The Straits Times 22 Aug 2022

SkillsFuture funding framework to focus on courses relevant to industry

SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) will refine its funding framework for training to achieve better manpower outcomes, said Education Minister Chan Chun Sing. From 2024, workers will no longer get subsidies from SSG for most non-certifiable courses.

The Straits Times 29 Jun 2022

Trainers need to be equipped with skills, tools to help lifelong learners in workforce: Chan Chun Sing

First, said the minister, trainers must have the right skills to meet the demands of a fast-evolving market. Second, trainers must be given the right tools to design engaging and personalised learning experiences for lifelong learners. Third, educators must have the right mindset

The Straits Times 09 Jun 2022

Singapore needs to develop self-sustaining workforce policies, says Tan See Leng

The Government has made developing a strong Singaporean core in the workforce a key priority. It is doing this by accelerating technology adoption and by equipping Singaporeans with skills for future jobs.

The Straits Times 27 Apr 2022

Skills training must improve on 4 fronts for S'pore workforce to stay competitive: Chan Chun Sing

Singapore must innovate to help smaller companies communicate their skills training needs so that training institutions can respond quickly, said Education Minister Chan Chun Sing.

The Straits Times 25 Apr 2022

Workers gained new skills, shifted work aspirations amid Covid-19: IPS report

The Covid-19 pandemic may have put the brakes on many social activities, but Singapore's workers continued to gain new skills throughout the period, as shown in a new report released on Monday (April 25).

The Straits Times 18 Feb 2022

660,000 tapped SkillsFuture schemes last year, up from 540,000 in 2020

About 660,000 people took part in initiatives supported by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) last year, including some 247,000 people who spent their SkillsFuture Credit. This is a jump from the 540,000 in 2020, including some 188,000 people who claimed from SkillsFuture Credit on eligible courses.

The Straits Times 13 Jan 2022

7 in 10 Singapore SMEs need more support in upskilling employees: Survey

Seven in 10 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) here say they require more support in upskilling their staff, according to a report by training provider NTUC LearningHub.

The Straits Times 08 Dec 2021

SkillsFuture report pinpoints skills Singaporeans urgently need in the next 3 years

The inaugural Skills Demand For The Future Economy report was launched by Education Minister Chan Chun Sing on Wednesday (Dec 8). It pinpoints the top 20 clusters of skills in the digital, green and care sectors most needed in the next one to three years.

Channel NewAsia 02 Dec 2021

Singapore’s resident employment rate above pre-pandemic levels, but labour market still impacted by COVID-19: MOM

“With the pace of transformation accelerated by COVID-19, our focus is on preserving human capital and developing local workers through skills upgrading to prepare for jobs of the future" - Ministry of Manpower (MOM)

The Straits Times 24 Nov 2021

More companies in S'pore training and hiring people with disabilities

"Through quality vocational training and realistic on-the-job training, many of our beneficiaries (the high-functioning ones) have been trained to take on more elaborate responsibilities at work, such as cooking, cashiering or even customer service,"

The Straits Times 26 Oct 2021

Government to consider PME task force recommendations for workplace fairness

PMEs themselves pointed to skills training as one of the most vital aspects of the recommendations. Firms also recognize that training workers is a win-win solution.

The Straits Times 18 Oct 2021

33 ITE, polytechnic students to represent S'pore at WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai

The WorldSkills events test participants' vocational skills.

Today 22 Sep 2021

Explainer: After the sound and fury, what have we really learnt from Parliament's marathon debate on foreign talent?

“While it is laudable that so many tech jobs are being created, how much does this benefit Singaporean workers if our people are not equipped with the skills to fill them? It will lead to disappointment both by the companies investing in Singapore and our own people” - Aljunied Group Representation Constituency MP Gerald Giam

The Straits Times 16 Sep 2021

S'pore will continue to address downsides of open economy, help displaced workers: Lawrence Wong

The Government is doing all it can to help displaced workers get back into jobs to minimise their time being unemployed and to find a job that matches their skills and experience, as well as to provide training for skills needed for a new role.

The Straits Times 06 Sep 2021

New task force to help S'pore workers get jobs in 10 key sectors

Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, announcing the seven-member task force which he chairs, said it will focus on three areas: supporting local workers who want to pivot into these key sectors, helping existing workers reskill as their job scopes change and promoting progressive human capital practices.

Channel NewAsia 18 Aug 2021

Jail for couple who were key syndicate members behind S$40 million SkillsFuture scam

A couple who were “key members” of a syndicate that cheated SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) of S$39.9 million in grants were jailed on Monday (Aug 16) after pleading guilty to multiple crimes.

The Straits Times 29 Jul 2021

I’m 49 and lost my job recently. Will I be able to find a new one?

How to move on: Acknowledge your fears, take stock of your skill sets and don’t lose hope

The Straits Times 19 Jul 2021

SkillsFuture scam: Key member of syndicate admits to being director of fake training companies

One of the key members of a SkillsFuture scam involving nearly $40 million admitted to his role in the syndicate on Wednesday (July 14).

World Economic Forum 14 Jul 2021

McKinsey: These are the skills you will need for the future of work

Research by the McKinsey Global Institute has looked at the kind of jobs that will be lost, as well as those that will be created, as automation, AI, and robotics take hold. And it has inferred the type of high-level skills that will become increasingly important as a result. The need for manual and physical skills, as well as basic cognitive ones, will decline, but demand for technological, social and emotional, and higher cognitive skills will grow.

The Business Times 13 Jul 2021

Companies that support staff through SkillsFuture see rise in labour productivity

COMPANIES that support their employees' training through the SkillsFuture programme saw their revenue increase for up to three years after training, said Minister of State Gan Siow Huang on Thursday. This is according to a study by the Ministry of Trade and Industry and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) on the returns to companies that sponsored their local workers for SSG-supported training between 2010 and 2018.

The Straits Times 21 May 2021

Sacrifices needed by businesses, workers to endure short-term pain from latest Covid-19 measures: SNEF

These employees can also be sent for training to gain new skills under the Enhanced Training Support Package, which provides significant wage support and subsidized course fees from the Government.

The Straits Times 17 May 2021

Nearly half of S'pore employers plan to invest more in skills of critical staff: Survey

Equipping employees with new skills came in second as a priority, with 37 per cent of companies saying they will invest in this area while 41 per cent intend to invest more in helping critical staff gain new skills.

The Straits Times 06 May 2021

Good chance S'pore can achieve 6% growth this year: PM Lee

"Singapore's workers must grow new muscles, seize new opportunities and prepare themselves for life after Covid-19 through training and skills upgrading. The Government is investing heavily in the SkillsFuture and will spend about $1.4 billion on it over the next few years" - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

The Business Times 04 May 2021

Singapore's financial sector to add 6,500 roles in 2021, but tech roles demand-supply mismatch persists

"There are simply not enough Singaporeans applying for tech roles. The problem is not jobs, it is skills" - Ravi Menon, managing director of the Republic's central bank.

The Straits Times 28 Apr 2021

Greater confidence in S'pore job market over course of Covid-19 pandemic year: IPS study

At least half said they were likely to pursue upgrading courses if let go by their employers and around 65 per cent trusted the Government would create new jobs and training opportunities during an economic downturn.

The Straits Times 14 Apr 2021

Singapore employers prioritise skills over education, experience: LinkedIn survey

Employers in Singapore seek to hire those with communication skills, problem-solving skills and strategic thinking over those with traditional attributes, professional networking platform LinkedIn said in a report.

The Straits Times 14 Apr 2021

Singapore employers prioritise skills over education, experience: LinkedIn survey

Employers in Singapore seek to hire those with communication skills, problem-solving skills and strategic thinking over those with traditional attributes, professional networking platform LinkedIn said in a report.

The Straits Times 01 Apr 2021

Tech executives say skills from elsewhere are transferable

"Skills and knowledge picked up from working in other industries are transferable" - Ms Joana Liew, TikTok owner ByteDance's head of talent development in Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Turkey and Africa

The Straits Times 26 Mar 2021

Times of crises provide opportunities for Singapore to distinguish itself: Chan Chun Sing

Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing stressed the importance of lifelong learning, and "learning to learn fast", given that one's formal education might become dated at some point.

Channel NewAsia 24 Mar 2021

Foreign workers may not return to Singapore in same numbers as before, say economists

"Companies will need to hire based on potential rather than with 100 per cent skills that they need because there is a limited pool of talent and it’s better to provide upskilling opportunities on the job for talent to acquire the skill sets they need" - Mr Sujanani of Robert Walters

The Straits Times 12 Mar 2021

S'pore will boost capabilities of its people, businesses in uncertain world: Chan Chun Sing

"Every country will need to seriously invest in the continuing education of its people, in order for them not to be displaced and become irrelevant or have their skills become obsolete" - Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing

The Straits Times 03 Mar 2021

ob security is about staying employable, says DPM

"Government will continue to strengthen the ecosystem so people can continuously gain new skills and be prepared for future jobs" - Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat

The Straits Times 19 Feb 2021

How to make a career switch when you lack skills for new industry

Making a career switch can be daunting at first, but it is never too late to transition into a new role or industry as long as you are willing to learn new skills, demonstrate to potential employers your transferable skills, and adapt to new working environments. Don't let skill gaps deter you from making the leap to the next stage of your career.

The Straits Times 09 Feb 2021

540,000 Singaporeans benefited from SkillsFuture initiatives in 2020

About 540,000 Singaporeans benefited from initiatives supported by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) last year, 40,000 more than in 2019. The number of enterprises that benefited remained constant at 14,000, SSG said on Tuesday (Feb 9) in a statement on its annual yearly review.

The Straits Times 04 Feb 2021

How to make your resume stand out when applying for a job in a new sector

You should also take stock of the transferable and marketable skill sets you have that will enable you to stand out from other job seekers. As a prospective newcomer to the industry, you should portray yourself as being agile and willing to learn new skills and adapt to new working environments.

