Shopee, LinkedIn, Avast boost content in SkillsFuture classes on digital skills

Singapore

ONLINE shopping platform Shopee, professional networking service LinkedIn and digital security firm Avast will provide training content to upskill Singapore workers for the digital age.

The three technology firms have partnered NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHUB) and SkillsFuture Singapore to add to the curriculum under the two-day SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace (SFDW) course delivered by NTUC LHUB.

The new classes on cybersecurity, e-commerce and employability will be available from October.

Pilot classes were conducted on Aug 27-28 for 13 participants, who received hands-on training on the Avast mobile security and antivirus app. They also learnt how to improve their LinkedIn profiles and use online professional networks to grow their employment opportunities, as well as how to start an online shop using the Shopee marketplace.

Avast security adviser and technical director Filip Chytry said: "For today's employees, media literacy should not only embrace adequate know-how of technology use, but also awareness of privacy and cybersecurity risks, knowing how to protect their precious personal data, and that of their employer."

LinkedIn managing director for Asia-Pacific Olivier Legrand said that the partnership with NTUC LHUB will help to connect jobseekers facing barriers with networks and resources in Singapore. "By leveraging LinkedIn as a professional network and initiating career conversations, jobseekers could be one step closer to their next opportunity," he added.

Meanwhile, Shopee will teach foundational digital skills in e-commerce to create opportunities for online entrepreneurs. "E-commerce can unlock new opportunities for buyers and sellers that were traditionally non-existent," said Zhou Junjie, Shopee's chief commercial officer and Singapore country head.

The SFDW course equips Singaporeans and permanent residents with basic digital skills and prepares them for technological changes. Participants who have completed the programme can also pick up specialist skills and knowledge in areas such as data analytics, blockchain and advanced manufacturing from courses under the SkillsFuture Series.

Ng Cher Pong, chief executive officer (CEO) of SkillsFuture Singapore, said on Friday: "It's essential for Singaporeans to familiarise themselves with digital tools for the workplace and in their daily lives as we face rapid technological advancements."

Since the launch of the SFDW programme in 2017, NTUC LHUB, as an appointed training partner, has trained more than 20,000 individuals to date, including employees from SMRT and ST Engineering.

NTUC LHUB will continue to ensure workers have up-to-date skills to remain employed and employable, and develop the confidence to navigate the digital economy, its CEO, Kwek Kok Kwong, said on Friday.

"We will continue to grow our web of knowledge partners to democratise new technologies and knowledge for our workers," he added.