the assistant on past data and spot improvement areas
  • Interactive blueprinting exercise (30 minutes): Participants create their own AI assistant blueprints

Module 5: Putting it all Together
To tie together everything learned in the workshop and demonstrate a real-world application.

  • A brief review of key concepts and takeaways
  • Real-world example applications or testimonials

Activities:

  • Showcase session: Participants present their own AI-assisted workflows to the group
  • Q&A and wrap-up discussion (15 minutes): Final questions and feedback
Who Should Attend
  • Office Administrators and Administrative Professionals: Ideal for those looking to leverage generative AI tools to streamline tasks, boost efficiency, and enhance workplace productivity.
  • Team Coordinators and Support Staff: For individuals responsible for managing workflows, preparing documents, or coordinating team activities who wish to incorporate AI-driven solutions into their daily operations.
  • Aspiring AI Users: Anyone eager to explore generative AI tools, regardless of prior experience, with a focus on practical applications for administrative and office management tasks.

Prerequisites

  • Basic computer skills
  • No prior experience with generative AI is required
Training Methodology

Recommended User-Friendly AI Tools for the Workshop:

  • ChatGPT – For supporting writing, content structuring, and summaries based on prompts
  • Microsoft 365 Copilot – To assist with document drafting, editing, and formatting in Word, Outlook, and Excel
  • Google Gemini – For in-context support within Gmail, Docs, and other Workspace applications
  • NotebookLM – For supporting document referencing and producing summaries grounded in existing content
  • Shared Drives / Microsoft Teams – For accessing, storing, and collaborating on AI-assisted outputs and templates

These tools are chosen for their simplicity and ease of use, ensuring that administrative professionals can effectively adopt AI into their workflows without the need for technical expertise in coding. The workshop is designed to be interactive and practical, enabling participants to confidently apply AI tools in their administrative roles.

Testimonials

“Melvyn’s real-world examples and practical insights brought the course content to life. He shared his own experiences and best practices, which gave us a deeper appreciation for the potential of AI in solving real-world problems.”
— Husaini Bin J, Singapore Civil Defence Force

“Melvyn’s insights transformed how we see AI in banking—it’s not just about automation, but a powerful force for innovation.”
— Joanne C, Vice President, Cognitive Banking, DBS Bank

“Melvyn’s expertise in AI and ChatGPT is remarkable. He shared practical, real-world applications that illuminated how we can leverage AI in HR. His insights into prompt engineering were particularly enlightening.”
— Jane D, People & Culture Manager, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia

“This session ignited a complete shift in our marketing mindset. We now see AI as a key driver in redefining the luxury retail experience.”
— Yap WK, Marketing Communications Manager, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

“This session ignited a complete shift in our marketing mindset. We now see AI as a “I was thoroughly impressed with the depth and breadth of the course content. The hands-on exercises and real-world examples allowed me to apply the concepts immediately, making the learning process both engaging and effective.”
— Terence A, Nanyang Polytechnic

About The Trainer

Melvyn Tan – AI Strategist

Person with glasses and a goatee smiling against a dark background, wearing a black shirt.

Melvyn Tan is a highly sought-after AI strategist, speaker, and corporate trainer with over 20 years of experience in strategy, leadership, and technology.

He has trained over 1,150 professionals across 118 organizations in 18 countries, helping them integrate AI as an Intelligent Assistant (IA) to drive business growth, enhance creativity, and achieve breakthrough productivity.

His approach is built on the STILL (strengths, tools, integration, leverage, and legacy) Framework, ensuring that AI adoption is practical, ethical, and strategically aligned with organizational goals.

His work has impacted industries including banking, retail, education, marketing, HR, and corporate leadership.

Trusted by Leading Organizations

Melvyn has worked with major corporations and institutions such as:

  • Brother International – Driving AI-led efficiency in business operations
  • DBS Bank – Empowering marketing with AI-driven customer insights
  • Mitsubishi Heavy Industries – Integrating AI into human resource practices
  • Sartorius – Enhancing B2B marketing with AI solutions
  • Yale-NUS College – Educating teams on AI’s role in education administration
  • Pavilion Kuala Lumpur – Transforming luxury retail experiences through AI-powered marketing