The Straits Times 01 Feb 2021

Help employers see value in retraining workers: WEF panel

"Countries worldwide still have a long way to go when it comes to working out what effective systems for lifelong learning will look like, particularly how they are going to be financed." - International Labour Organisation director-general Guy Ryder

The Straits Times 29 Jan 2021

Nearly 7 in 10 Singapore firms confident they can stay in business despite big Covid-19 hit: Survey

Nearly half of all businesses stated that staff training has become more important as a result of Covid-19 and due to future uncertainties.

Channel NewAsia 26 Jan 2021

COVID-19 pandemic could last 4 to 5 years: Lawrence Wong

"We want to have multiple entry points across the age distribution and across the entire skill spectrum. And thereby enable everyone to reskill, upgrade and continuously improve to be the best possible version of themselves" - Education Minister Lawrence Wong

The Straits Times 25 Jan 2021

22 Singapore employers receive award for commitment to skills development

"All skills and experience gained is a talent - it adds to maturity, experience in handling a wide range of things such as customer service and crisis management. This will also make my staff more marketable - even if they decide to leave, they can find a new job in other clinics much easier too." - Dr Kenneth Tong

The Business Times 20 Jan 2021

Sector-specific help, focus on jobs expected in Budget 2021

"The foreign worker policy is unlikely to be loosened, so training and reskilling or upskilling the local workforce remains the mainstay." - OCBC chief economist Selena Ling

The Straits Times 20 Jan 2021

Traditional degree route not a must before going out to work: Lawrence Wong

Going forward though, Education Minister Lawrence Wong said now that the Government is encouraging Singaporeans to keep learning and upgrading their skills throughout their life, planning for university places based on the cohort participation rate of 40 per cent - as is currently the case - becomes less relevant.

The Straits Times 13 Jan 2021

Do away with bias against mature workers, Tharman tells employers in Singapore

"You'll never get a perfect match of skills, except for a certain, very few, specialised jobs. In general, you hire someone, you train them up, and they have to adapt. It can be done." - Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam

Channel NewAsia 12 Jan 2021

Commentary: Let’s stop overstating the value of a university degree beyond your first job

While degrees are certainly not bereft of value when it comes to knowledge and skills acquisition, let’s also recognise that the skills of the future can be acquired through other equally, if not more credible means.This means rewarding individuals for the value they bring to the job rather than the paper qualifications they walk in with.

The Straits Times 12 Jan 2021

7 in 10 bosses aim to hire workers with broader skill sets: Survey

The vast majority of employers - 84 per cent - said it was necessary for employees to pick up new skills due to changes to their businesses as a result of the pandemic.

The Straits Times 11 Jan 2021

Singapore's unemployment rate dipped in Nov for first time in 2020

"The Covid-19 pandemic is also expected to have long-lasting effects on businesses, putting pressure on workers to continue to upgrade their skills" - Manpower Minister Josephine Teo

The Business Times 07 Jan 2021

EY's wish list for Budget 2021 includes boosting funding for training, hiring

Top-ups of training credits under the SkillsFuture campaign could be made to both individuals and companies

The Business Times 21 Dec 2020

Training, communication key to helping older workers adapt

The government has urged and incentivised employers to hire and retain middle-aged and mature workers during the pandemic, but even before this, some firms in Singapore have already been doing so. The key to success? Training, technology adoption and communication, according to firms The Business Times (BT) spoke to.

The Straits Times 14 Dec 2020

Some HR roles may be taken over by robots in 5 years: Study

"HR professionals, too, need to step up and take ownership of their own skills development and adopt a growth mindset in embracing digitalisation" - Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad

The Straits Times 08 Dec 2020

askST: How can I make use of my SkillsFuture credits?

Introduced in 2015, the SkillsFuture national movement aims to build a culture of skills development and lifelong learning. All Singaporeans aged 25 and above receive an opening credit of $500, to encourage individuals to take ownership of their learning.

Channel NewAsia 07 Dec 2020

Commentary: It took a while but Singaporean workers are finally embracing lifelong learning

The UNESCO Education Commission recommended four pillars of education, among which was  “learning to know”, in the laying of a solid foundation for lifelong learning through the combining of a sufficiently broad general education with the possibility of in-depth study of a selected number of subjects, as well as learning to learn.

Today 04 Dec 2020

S’pore’s education system to be less exam-focused, more geared to lifelong learning: Lawrence Wong

“Employers must take responsibility and ownership of skills utilisation. If it is just led by training providers or universities, it will not work.” - Education Minister Lawrence Wong

The Business Times 25 Nov 2020

Relook training, job design, to address workers' Covid-19 stresses: DPM

"Business leaders will need to focus on redesigning jobs and reskilling their workforce to help prepare for the future of work, particularly as workers come under the "stresses and strains" of the Covid-19 pandemic" - Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat

Channel NewAsia 20 Nov 2020

Commentary: No worker is untrainable. Employers have to step up to help

I believe no worker is “untrainable.” It all boils down to identifying the cause of their resistance to training. For instance, professional trainers would tell you that a fear of learning new things can be addressed once learners' focus is shifted from challenges to benefits.

The Straits Times 17 Nov 2020

Lifelong learning, investment in public goods key to overcoming long-term challenges: Tharman

"There must be investments in lifelong learning and education, which creates a positive and self-reinforcing spiral of learning, skills accumulation and job progression." - Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam"There must be investments in lifelong learning and education, which creates a positive and self-reinforcing spiral of learning, skills accumulation and job progression." - Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam

Channel NewAsia 09 Nov 2020

Commentary: Worried about keeping your job? Here’s advice to soothe your concerns no matter how old you are

If you are over 50, unless you have been actively managing your career and have been keeping up with training to ensure your skillsets are up-to-date, you should explore rebuilding your skills. 

The Straits Times 05 Nov 2020

Singapore's education and training sector must adapt to stay competitive globally: Chan Chun Sing

"It is no longer sufficient to have expertise in only one subject" - Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing

The Straits Times 03 Nov 2020

Forum: Milk the skills PMETs have accumulated

As a result of this trend, there exists a growing pool of unemployed professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) who are in danger of losing the value of the skills they have accumulated. And the longer it takes for them to secure a new job, the greater the risk that the human capital they have accumulated will be lost, and Singapore would be worse off.

The Business Times 03 Nov 2020

Bridging the skills gap: Is education the key?

AS the hand-wringing and finger-pointing continue amid a deepening recession and rising joblessness, one underlying issue remains. That is the fact that the local talent pool simply cannot meet demand, in both numbers and the technical and soft skills needed in the sectors with the most growth potential. 

SGSME 28 Oct 2020

Training staff and fighting fire: both vital for survival

FIRMS should not - and perhaps, cannot - see training staff and fighting to stay afloat during the pandemic as an 'either-or' situation, observers have said. This is lest they lose valuable employees.

The Straits Times 23 Oct 2020

At 67, he's moving from F&B to shipping industry

He may be 67 years old, but Mr Francis Chew had no qualms about going back to school to pick up a new skill. After four decades in the food and beverage (F&B) sector, he left his job this year as a senior manager with a company that runs restaurants, to start a year-long SGUnited Skills maritime business management programme at Singapore Polytechnic.

The Straits Times 22 Oct 2020

Singapore workers see urgent need to reskill, upskill in uncertain job market: Survey

A UOB survey found that nine in 10 of those employed in the city-state believe they will need to reskill or upskill to stay competitive in the post-pandemic world.

Channel NewAsia 20 Oct 2020

Government may not be able to save every business and job amid COVID-19 crisis, but will support every worker: DPM Heng

Workers will need to be “proactive” about upskilling and reskilling, as the new economy requires “versatile” workers, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, adding that workers should know how to build on existing skills, embrace lifelong learning and be able to move between adjacent industry clusters.

The Straits Times 18 Sep 2020

Singapore must stay open to maximise opportunities for its people, says Tharman at Singapore Summit

"First, develop Singaporeans at every skill level - by deepening their skills, moving on to adjacent skills, or switching sectors altogether" - Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam

The Straits Times 07 Sep 2020

Job seekers urged to focus on skills rather than past experience

"To be able to do this, we advocate a skills-based approach. Rather than stating what you did previously in your curriculum vitae, it is better to speak in terms of skills and how they can be applied to a new sector in similar ways. That allows for more mobility across sectors." - Mr SAMIR BEDI, EY Asean workforce advisory leader

The Straits Times 27 Aug 2020

More support for Singaporeans at each stage of their lives

"That is why Singapore has made a concerted effort to value a wide range of talents, and continues to invest heavily in education and training" - President Halimah Yacob

The Straits Times 19 Aug 2020

Jobs Growth Incentive to spur hiring of older workers

The Jobs Growth Incentive will entice companies to hire older workers, whose higher salary expectations are one of the bigger challenges this demographic poses for employers, but this must go together with training.

The Straits Times 11 Aug 2020

Companies reminded to use lay-offs as a last resort, maintain proportion of local staff: SBF

"They should retain employees, both local and foreign, based on their key skills and experiences needed to enable the company to emerge stronger and create new job opportunities for Singaporeans in the future." - Singapore Business Federation (SBF)

The Business Times 20 Jul 2020

Equipping workers with digital skills for a new future

The scale of it is unprecedented due to the amount of transformation and change that is happening in the industries and workplace. To support that, we need to equip workers with those skills for the new future.

Channel NewsAsia 12 Jul 2020

GE2020: Make ‘full use’ of jobs and skills package to keep training, DPM Heng tells firms and workers

“Some of it (is) to encourage our employers to hire our workers, some of it for training. So whether it is training on the job or training in our learning centres, I hope that everyone makes full use of this and I want to urge all our employers: ‘Please train everyone’.” - Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat

The Business Times 03 Jul 2020

Companies tap Covid-19 skills upgrading scheme more than 60,000 times

A SCHEME to encourage staff training during the Covid-19 pandemic has been taken up more than 60,000 times since its unveiled in the Unity Budget in February. Employees from nearly 800 companies have taken up those training places under the Enhanced Training Support Package (ETSP), Senior Minister of State for Education Chee Hong Tat disclosed at a virtual conference about jobs

Channel NewAsia 18 Jun 2020

Singapore will ‘redouble efforts’ to strengthen social compact amid economic challenges: Tharman

“Everyone must have the courage to re-gear to stay on track, and make the effort to acquire new skills at regular points in your careers, possibly even learning whole new disciplines” - Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam

Channel NewAsia 15 Jun 2020

Singapore will invest to develop its ‘intangible strengths’ to tackle COVID-19 impact on livelihoods: Chan Chun Sing

“We will never be done upskilling our people. This is especially so for workers who have left school many years ago and did not benefit from the more recent improvements in our education and training system.” - Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing

The Straits TImes 09 Jun 2020

Retain workers during Covid-19 by sending them for subsidised training, says Zaqy Mohamad

Government supports up to 90% course fee and up to $10 per hour for the absentee payroll. Some courses will be fully funded through this way.

