03/08/2019

More Support for Singaporeans and Enterprises to be Prepared for the Digital Economy

There are two new measures by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) to better prepare Singaporeans and enterprises for the digital economy, i.e. a new collaboration between SSG and Microsoft, and enhancements to the national SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace programme. These were announced by Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Communications and Information, Dr Janil Puthucheary at the inaugural SkillsFuture Festival X Smart Nation (SFFXSmart Nation) today.

Co-organised by SSG, and the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office, the event is part of the six-week long SkillsFuture Festival, and will be held from 3 to 4 August.  Visitors can understand the application and benefits of technology at work as part of the Singapore’s Smart Nation movement. They can also learn about the latest digital tools and technology trends through experiential zones, workshops and talks to become more confident about using technology.

New Collaboration between SkillsFuture Singapore and Microsoft

SSG and Microsoft launched the Tech Intensity Training Roadmap, a three-year plan to help Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) accelerate their adoption of technology, and to help individuals build their digital capabilities. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by both parties for the collaboration, which aims to benefit 5,000 individuals and 100 SMEs.

There are several components to this collaboration.  First, Microsoft will, as a start, work with the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) to develop industry-relevant curriculum for relevant SkillsFuture programmes, such as the SkillsFuture Work-Study programmes. This will help build a talent pipeline for jobs of the future, and cater to the needs of the wider industry. 

Second, Microsoft will work with SSG to enhance workplace learning practices among Microsoft’s network of SME partners. Microsoft and SSG will co-develop a training blueprint, which will help SMEs build a strong workplace learning culture to accelerate technology and skills adoption for workplace transformation, and enhance employee engagement and retention. 

Third, Microsoft will provide a curated list of free online Microsoft courses on SSG’s MySkillsFuture portal on topics such as Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. Participants will receive Microsoft certification upon successful completion of selected programmes. SSG will also incorporate the materials provided by Microsoft on CyberSecurity, Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence into the curriculum for the SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace programme.

Lastly, Microsoft’s PowerApps Platform will be incorporated into SkillsFuture initiatives, including the SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace. This enables Singaporeans to learn how to build and customise business applications according to their business needs.

More details on the collaboration are in Annex A.

Enhancement of the SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace

In support of the sixth pillar of Total Defence – Digital Defence, SSG has enhanced the SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace programme to add a Digital Defence component. Supported by the National Library Board, Nexus and Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, the enhanced curriculum will enable participants to be better informed about cybersecurity, and to pick up skills to identify and guard themselves against fake news.

Mr Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive of SSG, said, “It is critical for our workforce and companies to be adequately equipped with the skills to seize the new opportunities brought about by digital transformation. The collaboration with key industry stakeholders, such as Microsoft, is significant in building digital competencies. SSG will continue to expand our network of intermediaries in Singapore’s skills eco-system.”