Source: SkillsFuture Singapore. Minister Puthucheary watches on as Ng (left) and Kevin Wo, Country GM, Microsoft Singapore (right) sign the MoU.
To better equip Singapore’s workforce and businesses for a digital-centric economy, SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) has launched new initiatives. These include a partnership with Microsoft and enhancements to the national SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace program.
Dr. Janil Puthucheary, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Communications and Information, announced these developments at the first SkillsFuture Festival X Smart Nation (SFFXSmart Nation) event.
During his speech, Minister Puthucheary emphasized the need to reimagine a digitally ready society, aiming for digital confidence as a key outcome moving forward.
“The pace and scope of change in our digital transformation and Smart Nation initiatives are much faster. While jobs and business opportunities will disappear, new ones will emerge. We must take many steps to address these challenges,” he stated.
“A crucial aspect is the skill development across government, society, businesses, and individuals. These skills need to address current opportunities and challenges while preparing us for future disruptions and transformations in the digital landscape.”
Held from August 3rd to 4th, the event was jointly organized by SSG and the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office as part of the six-week SkillsFuture Festival.
A significant outcome of the event was the launch of the Tech Intensity Training Roadmap, a three-year plan from SSG and Microsoft aimed at accelerating technology adoption for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) while bolstering individuals’ digital skills. The collaboration, solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to benefit 5,000 individuals and 100 SMEs.
Under this partnership, Microsoft will collaborate with institutes of higher learning (IHLs) to create industry-relevant curricula for SkillsFuture programs, including SkillsFuture Work-Study programs. This collaboration aims to develop a pipeline of talent for future job demands and address the broader needs of the industry.
Furthering their commitment to workplace learning, Microsoft, in partnership with SSG, will work to improve practices within Microsoft’s SME partner network. They will co-develop a training model designed to cultivate a robust workplace learning environment within these SMEs. This model aims to accelerate the adoption of technology and skills necessary for workplace transformation while boosting employee engagement and retention.
To make learning resources readily available, Microsoft will curate a collection of free online courses on SSG’s MySkillsFuture platform. These courses will cover topics such as data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), and participants will receive Microsoft certification upon successful completion of specific programs. SSG will also integrate materials from Microsoft on cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), and AI into the SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace curriculum.
Demonstrating a commitment to practical application, Microsoft’s PowerApps Platform will be incorporated into various SkillsFuture initiatives, including SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace. This integration will equip Singaporeans with the skills to build and tailor business applications based on their specific requirements.
Minister Puthucheary highlighted the need for a collaborative ecosystem to prepare Singaporeans for future opportunities.
“This engagement with Microsoft extends beyond the company itself to include its network of vendors, suppliers, business partners, and future collaborators. Microsoft is dedicated to a significant partnership with SSG,” he noted.
This partnership presents a mutually beneficial opportunity. “We envision working with Microsoft as an intermediary to understand workplace learning practices within its own organization and its partner SMEs. By leveraging Microsoft’s network, the government and SSG can reach more companies in their digitalization journey,” he added.
In line with the sixth pillar of Total Defence – Digital Defence, SSG has enhanced the SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace program by adding a Digital Defence component. With support from the National Library Board, Nexus, and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, this enriched curriculum will equip participants with greater cybersecurity awareness and skills to identify and combat misinformation.
Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive of SSG, emphasized, “Equipping our workforce and businesses with the skills to capitalize on digital transformation opportunities is critical. Collaborating with key industry players like Microsoft is essential for building these digital competencies. SSG remains committed to expanding our network of intermediaries within Singapore’s skills ecosystem.”