The Straits TImes 04 Jun 2020

National Jobs Council will create jobs and training opportunities on an unprecedented scale: Tharman

"We must work together as a national team to grow jobs and training opportunities in the coming months, on a scale well beyond any past experience," said Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam

Channel NewAsia 02 Jun 2020

Soon you may be competing with talent globally. The Fortitude Budget is a wake-up call

"As long as you are willing to pick up new skills and adapt, to access available opportunities to work or learn, the Government will provide our strongest support to help you." 

The Straits TImes 13 May 2020

Over 340 firms benefit from training support

The training grant is generous with up to 90% funding of the course fee and up to $10 per hour for the absentee payroll. Now is the best time to send your staff for training.

The Straits TImes 11 May 2020

It is skills that will count in the post-pandemic world of work

The advice to those heading into the post-pandemic job market: "Even after you land a job, keep learning while earning. That's the only way to thrive in the uncertain changing world." So, a degree is, at best, just a stop along the way in your learning journey.

Channel NewAsia 13 Apr 2020

The Big Read: Singapore's oft-maligned millennials face their first crisis

Kevin, the air steward, will be using his spare time to pursue a Workforce Skills Qualifications course to train to be a barista. He believes that in tough times, diversifying his skill set is the best way forward.

The Straits TImes 29 Mar 2020

SkillsFuture training support to be extended to all sectors

From May, all employers who send their workers for selected training programmes can receive additional support from SkillsFuture Singapore funding, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat announced yesterday. They will receive enhanced absentee payroll support at 90 per cent of hourly basic salary, capped at $10 per hour, up from 80 per cent.

Channel NewAsia 20 Mar 2020

Further fall in job vacancies expected amid COVID-19 outbreak: Josephine Teo

“During such times when business is down, we want to work with employers to reskill and upskill their workers so that they are ready for new job opportunities when the economy recovers.” - Manpower Minister Josephine Teo

The Straits TImes 19 Mar 2020

Coronavirus: 10,000 workers in food services and retail to benefit from training and support package

Employers in the food services and retail sectors will be able to tap more than $32 million in SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) funding to upgrade their workers' skills. The SSG package, which aims to help companies defray business costs and upskill workers in the food services and retail sectors, will benefit more than 1,000 companies and 10,000 employees.

TODAYonline 12 Mar 2020

Covid-19: Employers must inform MOM of cost-cutting measures affecting workers’ wages from March 12

Employers can retain skilled workers, so that they can meet demand during a rebound. Workers, on the other hand, can seize the opportunity to equip themselves with better skills and knowledge to raise productivity, the ministry said.

Channel NewAsia 12 Mar 2020

Government ramps up reskilling efforts for sectors hardest hit by COVID-19

Workforce Singapore (WSG) will open up more than 2,000 training places under its Adapt & Grow initiative to support five sectors hit hard by the COVID-19 outbreak.

TODAYonline 03 Mar 2020

Freelancers to get triple boost: Help with healthcare, retirement savings and training, says Josephine Teo

Over the next three months, all SEPs will be paid a training allowance of S$7.50 an hour when they attend courses under the SkillsFuture Series, as well as selected sector-specific training programmes.

The Straits TImes 02 Mar 2020

Budget debate: Government working closely with firms and workers to develop Singaporeans, says DPM Heng

The Government is committed to developing Singaporeans and is working closely with enterprises and workers to do so, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said on Friday (Feb 28).

The Straits TImes 02 Mar 2020

Budget debate: Broader skill sets and more private sector experience in public service transformation plans, says Chan Chun Sing

Public servants will have more training to develop a broader range of skills and also experience in the private sector, where they can absorb new ideas, said Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing on Friday (Feb 28), as he outlined plans to transform the public service.

Channel NewAsia 27 Feb 2020

Budget 2020: Jobs, measures to cope with COVID-19 impact dominate Day 1 of debate

Member Of Parliament (MP) Mr Melvin Yong and Mr Patrick Tay has urged for $500 SkillsFuture credit to be given earlier instead of 1st October 2020.

Channel NewAsia 25 Feb 2020

SkillsFuture remains ‘one of the most important economic and social strategies for Singapore’s future’: Ong Ye Kung

“What is left for humans (are) our skills, soft skills as well as hard skills. The deeper our skills are in our various domain areas, the harder it is for technology to replace what we do." - Minister for Education Ong Ye Kung

Channel NewAsia 19 Feb 2020

Budget 2020: More support for transformation of workforce, including SkillsFuture top-ups

More support will be given to enterprises and workers in their transformation journey in the midst of major structural changes in the global economy. A one-off S$500 SkillsFuture top-up will be made available for every Singaporean aged 25 and above, as part of the Government’s efforts to support workers to develop new skills.

The Straits TImes 15 Feb 2020

Career starts to stagnate at age 48, Singapore survey on ageism at work shows

Employees who are motivated to succeed are usually those who are equipped with skills that are critical to driving business growth and success.

The Straits TImes 10 Feb 2020

More Singaporeans, companies using SkillsFuture for training: SSG

In 2019, around 500,000 individuals and 14,000 enterprises took part in SkillFuture programmes, an increase from the 465,000 individuals and 12,000 enterprises that benefited in 2018, said the agency in its annual report card.

The Straits TImes 06 Feb 2020

Budget to include measures to cope with coronavirus, and support business, workers, families: Indranee Rajah

There will also be initiatives to help laid-off workers access new jobs, and smaller companies to scale up and hire people with the right skills.

The Straits TImes 06 Feb 2020

Relief measures expected amid coronavirus crisis

"Besides helping companies and Singaporeans cope with the effects of the epidemic and rising costs, enhancing capabilities and upgrading of skills will remain as some of the key thrusts." Mr Irvin Seah, DBS Bank's senior economist

TODAYonline 06 Feb 2020

Businesses see slowdown of 20% to 50% due to coronavirus outbreak: Ng Chee Meng

Mr Ng Chee Meng added that during this downturn, employers in Singapore may seize the opportunity and use the time to let their workers take up various training courses to upskill. 

Channel NewAsia 05 Feb 2020

Zero foreign labour growth hard to achieve without serious implications: Chan Chun Sing

Singapore’s strategy is to “win (these) investment first” and then work hard to quickly upgrade the skills of the local workers so that they can take over these higher-paying jobs “as soon as possible” - Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing

The Business Times 04 Feb 2020

Grant helps companies send employees for upskilling

Luxlift Asia came across the Productivity Solutions Grant (SkillsFuture Training Subsidy), or PSG (SFTS), last year when it was studying ways to increase productivity as it looked to automate its back-end processes like workforce management and customer relationship management.

The Straits TImes 03 Feb 2020

Targeted help for transport, tourism sectors worst hit by Wuhan virus outbreak, 'strong' Budget to help workers and slowing economy: Heng Swee Keat

But he noted that at the time, initiatives like SkillsFuture did not yet exist, which the Government can now build on.

TODAYonline 03 Feb 2020

S’pore must prepare for long haul given uncertainty over Wuhan coronavirus: Chan Chun Sing

"Those who need to learn new and more skills should have nothing to fear about today’s jobs, and the Government is working with unions and trade associations to help them" - Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing

The Straits TImes 16 Jan 2020

Budget will contain measures to help Singaporeans and businesses: Chan Chun Sing

"For companies and Singaporeans concerned about being left behind, the Government will also announce measures in the next Budget to help them upskill, reskill and seize new opportunities" - Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing

The Straits TImes 15 Jan 2020

Budget wish list: Firms seek tax cuts, rebates

55 per cent of both large companies and SMEs rank "rebates to help upskill staff" as one of the top two Budget priorities.

The Straits TImes 08 Jan 2020

Forum: Periodic SkillsFuture Credit top-ups will spur lifelong learning

To achieve this, it would benefit Singaporeans to get top-ups of the SkillsFuture Credit, so that they can be accumulated over the years rather than be a one-off thing. After all, the call is for Singaporeans to constantly upgrade themselves, but not everyone can afford to do that.

The Straits TImes 07 Jan 2020

Parliament: Total employment in 23 key industries up 19,500 from 2015 to 2018

Continuous training must be in Singapore's DNA, which would enable us to "get into lifelong employability and not lifelong employment". - Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing 

The Straits TImes 07 Jan 2020

One of the masterminds of ruse that saw WDA cheated of nearly $73,000 admits to offences

A woman has admitted in court that she was one of the masterminds of a ruse that duped the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) into disbursing nearly $73,000 by submitting false claims for training courses that did not exist.

The Straits TImes 02 Jan 2020

Update to rules that deter discrimination against Singaporeans in hiring practices

"Everyone, including lower-wage workers, needs fair chances to progress. In a time of business disruptions worldwide, all of us need fair opportunities to re-skill and stay employed. In the unfortunate event of a retrenchment, we need fair payouts." - Minister for Manpower Josephine Teo

TODAYonline 31 Dec 2019

Budget 2020 will help households, workers and businesses cope with uncertainties: PM Lee

"The budget 2020 will also help workers, especially mid-career professionals, managers, engineers and technicians (PMETs), to retrain, acquire new skills, find new jobs and stay employable" - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

Channel NewAsia 31 Dec 2019

Singapore must harness our diversity as strength: Heng Swee Keat

The Government will step up support for businesses to build new capabilities, and to help workers deepen and acquire new skills. 

