SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace launched to prepare Singaporeans for digital economy

THE SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace was launched on Thursday by Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung.

Led by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), this initiative - which is structured as a two-day training programme - seeks to equip Singaporeans with basic digital skills that are useful at the workplace and in their daily lives, SSG said on Thursday.

Areas such as cybersecurity and data interpretation will be covered during the training, and participants will learn how to use digital applications such as e-payments, and apply for courses eligible for SkillsFuture Credit.

These tasks will "help Singaporeans build digital confidence and adopt a positive mindset towards change, innovation and resilience", SSG said.

The SSG has also appointed seven training partners to deliver the programme. By the end of the year, it expects to expand the list of training providers to include all the polytechnics, the Institute of Technical Education and IBM.

Over the next three years, this programme aims to benefit 100,000 Singaporeans. More than 35 companies have committed to sending their staff for training within the next 12 months.

In order to reach more Singaporeans, there are also plans to conduct classes at community centres and public libraries.

The programme was developed with support from the labour movement, employers and technology partners such as Microsoft and Samsung. A pilot run of the programme which started in July this year, has trained more than 330 participants.

"Companies such as Singtel, Maybank, Fei Siong Group, Courts and SIA Engineering Company have found the programme useful and sent their staff for it," SSG said.

Ng Cher Pong, chief executive of SSG, said: "The digital transformation of the economy brings about new opportunities, and acquiring digital skills is essential for (Singaporeans) to tap on these potentials."