The Business Times 26 Dec 2019

A more upbeat scenario for Singapore job market

"More employers in Singapore are investing in employee training to plug the skill gaps in their workforce - a trend that's likely to grow in 2020" - Linda Teo, ManpowerGroup Singapore's country manager

The Newpaper 17 Dec 2019

Be proactive in keeping up with the digital economy: Experts

"In any reskilling or upskilling, we must have an open mind to accept things that are different" - Jason Ho, Head Of Group Human Resources at OCBC Bank

Channel NewAsia 17 Dec 2019

Why aren’t more Singapore businesses transforming? Mindsets aren’t the key obstacle

"Ensuring employee access to quality digital skills training, while also encouraging a company culture of continuous learning and providing employees opportunities to take on roles that are more valued-based and rewarding."

The Straits TImes 17 Dec 2019

Good training system can benefit both workers and firms: Minister Josephine Teo

“The innovation story becomes possible if Singapore has a good system in place to help people acquire the skills that will make them effective in their redesigned jobs" - Manpower Minister Josephine Teo

Channel NewAsia 16 Dec 2019

Singapore can learn from Germany’s dual education system: President Halimah

President Halimah Yacob said on Friday (Dec 13) that Singapore can learn from Germany’s "dual education system", which combines vocational training in school with apprenticeships in a company for up to three years.

Channel NewAsia 11 Dec 2019

Why Google, Facebook are among the top 10 companies to work for in Singapore

“It’s not just about being promoted. It’s also about adding new skills or having the option to move to another team or work on different projects.”

ZDNET 11 Dec 2019

AI, robotics amongst skills most sought after in Singapore

Singapore's smart nation drive is fuelling jobs in the tech sector, with artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and data analytics amongst some of the top skillsets sought after by employers in the country. Soft skills such as customer service and partnerships management also are in demand, according to data from LinkedIn.

Channel NewAsia 04 Dec 2019

Upcoming Budget will address Singapore's future needs, global situation: Indranee

“So the important thing is for workers and companies to see that this training is lifelong, it's over a lifetime, and it's going to have to happen constantly, even in good times.” - Second Minister for Finance Indranee Rajah

Channel NewAsia 04 Dec 2019

Cleaners to undergo compulsory workplace safety training from 2022

Cleaners will have to undergo a mandatory Workplace Safety & Health course from 2022 to make sure they are aware of and take precautionary measures against occupational risks such as slips and falls.

The Straits TImes 02 Dec 2019

Public can offer feedback ahead of Budget 2020

The Government wants to know what are some of the barriers to workers taking up more individual-based training, and the barriers for employers sending their workers for training, as well as how these barriers can be tackled.

Business Insider 29 Nov 2019

Real-wage salaries in Singapore expected to grow more next year, thanks to benign inflation

"Companies should also consider spending more on training and development to build a pipeline for these roles" - Korn Ferry Digital’s client director, Farhan Mahmood

Channel NewAsia 27 Nov 2019

Next Budget will be ‘strong, suitable to the state of the world and what the Singapore economy needs’: PM Lee

The solution is to take advantage of the slowness of the economy to “redouble our efforts at upgrading at training at productivity at improvements so that we make the most of what we’re able to do” - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

People Matters 26 Nov 2019

Don’t treat L&D as a one-size-fits-all approach: Robert Walters' Indy Lacchar

Organizations can start by encouraging their people to own and drive their own learning and development. Empowering people to have pro-active development conversations with their line managers and building coaching skills amongst managers to be able to better support their people will ensure a continuous learning environment.

The Straits TImes 22 Nov 2019

Deliveryman who was director of company in $39.9m SkillsFuture scam jailed

A deliveryman who was appointed the director of one of nine companies involved in a $39.9 million SkillsFuture scam was sentenced to four years and four months' jail for his role in the criminal syndicate.

The Straits TImes 20 Nov 2019

Budget 2020: Deloitte urges tax changes in R&D, training

Businesses could be given a tax credit or allowance for "unrealised investment" in their employees should the staff decide to leave for another employer after undergoing training. Doing so might encourage companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to invest in their staff, even if they are unable to impose a service bond or other steps to retain the employees.

TODAYonline 15 Nov 2019

Asian professionals say a workplace that respects diverse opinion is key to retaining talent: Survey

The second most impactful practice for retaining talent, the report found, was by “having a diverse leadership team”.

Channel NewAsia 15 Nov 2019

Commentary: In this tough job market, retraining alone is no silver bullet

Not only is training in our professional interests, but it also fulfils a human need for self-improvement. According to a 2019 LinkedIn report, more than two in five employees in Singapore have left a company because they felt that learning and development opportunities were lacking.

The Asean Post 11 Nov 2019

Women’s jobs under threat from AI

Between 40 million and 160 million women globally might need to transition between occupations by 2030, into higher-skilled roles. This is because more women are clustered in professions and industries that are more prone to automation. 

The Straits TImes 11 Nov 2019

SkillsFuture scam: 6th person convicted

A freelance trader linked to the $39.9 million SkillsFuture scam was yesterday jailed for six years and eight months for money-laundering offences involving over $4 million.

The Straits TImes 03 Nov 2019

Get the mojo back - with older workers

The narrative of educated people in their 50s, 60s and older looking to reenter the labour market is often framed with descriptors such as vulnerable, job-skill mismatch, inflexible, demanding and needs coaching.

The Straits TImes 31 Oct 2019

New scheme to recognise master artists and craftsmen

Like the cultural hubs of France, Japan and South Korea, Singapore now has an award and recognition scheme for master craftsmen and artists to keep the island's heritage alive. The National Heritage Board (NHB) will be recognising four such master practitioners every year, starting next year.

TODAYonline 31 Oct 2019

Hiring more restrained, wage growth expected to ease as labour market softens: MAS

“The mismatch between skills and job vacancies is likely to worsen as trade-related industries, such as manufacturing, get hit harder than the rest of the economy.”

Channel NewAsia 25 Oct 2019

Better job matching requires flexibility from jobseekers and employers: Josephine Teo

MOM's preliminary figures suggest that "structural challenges such as skills and jobs mismatches continue to be the main cause of employment in Singapore". 

The Straits TImes 24 Oct 2019

Singapore to lead digital trade efforts and shape new digital trade architecture: Iswaran

"While free and open trade fosters economic growth, it does not always generate equitable outcomes. This is why Singapore invests in training and re-training its workers, and helps businesses transform and adapt to the digital age" - Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations S. Iswaran

TODAYonline 21 Oct 2019

Tertiary education has been ‘over-academised’; applied education also important: Tharman

Speaking at a conference in the United States capital, Washington DC, Mr Tharman said that applied education, such as technical and vocational training, can also help students develop both hard and soft skills.

The Straits TImes 15 Oct 2019

As industries undergo transition, workers will not be left to fend for themselves: PM Lee Hsien Loong

"To train for new roles, to cope with the rapid changes in their industries, and to remain employable. It will not be easy, but rest assured we will walk with you all the way." - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

The Straits TImes 15 Oct 2019

Service-sector unions tell President of job fears amid headwinds

Singapore has made "tremendous" efforts to improve the skills of workers, citing the SkillsFuture initiative and programmes by Workforce Singapore. These are programmes and skills that will support and help the workers." - President Halimah Yacob

The Straits TImes 11 Oct 2019

Man admits to handling $4m in criminal proceeds

A freelance trader linked to the $39.9 million SkillsFuture scam has admitted to money-laundering offences involving over $4 million. The scam that targeted SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), which oversees an initiative aimed at promoting lifelong learning, has been described as the largest fraud against a public institution here.

The Straits TImes 10 Oct 2019

Singapore economy ranked world's most competitive

"Singapore must persevere to stay ahead, given the current economic uncertainties, and equip its workers with the right skills" - Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing

The report said Singapore came in third for the skill sets of the current workforce, but 28th for the skills of its future workforce.

The Straits TImes 09 Oct 2019

Parliament: Critical thinking not limited to liberal arts: Faishal Ibrahim

Critical thinking is an essential skill that Singapore wants its young people to learn, and it is not confined to just liberal arts education" - Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education Faishal Ibrahim

The Straits TImes 06 Oct 2019

To thrive in Asean, soft skills matter too: Grace Fu

But to thrive in Asean, they will also need to pick up soft skills, she said. "These include leadership, project management skills and negotiating cultural differences, and also the ability to work well with your counterparts in a multidisciplinary, multinational team to deliver the projects you are assigned."

The Straits TImes 06 Oct 2019

SkillsFuture Credit top-up allows for continual upgrading

Not many other governments have invested so much in their citizens' development, and I lament the fact that many Singaporeans do not utilise this generous benefit. I hope it is not their lack of interest that is deterring the Government from topping up the credits of those, who, like me, appreciate and have exhausted this benefit.

TODAYonline 03 Oct 2019

DFS retrenches employees working at Changi Airport, T Galleria and Chai Chee

The support will include “outplacement assistance” with personalised one-on-one career coaching, job-matching, careers and job fairs, re-training and re-skilling, and employability skills workshops, as well as counselling service “for those who require them”.

Channel NewAsia 01 Oct 2019

Here’s a sure-win bet for Singapore companies and workers as recession looms

With all that comes a pressing need for our workers to be able to unlearn, relearn and be rapidly reskilled to take on new roles that have and will emerge with Singapore’s future economy. No organisation can reap the benefits of technology without putting employees at the heart of its strategy.

The Straits TImes 29 Sep 2019

Regularly top up SkillsFuture Credit

Periodic top-ups of SkillsFuture Credit, preferably every year, should be done. To ensure that it is used effectively, the top-ups can be given only to those who have used up their balance within 12 months to 24 months of the last top-up.

The Business Times 27 Sep 2019

Singaporeans are 2nd-most anxious about future impact of tech on jobs in PwC survey

If their jobs were at risk, 85 per cent would learn new skills now or completely re-train in order to improve their future employability. This is a clear reflection that individuals are aware of the necessity of upskilling, and is potentially due to the increase in efforts by both the public and private sector, said PwC.

The Business Times 27 Sep 2019

Singapore government ready to take action amid economic downturn: Heng

"We are helping our workers learn new skills, and working with companies to restructure jobs so their workers can do better." - Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat

Channel NewAsia 19 Sep 2019

S’pore ‘most resilient’ in Asia against threats of ageing workforce, automation, but pales against West: Study

Singapore came in the bottom half (13 out of 20) in an index ranking the major global economies' resilience against the threats of an ageing workforce and job automation. Yet, in Asia, it topped the ranking, eclipsing regional powerhouses China, Japan and South Korea in the Ageing and Automation Resilience Index.

The Straits TImes 15 Sep 2019

Job vacancies shrink as firms turn cautious amid slowdown

Recruitment firm ManpowerGroup Singapore country manager Linda Teo said the arrangements allow employers to retain their experienced talent and avoid additional recruitment costs when business recovers. "Employers should allow employees who are temporarily laid off or working shorter weeks the flexibility to find other employment to supplement their incomes. Employees can use the time freed up to learn the in-demand skills required for their role," she said.

TODAYonline 13 Sep 2019

Over 9 in 10 S’pore employers have trouble hiring, training staff for new technologies: Survey

As the Government pushes for digital transformation to take root in companies, some obstacles lie in the way, with more than nine in 10 Singaporean employers saying they face challenges in training and hiring staff to implement new technologies.

The Straits TImes 13 Sep 2019

12 weeks' jail for woman who submitted false information to Workforce Development Agency

A woman who submitted false information to the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), leading to fraudulent claims totalling more than $64,000, was sentenced on Friday (Sept 13) to 12 weeks' jail.

The Straits TImes 07 Sep 2019

Global system needs to give everyone room to grow: Heng Swee Keat

Singapore has been rethinking its education system, including training and retraining workers, to meet changing economic structures.

Channel NewAsia 07 Sep 2019

Every nation has to be ready for rapid tech changes, prepare people for it: Heng Swee Keat

“Jobs will change in many, many areas and jobs (that) are redundant ought to be gotten rid of. But our job is then to re-train workers so that they can access new and better jobs.” - Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat

Channel NewAsia 05 Sep 2019

Singapore’s education system faces ‘biggest challenge’ of enabling continued learning, PM Lee says

The “biggest challenge” facing Singapore’s education landscape today is creating a system that would be fit for purpose to enable continued learning, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Wednesday (Sep 4). 

The Business Times 04 Sep 2019

Diversify, innovate, train to weather global uncertainty: Chan Chun Sing

To weather ongoing global uncertainty, Singapore's national strategy is to diversify, innovate, and train, said Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing in Parliament on Tuesday.

The Straits TImes 30 Aug 2019

Most jobs will be around but in a refashioned form: Ong Ye Kung

Most occupations and jobs that exist today will still be around in the future, but in a "refashioned" form, Education Minister Ong Ye Kung has said.

The Straits TImes 27 Aug 2019

Start thinking about reskilling early

Those with older workers, aged around 55, could focus on relevant skills needed for re-employment.

The Straits TImes 25 Aug 2019

Woman admits to role in $64,000 training grants scam

Acting on her boss' instructions, an administrative assistant submitted false information to fraudulently obtain training grants disbursed by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), a district court heard yesterday.

The Straits TImes 25 Aug 2019

Singaporeans can weather world uncertainties by training and upgrading of skills: Lee Hsien Loong

He emphasised the importance of workers learning new skills to stay relevant in a changing economy, and older workers continuing to receive new training. "These are things which will help companies... which will help all of us in Singapore weather economic difficulties and do well when conditions get better," he said.

TODAYonline 21 Aug 2019

CPF rate hikes: Older workers need to play their part too, say firms which could face higher costs

They were unanimous in stressing that it takes two hands to clap — mature workers need to take some responsibility and continually upskill themselves to stay relevant to the industry.

Channel NewAsia 16 Aug 2019

More than 50 firms voluntarily raise retirement, re-employment ages: Ng Chee Meng

“We got to stay up to date with relevant skills (and) with added skills, hopefully, so that we can be productive. Age will not really be that much of a factor if you are skilful and you keep healthy.” - NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng

TODAYonline 15 Aug 2019

The economic slowdown — how to deal with it, and what it means for jobs and wages

With Singapore’s economy in for a bumpier ride till the end of the year, some, especially fresh graduates looking for jobs or those who have just entered the workforce, might be thinking that they need to tighten their belts or hold off on big-ticket purchases.

Channel NewAsia 10 Aug 2019

Government will continue to ‘invest heavily’ in Singaporeans: PM Lee in National Day message

“By continuing to invest heavily in our people, we enable each one of us to take advantage of new opportunities at every stage of life,” - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

The Straits TImes 28 Jul 2019

Government details two key job moves to help workers progress

As jobs are transformed, this creates a healthy demand for skills to be upgraded

The Newpaper 24 Jul 2019

S'pore's economic slowdown is impetus to upgrade workforce: NTUC chief

Mr Ng Chee Meng, who is secretary-general of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, also noted that workers must redouble their efforts to learn new skills which can help them move up in their careers and keep up with the times.

The Straits TImes 16 Jul 2019

President Halimah to launch new initiative to recognise contributions of workers

President Halimah Yacob added that a slowing economy could also provide more opportunities for workers to pick up new skills or upgrade themselves. Factories, for instance, are more likely to send workers for training if they are not operating round the clock.

Channel NewAsia 13 Jul 2019

Singapore not expecting a full-year recession at this point, says DPM Heng Swee Keat

Minister Chan Chun Sing cautioned against complacency and stressed the need for Singaporeans to upgrade themselves “faster” than other countries so as to seize new opportunities.

TODAYonline 12 Jul 2019

Report proposes MOE and MOM be merged to tackle skills gap among Singapore's workforce

A report by a think-tank has proposed that the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Education be combined to ensure that Singaporean workers have the skills the economy needs.

CNBC 11 Jul 2019

Amazon plans to spend $700 million to retrain a third of its US workforce in new skills

Amazon.com on Thursday unveiled plans to retrain a third of its U.S. workforce — or 100,000 workers — by 2025 to help its employees move into more advanced jobs or find new careers.

TODAYonline 11 Jul 2019

Coding enrichment classes for all upper primary school students from next year

All upper primary students (Primary 4 to 6) will attend compulsory coding enrichment classes from next year onwards, Communications and Information Minister S Iswaran announced on Wednesday (July 10).

Channel NewAsia 10 Jul 2019

New jobs can be created through technology, but workers need help retraining for these positions: Chan Chun Sing

Many new jobs are available in industries that have been disrupted by technology, and the challenge is training workers so they can transit from their current jobs into these new jobs, Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing said on Tuesday (Jul 9).

The Straits TImes 09 Jul 2019

Jail for scam mastermind and salesman over ruse that caused WDA to lose $51,000

Four men masterminded a ruse to cheat the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) which lost $51,000, a district court heard on Monday (July 8). One of them, Tay Sheng Yang, 28 , also known as "Allister", was jailed for two years after pleading guilty to 19 cheating charges and one count of obstructing the course of justice.

Channel NewAsia 30 Jun 2019

Suspensions and lapses in SkillsFuture courses – let market forces regulate training programmes

Workers must take matters into their own hands. Life-long learning is not a choice anymore but oxygen.

The Straits TImes 28 Jun 2019

SMEs to get more support with new SkillsFuture training grant of up to $10,000

Small- and medium-sized enterprises are set to get more financial support in training their employees, starting Monday (July 1).The new Productivity Solutions Grant (SkillsFuture Training Subsidy), worth up to $10,000 for each firm, can be used to cover 70 per cent of out-of-pocket training expenses. This means that, coupled with existing SkillsFuture course fee subsidies of up to 90 per cent, the cost of sending an employee for a training course with a fee of $2,000, for instance, can cost an SME just $60.

The Straits TImes 19 Jun 2019

Economy slowing but 2 in 5 Singapore employees still looking to change jobs this year: Survey

One in three millennials (33 per cent) would apply for jobs in companies that provide robust training programmes for continuous career and skills development, while 42 per cent of Gen Z candidates (those born during the mid-1990s to mid-2000s) look for "interesting jobs that they can feel excited about".

TODAYonline 19 Jun 2019

More than 40% of Singapore workers quit job due to lack of skills training: Survey

More than two in five employees in Singapore have left a company because they felt that it did not provide enough learning and development (L&D) opportunities. And this was mainly because the workers did not have time to take up these opportunities.

Channel NewAsia 12 Jun 2019

Kaplan Professional suspended from WSQ accreditation, SkillsFuture funding over 'serious lapses'

Kaplan Professional will be suspended as an approved training organisation under the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) due to "serious lapses", said SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) in a media release on Tuesday (Jun 11). 

The Straits TImes 06 Jun 2019

Former cleaner linked to $40 million SkillsFuture scam jailed for money laundering

A jobless man, who got involved with a crime syndicate that perpetrated what has been described as the largest case of fraud against a public institution in Singapore, was jailed on Tuesday (June 4).

The Straits TImes 02 Jun 2019

Education, training key for Singapore: Ong Ye Kung

Education and training are a key strategy to empower Singaporeans in this new phase of changes brought about by technology, and their importance is like that of the public housing policy in the 1960s, Education Minister Ong Ye Kung said yesterday.

Channel NewAsia 31 May 2019

National Wages Council calls on firms to tap on experience of older employees, provide training

Government has accepted the recommendation. One of it is to encourage companies to develop structured training for their workers. Click here to read the full details: http://tiny.cc/g3fk7y

Channel NewAsia 04 May 2019

More funding for unionised firms that commit to training, raising worker salaries

From April 2020, unionised companies and partners of the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) that apply for the Enterprise Development Grant will receive an additional 10 per cent of funding support from the labour movement, said Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat on Wednesday (May 1).

TODAYonline 04 May 2019

Lay offs in 2018 would have been 'much worse' without emphasis on training and upgrading: PM Lee

With the retrenchment rate last year dropping to the lowest in more than a decade, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Tuesday (April 30) that the situation would have been “much worse” had the Government not “strongly emphasised training, upgrading and redeploying staff”.

The Straits TImes 29 Apr 2019

Woman remitted nearly $400k linked to SkillsFuture scam

A woman ran an illegal remittance business and, in less than a year, remitted more than 12 million yuan (S$2.4 million) to designated bank accounts in China, as requested by her clients.

The Newpaper 29 Apr 2019

S'pore can be world leader in cultivating lifelong learning: Tharman

SkillsFuture is quite simply Singapore's "most important economic and social strategy in the long term", said Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam

The Straits TImes 05 Apr 2019

Young people do not think their education prepares them sufficiently for work: Online poll

Like Ms Nirmal, most agreed that they have to continually acquire new skills and knowledge to keep up with the rapid changes in industries. But they worry that they may not have enough time or energy to pick up new skills while holding down a full-time job.

The Straits TImes 05 Mar 2019

SMEs get new grant to cover out-of-pocket training expenses

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will get more financial support for training employees.

Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Education Chee Hong Tat told Parliament yesterday that a new Productivity Solutions Grant, worth up to $10,000 for each firm, can be used to cover 70 per cent of out-of-pocket training expenses.

This means that coupled with existing SkillsFuture course fee subsidies of up to 90 per cent, the cost of sending an employee for a training course with a fee of $2,000, for instance, would come to just $60 for an SME.

TODAYonline 27 Feb 2019

SkillsFuture fraud: Jail for man who helped elder brother stash money, move funds overseas

A 33-year-old man who helped his elder brother move money in a SkillsFuture scam — believed to be the largest defraudment of a public institution — was jailed for three-and-a-half years on Tuesday (Feb 26).

TODAYonline 27 Feb 2019

Budget debate: MPs address retirement age, SkillsFuture Credit and more

Mr Arasu Duraisamy, Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP): Companies willing to let their workers go for training should be incentivised by allowing them to easily tap Government funding. This will motivate firms to get their workers to develop their skills.

Channel NewAsia 14 Feb 2019

Budget 2019 to focus on helping companies embrace tech, workers learn new skills: Heng Swee Keat

It will also focus on helping workers learn new skills so that they can enjoy better jobs and pay, and master new technology for a better life for the future, said Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat

TODAYonline 12 Feb 2019

SMEs to get more help in upskilling workers: Dr Koh Poh Koon

More initiatives to encourage SMEs to send workers for training will be revealed at the ministry’s Committee of Supply debate next month and there may also be “some degree" of funding support, added Dr Koh Poh Koon.

The Business Times 11 Feb 2019

Tackling Singapore's skills shortage likely to lead Budget agenda

PUNDITS are widely expecting a fresh injection of support targeted at worker retraining and reskilling in the upcoming Singapore Budget 2019, especially for groups that are particularly vulnerable to economic restructuring such as older staff and skilled professionals.

The Straits TImes 10 Feb 2019

Tougher times ahead, but Government will continue to innovate and raise productivity: Lee Hsien Loong

Economic growth for 2019 will likely slow amid global uncertainties, but Singapore will remain squarely focused on its national agenda with healthcare, education and transport as priorities, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

The Straits TImes 01 Feb 2019

NTUC calls for top-up of SkillsFuture Credit in its wish list for Budget 2019

The labour movement is calling on the Government to provide an additional $500 in SkillsFuture Credit to help workers upgrade their skills.

It also hopes to see extensions for the Special Employment Credit scheme (SEC) and the Career Support Programme, two salary support schemes that strive to boost the employment prospects of older workers and professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs).

The Business Times 30 Jan 2019

Enhancements to SkillsFuture scheme expected in Budget 2019

In the upcoming Budget 2019, there could be an enhancement to the SkillsFuture initiative, given Singapore’s need to train and reskill workers to stay relevant in the future, according to a report by UOB.

The Straits TImes 06 Jan 2019

50,000 attend SkillsFuture Advice talks

The one-year-old SkillsFuture Advice programme has surpassed its target, with 50,000 Singaporeans having attended workshops to help them find courses that will boost their skills and career plans. Launched in October last year, the project comprises free 90-minute talks in English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil at community centres and clubs.

The Straits TImes 05 Jan 2019

Singapore must continue to transform economy, says Heng Swee Keat, as he calls for Budget suggestions

At the same time, we need to equip Singaporeans with relevant skills, so that we can all progress together, and also strengthen our sense of community.

Channel NewAsia 30 Dec 2018

Commentary: Disruption is coming for Singapore business schools

Some say we expect too much out of business schools, which are also tasked with grooming professionals climbing up the corporate ladder and helping people switch industries mid-career. But most of us can agree equipping graduates with skills for the future economy must remain a basic goal or business schools risk becoming obsolete.

World Economic Forum 25 Dec 2018

Latin America has the biggest skills gap in the world. Here’s how to bridge it

Investing in skills would also help address inequality, since large differences in productivity go hand-in-hand with large differences in wages. Without this investment, the winners – that is, the most innovative firms and their high-skilled staff – will continue to take all.

The Straits Times 16 Dec 2018

Hire for attitude, train for skills

As a human resources practitioner with about two decades of experience, I would say that what is missing in this game play is a critical success element which has been the hallmark of growth for many industries globally: Hiring for attitude and training for skills.

The Straits Times 16 Dec 2018

Job seekers must identify, learn right skills: Workforce Singapore

A study released by the Ministry of Trade and Industry last week found that a skills mismatch had the biggest impact on job application outcomes, out of six possible mismatches studied, including differences in industries and salary expectations.

Channel NewAsia 30 Nov 2018

SkillsFuture introduces measures to better detect fraudulent claims,

SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) has made changes to its systems and processes so that it can better detect suspected fraudulent claims, said the statutory board in a media release on Thursday (29 Nov 2018).

The Straits Times 29 Nov 2018

What will be Singapore's most in-demand jobs for 2019?

Singapore hiring is likely to see stable growth in 2019, with top jobs in demand to be analytical and data-driven in nature, according to the latest annual salary survey by recruitment firm Robert Walters.

Channel NewAsia 27 Nov 2018

First member of 5-person syndicate jailed over S$40m SkillsFuture claims scam

An unemployed man who was part of a five-person syndicate that defrauded statutory board SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) of almost S$40 million was sentenced to five years and eight months in jail on Tuesday (27 Nov 2018).

The Asean Post 27 Nov 2018

Building skills of the future

To that end, the four C’s of 21st century learning – critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication – must be emphasised. It is in these areas, humans retain considerable advantage over our possible AI counterparts, hence it is a crucial skill to learn in order to futureproof the workforce.

The Straits Times 26 Nov 2018

90-year-old great-grandfather finally graduates from high school in Philippines

90-year-old great-grandfather has postponed his studies for 77 years because of World War 2. After 77 years, he has finally earned a certificate that he can frame and proudly hang on his wall.

The Newpaper 19 Nov 2018

Region’s leaders urged to do more to shape digital economy rules

During a working lunch with Apec leaders, Mr Lee Hsien Loong said government have to equip their people with the skills and confidence to adapt to disruption and thrive in the new world.

The Newpaper 08 Nov 2018

Upskilling is now a must-do

Forward-thinking companies that consider what they want their employees to learn and what training and development methods are best for their goals reap the benefits with workers who are better at their jobs, more motivated and more likely to remain with the company.

TODAY 08 Nov 2018

Consider lowering the minimum age for receiving SkillsFuture Credit to 21

Right now, only Singaporeans aged 25 and above will receive a SkillsFuture Credit of S$500. Perhaps, the minimum age could be lowered to 21 years old.

While SkillsFuture Credit is targeted at individuals who are already in the workforce or have completed their full-time education and ready to start their careers, there are non-university graduates who enter the workforce earlier and this will allow the younger workers to sign up for SkillsFuture courses and acquire new skills.

The Straits Times 05 Nov 2018

SkillsFuture initiatives to improve adult education training

To raise the quality of training in the sector, more training providers will also have to ensure that at least 80 per cent of their trainers or assessors are equipped with the necessary qualifications.

Channel NewAsia 24 Oct 2018

Singapore ranks high on educational mobility: OECD report

Singapore is among the top in the world when it comes to upward educational mobility, a report has found, with nearly six in 10 adults better educated than their parents.

The Straits Times 18 Oct 2018

Workers have to be ultimate beneficiaries of industrial change: Koh Poh Koon

A skilled, nimble and prepared workforce lies at the heart of Singapore's manufacturing strategy because, without such workers, Singapore cannot ride the wave of emerging digital industrial technologies, or Industry 4.0, said Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Koh Poh Koon on Wednesday (Oct 17).

TODAY 16 Oct 2018

S’pore to be worst hit by job displacement as tech disrupts region’s labour markets: Study

In Singapore, some 85,000 existing roles will disappear, pushing workers into other industries and vocations.

TODAY 13 Oct 2018

Alibaba’s Jack Ma doesn’t believe in ‘experts’, says education must change to cope with tech changes

There is no expert of the future, there is always an expert of yesterday. The best people are those who have been hired and trained by the company to become the best.

The Newpaper 04 Oct 2018

SkillsFuture transforming Singapore's preparations for the future

Singaporeans will need both knowledge and skills in order to thrive. As of now, some 370,000 of the 2.6 million eligible Singaporeans have used their SkillsFuture credits to attend training courses.

Quartz At Work 27 Sep 2018

To help skill the workforce, companies should change how they think about hiring

Most companies know they are not getting college grads who are ready to hit the ground running when they enter the workforce, and their corporate training dollars are often wasted on misaligned training focused on the wrong things.

Reuters 25 Sep 2018

World still waiting for wages boost despite stronger economy: Hays

Firms are finding it increasingly hard to hire skilled staff. Hays' gauge of skills shortages across 33 countries hit its highest level in 2018 since the survey started six years ago.

TODAY 21 Sep 2018

Singapore needs foreign tech talent and fun education: Ong Ye Kung

“Talent is very short everywhere in the world -- AI talent, software programmers. We let them in because we require a critical mass for the sector to take off, while we continue to train Singaporeans for those jobs.” - Education Minister Ong Ye Kung said.

Channel NewAsia 31 Aug 2018

10,000 in Singapore to be taught AI basics for free

Singaporeans ranging from secondary students to working adults will get to pick up artificial intelligence (AI) basics for free as part of a programme called AI for Everyone (AI4E) unveiled on Thursday (Aug 30).

TODAY 30 Aug 2018

Age of 'abrupt' automation: Future-proof your job to work alongside robots

The key steps, a multitude of experts suggest, are to future-proof your job with training and to learn how to work alongside robots.

It is important to realise that even when some tasks are automated, you can keep your job by learning to perform new tasks rather than having your role taken away.

EMSI 23 Aug 2018

The Top 10 Skills In Demand at the Top 10 U.S. Companies

Find out the skills that the top 10 companies on the Fortune 500 are looking for.

The Business Times 01 Aug 2018

Employees taking up work-related training rose to 48% in 2017: Chee Hong Tat

SINGAPORE'S training participation rate, which measures the proportion of the workforce taking up work-related training, has increased for a second consecutive year.

The figure rose from 35 per cent in 2015, to 42 per cent in 2016, and stands at 48 per cent for 2017, said Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Chee Hong Tat.

Channel NewAsia 31 Jul 2018

Training facilitator jailed for abusing SkillsFuture Credit scheme

A 35-year-old freelance training facilitator was sentenced to seven months' jail for abusing the SkillsFuture credit scheme, SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) said in a media release on Tuesday.

The Business Times 30 Jul 2018

New national centre to help local companies develop in-house trainers

A NEW centre will serve as the national institute for workplace trainers, helping local firms develop their own groups of certified instructors.

Education Minister Ong Ye Kung, who made the announcement on Monday, said having employers train their own workers is “the most important aspect of lifelong learning”.

Channel NewAsia 26 Jul 2018

Lifelong learning necessary, but basic foundation of education unchanged: Ong Ye Kung

"An academic degree helps open doors, but employers are increasingly looking beyond academic qualifications for demonstrated skills and competencies" - Education Minister Ong Ye Kung

The Straits Times 20 Jul 2018

Constantly learning is key to staying competitive

The top three skills in demand now are ABC (Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data and Cloud Computing).

Channel NewAsia 19 Jul 2018

Are ITE graduates under the age of 25 can be allowed to use their SkillsFuture Credits?

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education Low Yen Ling spoke in Parliament on Wednesday (Jul 11). She answered a question from MP Saktiandi Supaat on whether ITE graduates under the age of 25 can be allowed to use their SkillsFuture Credits for training or courses to enhance their employability.

Channel NewAsia 12 Jul 2018

Lift the bottom, not cap the top: Minister Ong Ye Kung outlines key principles on education system

For that, you cannot have a system that is one-size-fits-all. Nor is there any longer a single measure of success, and learning has to be lifelong.” “For that, you cannot have a system that is one-size-fits-all. Nor is there any longer a single measure of success, and learning has to be lifelong.

The Straits Times 09 Jul 2018

Firms should embrace change, hire and train

Companies should not be resistant to change, in this age of technology and disruption. They should look at hiring fresh graduates to boost the adoption of new technology, and hiring people with relevant skills from previous jobs who can be trained to fill particular roles.

The Straits Times 09 Jul 2018

SkillsFuture, four years on

Some employers in the past relied quite heavily on "buy" decisions, so you poach talent from competitors. But I think that's increasingly not very tenable particularly if you're at the cutting edge of industry development, whether you're in businesses like robotics, AI, data analytics, because the reality is that there's a global shortage of talent in these areas.

Channel NewAsia 13 Jun 2018

Matching older workers to jobs the key manpower challenge for Singapore

Reskilling a company’s current manpower, rather than looking for, onboarding and training young hires, seems like a more time and cost-effective approach to human capital management for companies.

Channel NewAsia 29 May 2018

New tripartite workgroup to study concerns of older workers

A one-year pilot SkillsFuture for Enterprises (SFE) initiative will guide companies in putting in place human resource systems, structures and processes, and help transform existing practices to provide better training and development for their employees.

The Straits Times 11 May 2018

Manpower Ministry to roll out SkillsFuture scheme for companies

Businesses will get help to make training a key part of their strategy, under a new SkillsFuture scheme to be launched by the Manpower Ministry (MOM).

This scheme aims to better support companies in growing and expanding into overseas markets, said Manpower Minister Josephine Teo on Thursday (May 10).

The Business Times 04 May 2018

Talent gap for 20 major economies to hit 85m workers

While it is expected to have talent deficit of 85.2 million workers across the 20 major economies, Singapore will be short of more than 1 million skilled workers by the year of 2030.

The Straits Times 01 May 2018

$200 million raised to subsidise worker training

The labour movement has injected its targeted $200 million into a fund that helps subsidise training for union members, National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) secretary-general Chan Chun Sing said at the May Day Rally on Tuesday (May 1).

Channel NewAsia 29 Apr 2018

Retraining, redeploying workers at risk of displacement a ‘key focus’ of MOM: Josephine

More programmes to retrain and redeploy workers at risk of being displaced is a key focus of the Manpower Ministry (MOM) this year, said incoming Manpower Minister Josephine Teo on Sunday

The Straits Times 11 Apr 2018

Upgrade skills to reimagine Singapore for the future

We must keep in mind that, in today's digital world, people all over the world can have the same skills as we do.

Channel NewAsia 26 Mar 2018

‘Foolish’ to think old ways of education planning will remain effective: Ong Ye Kung

Education systems here must be able to recognise the diversity of strengths and talents among the young to help them pursue their passions, and it would be “foolish to think that the old way of planning for education” will remain effective.

The Straits Times 18 Mar 2018

Skills v degrees debate at ST Education Forum ends in a tie

The question of which matters more for success in life - holding a degree or mastering skills - has finally been answered, and it is a tie. At The Straits Times Education Forum yesterday, organised in partnership with the Singapore Management University (SMU), the motion "You don't need a degree to succeed in life" was debated.

Channel NewAsia 28 Feb 2018

MPs make suggestions on improving workers’ skills, work environment in Budget debate

MP for Nee Soon GRC Lee Bee Wah suggested that the Government consider investing more resources in SkillsFuture credits. Calling the scheme that provides S$500 to each Singaporean to apply for courses a “crucial component” of the future economy, she proposed giving more credits to those who have already used theirs.
 

The Straits Times 26 Feb 2018

Skills are something that activate your knowledge: Ong Ye Kung

Although university degrees are the "currency" to land good jobs at the moment, he stresses that deep skills are what will count for career progression.

TODAY 22 Feb 2018

Basic IT lessons among most popular courses under SkillsFuture movement

The most popular SkillsFuture courses attended by Singaporeans are mostly related to information technology, including basic classes on how to use computers and tablets, said Education Minister (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung in Parliament on the 19 Feb 2018.

The Straits Times 10 Feb 2018

S'poreans' top concern: Planning for future

Most of them expressed support for more to be done to help them deepen and broaden their skills. This can be achieved through greater employer support for skills upgrading and increasing awareness that employers need to recognise the value of training their employees.

Channel NewAsia 09 Feb 2018

SkillsFuture Singapore warns public not to be misled by claims that credits will expire

SSG, which administers the SkillsFuture scheme, said it has received reports that individuals are going door to door, asking people to sign up for courses. These individuals also told them that the credits will expire and they will not be eligible for top-ups, if they do not sign up for courses.
 

Channel NewAsia 01 Feb 2018

More than 285,000 Singaporeans benefited from SkillsFuture Credit since launch

Since its launch in 2015, more than 285,000 working adult Singaporeans have benefited from SkillsFuture, which can be used in applying for classes and workshops accredited by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). 

Of those who have benefited, about 160,000 Singaporeans have used their SkillsFuture Credit in 2017 and infocomm technology courses are among the most popular.

Channel NewAsia 20 Jan 2018

Bogus SkillsFuture claim: Hawker misled into buying tablet with ‘expiring’ credits

Without any knowledge of how the SkillsFuture scheme works and unaware that he had S$500 in credits to be used for courses, Mr Ang believed the sales representatives and allowed them to access his SingPass account to log onto the SkillsFuture portal.

The Straits Times 08 Jan 2018

Parliament: Inter-agency task force reviewing SkillsFuture fraud; data analytics system to be up by Q3

An inter-agency task force has been formed to evaluate how the fraud detection system for SkillsFuture claims may be improved, said Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung in Parliament on Monday (Jan 8).

A "good and effective data analytics system" will be in place by the third quarter of this year, he added.

His announcement follows news last month that SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), which oversees the lifelong learning scheme, had been cheated of nearly $40 million.

The Straits Times 02 Jan 2018

Agencies beef up measures to curb abuse of public schemes

Government agencies are tightening their processes and stepping up enforcement following a series of scams involving public incentive schemes. One of its new measures is the enhancement of its fraud analytics with the help of private sector consultants and the Government Technology Agency. Its fraud detection system now includes a "combination of pre-and post-disbursement data analytics to detect anomalies and abnormal claim patterns, as well as physical audits of training providers, employers and individuals".

The Straits Times 02 Jan 2018

Singapore economy grew by 3.5% in 2017, says PM Lee Hsien Loong in New Year message

In his traditional New Year message, he noted that Singapore benefited from the global economic upswing. But more fundamentally, the better-than-expected growth was because Singapore's productivity - long a challenge for the country - has grown.

"Singaporeans are upgrading and learning new skills, while businesses are innovating and adopting new technology. That is how we will stay competitive and ready for the future."

The Straits Times 19 Dec 2017

Criminal syndicate allegedly scams SkillsFuture of $40m in fake claims

A 41-year-old man has been hauled to court over his alleged involvement in Singapore's largest case of a public institution being defrauded to date, involving nearly $40 million.

Yahoo News Singapore 19 Dec 2017

Two men admit to taking part in SkillsFuture claims scam

Two men who cheated the Workforce Development agency (WDA) out of nearly $20,000 by submitting false SkillsFuture claims pleaded guilty to their charges on Thursday (7 December).

The Straits Times 28 Nov 2017

Singapore workers fall short in global survey on taking responsibility for upgrading own skills

Singapore falls short of the global average with 83 per cent of employees here ready to take the initiative to upgrade their skills despite the myriad of learning and development programmes available to them, the Randstad Workmonitor survey found.

TODAY 27 Nov 2017

Motivation is key to persuading adults back to learning

Learning throughout life makes sense. Research evidence shows that it is good for your health, your wealth, your civic engagement, and for your family’s future prospects. It prolongs your independent life and enriches your quality of life. It makes sense too for companies to invest in upgrading the skills of their employees – as this fosters flexibility and creativity, problem solving, team work and better productivity.

Channel NewAsia 24 Nov 2017

Professionals with specialised skills in demand despite 'minimal' pay raises next year: Robert Walters

Channel NewAsia 19 Nov 2017

Singapore's economic growth could exceed 3% this year: PM Lee

The Straits Times 15 Nov 2017

Frustrating experience with SkillsFuture course

Another issue is that the SkillsFuture website is very confusing to navigate. The experience has put me off attending other courses or recommending my friends to take courses.

The Straits Times 09 Oct 2017

11 warning letters, 1 suspension issued over breach of SkillsFuture marketing guidelines

We take a serious view of any individual or organisation that abuses the SkillsFuture Credit scheme and will not hesitate to act against those who contravene our guidelines and terms on the use of SkillsFuture Credit.

The Straits Times 27 Aug 2017

Adult education system has to evolve to 'get tomorrow's jobs for today's Singaporeans': Chan Chun Sing

Singapore has to keep evolving its adult education system, so that its people are one step ahead of others in this rapidly changing economy, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Chan Chun Sing on Saturday (Aug 26).

Speaking at a panel discussion at the inaugural Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Alumni Awardees Gala Reunion, he shared that workers should be equipped with the skill sets for tomorrow's jobs, rather than just today's jobs.

The Straits Times 16 Aug 2017

Singaporeans less satisfied with their employers than workers globally

Mercer said an increasing number of employees in Singapore are not getting the right opportunities to learn and grow. Twenty per cent of employees in Singapore say they are not receiving the necessary feedback from their immediate managers to improve themselves.

The Straits Times 13 Aug 2017

Job market still weak despite stronger economic growth

According to Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the total employment fell for the second quarter in a row with 8,400 fewer workers in jobs.

The Straits Times 07 Aug 2017

Embrace lifelong learning and doing, Heng Swee Keat urges Singaporeans

Learning before starting work is the norm, but Singaporeans should embrace a new approach of "learning while doing" that allows them to keep up with technology and fast- changing workplaces, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat said last night.

Channel NewAsia 04 Aug 2017

Hong Kong to set up civil service academy similar to Singapore's: Carrie Lam

Channel NewAsia 03 Aug 2017

41 employers, workers get inaugural SkillsFuture awards for lifelong learning efforts

After Mr Terence Yow (Owner of Enviably Me) sent his employees for courses, the company has drastically reduced the attrition rate from 200 per cent to under 10 per cent yearly.

The Straits Time 26 Jul 2017

Ex-director of Harry's charged with submitting false claims to obtain training funds

A former chief operating officer of bar and dining chain Harry's has been charged with allegedly submitting false claims to obtain government funds for the training of the company's employees.

The Straits Times 23 Jul 2017

Joint skills centre in Delhi 'a success'

A vocational skills centre in New Delhi, a Singapore-India collaboration, has been a success. All graduating trainees have found jobs, many earning wages above the average.

TODAY 23 Jul 2017

More training, enforcement needed to reduce fatalities at worksites

“As far as workplace safety and health is concerned, we have to continue ramping up our efforts in three areas: Raise awareness of workplace safety and health, provide more training to personnel involved in workplaces, and maintain high levels of enforcement,” - Minister of State for Manpower Sam Tan

The Straits Time 19 Jul 2017

Five growth industries picked for more focused job help: Lim Swee Say

"In future, more and more of our workers would have to refresh their skills (and) re-skill even more frequently than before," said Manpower Minister Lim Swee Say

The Straits Time 18 Jul 2017

Microsoft consumer team here hit by layoffs

Global layoffs at Microsoft have hit the Singapore consumer team.

Sources told The Straits Times that almost the entire consumer team, comprising more than 10 sales and marketing people, has been laid off. Only one person is left to manage the distribution of products such as the Xbox game console, Surface tablets and peripherals such as the wireless mouse to retailers in Singapore.

Channel NewAsia 13 Jul 2017

Nestle retrenches dozens of employees in Singapore

In this rapidly changing business environment, employees are vulnerable to retrenchment as some roles will no longer be relevant. Employees should take a more proactive role to up-skill themselves with training to stay relevant.

TODAY 11 Jul 2017

Welcome Gen Z: Here’s what employers in Singapore want from you

To attract and retain Gen Z, we need to help them be the best they can be at work and in life. We help them to make a difference to each other and to their communities

Channel NewAsia 11 Jul 2017

4 charged for abusing SkillsFuture Credit scheme

The Straits Times 09 Jul 2017

PM Lee Hsien Loong outlines ways for governments to help workers, businesses adapt to digitalisation

Governments must also train and equip workers with the skills and confidence to thrive in the new world, said Mr Lee.

Countries such as France, the UK and South Korea have rolled out basic coding and robotics programs for schoolchildren, and Singapore has done the same.

Channel NewAsia 28 Jun 2017

Agility, the secret skillset companies are looking to hire

Businesses are looking for people with the technical skills to harness emerging technologies. But workers will miss the mark if they do not also develop agility, argues Korn Ferry Hay Group’s David Pang.
 

The Straits Times 28 Jun 2017

Education needs to be transformed so students appreciate the aesthetics in technology

Education today needs to be transformed such that students have a sensibility to appreciate the aesthetics in technology and the elements that "resonate with the soul".

An ability to build should also be nurtured, where one needs to understand how new technology is created, said Minister- in-charge of Singapore's Smart Nation initiative Vivian Balakrishnan on Tuesday (June 27).

Lastly, students also need to build on their communication skills, he added, in order for messages and emotions to be conveyed at a human level.

The Straits Time 22 Jun 2017

Mendaki to champion learning with 2 new awards

Self-help group Mendaki will roll out two new awards this year aimed at nurturing lifelong learning.

One will help individuals whose studies were interrupted in the past and want to go back to school, while the other targets professionals keen on honing their skills and gaining experience.

The Straits Times 13 Jun 2017

Fewer workers lose jobs in Q1, but no improvement to long-term unemployment rate: MOM figures

Long-term unemployment rate crept back to the highest level in eight years and it remained difficult for some groups of people to get back into a job. MOM advised displaced workers and jobseekers to visit career centres and make use of Adapt and Grow programmes to find jobs or reskill for new careers

The Straits Time 06 Jun 2017

Nearly 1 in 5 Singapore employees fears losing jobs to automation

According to a survey by recruitment firm Randstad, about three in four, or 72 per cent, of Singapore employees were open to retraining for a new role - provided that their salaries would remain the same or higher than before.

The Straits Times 29 May 2017

Making lifelong learning work for employees

Changes in technology have also altered, and will continue to alter, the nature of the economy. It will have a profound impact on the types of jobs created. This is where initiatives, such as SkillsFuture, are critical in getting Singaporeans to learn deep skills and embrace new job roles.

Today 24 May 2017

Worker upgrading an urgent issue for CDCs to focus on

The five CDCs should urge people in their respective districts to adapt to the economic changes and to adopt lifelong learning. That would allow them to become more employable and create brighter prospects for their families, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

The Straits Times 27 Apr 2017

SkillsFuture Credit claims processes to be revised from May 19 to reduce risk of abuse

SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) will revise the processes to claim SkillsFuture Credit from May 19, as it seeks to reduce the risk of abuse. In a media release on Wednesday (April 26), SSG said under the new process, all SkillsFuture Credit payments will be made to training providers instead of individuals. Individuals can still continue to submit claims, but training providers will instead collect net fees from them after offsetting the credit used.

TODAY 21 Apr 2017

Lawyers must raise their game to stay ahead of the times: Shanmugam

In the past, law firms could charge clients according to the headcount on their team. Now in the digital age, where artificial intelligence and algorithms can substitute a lawyer and obliterate geographical borders, lawyers will have to raise their game and consider how they can offer value-added services.

The Straits Times 21 Apr 2017

Skills map for energy and chemicals workers

As manufacturing becomes more high-tech, workers in the energy, chemicals and utility industries will have to pick up new skills such as identifying data trends and applying cyber-security strategies.

TODAY 17 Apr 2017

What skills does Singapore need for the future economy?

The way we work in the future will be vastly different from today’s economy. Jobs of the future will be a lot more flexible, collaborative and mobile. The future workplace will be more diverse and may even require humans to work alongside robots.

TODAY 04 Apr 2017

Too early to decide on next top-up of SkillsFuture Credit: MP

Factors such as the take-up rate, as well as the Government’s fiscal position, would be considered in the review for the next phase of the national SkillsFuture Credit scheme, before deciding whether and when to disburse it, Parliamentary Secretary of Education Low Yen Ling said yesterday.

Channel NewsAsia 30 Mar 2017

NUS to train 2,000 Singapore civil servants in data science annually

The National University of Singapore (NUS) will provide data science training to 2,000 public officers annually, under a new memorandum of intent (MOI) it signed with the Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech) on Wednesday (Mar 29).

TODAY 29 Mar 2017

Need to build 'new middle class' with digital skills: Vivian Balakrishnan

The digital revolution is disrupting jobs and impacting wages, and governments must choose between insulating themselves or equipping their citizens with the relevant skills to ride the waves of the revolution.

TODAY 18 Mar 2017

Resident jobless rate rises to 3% as vacancies hit 4-year low

"According to Ministry of Manpower's 2016 labour market report, there are more job-seekers (100) than job openings (77), the worst job market situation since 2009, when the world was still reeling from the financial crisis.

The annual average rate of residents re-entering the workforce after they were laid off also sank for the second successive year to 48 per cent last year, the lowest since comparative figures were available in 2010 (53 per cent)."

TODAY 18 Mar 2017

Technology key to solving manpower crunch: Minister of Manpower Lim Swee Say

TodayOnline 06 Nov 2016

Job-skills mismatch underlines need for retraining

The mismatch between jobs and skills has reached a level as bad as the 2008-2009 global financial crisis, underscoring persistent calls by government leaders for workers to go for retraining.