SkillsFuture is a national movement to provide Singaporeans with the opportunities to develop their fullest potential throughout life, regardless of their starting points. Through this movement, the skills, passion and contributions of every individual will drive Singapore's next phase of development towards an advanced economy and inclusive society.
Investment in human capital through education and training has been at the heart of Singapore’s progress, and has also helped Singaporeans develop and maximise their potential. By enabling a highly-skilled and competitive workforce, it has allowed Singaporeans to secure better jobs, higher incomes and enjoy higher standards of living.
Continuous education and training remain core to our society and economy today and for the future. With the fast pace of technological advancements and stronger global competition for jobs, skills upgrading and deepening are essential for Singaporeans to maintain a competitive edge.
As our economy restructures and companies find ways to innovate and enhance productivity, the demand for higher-skilled workers will also increase.
Given these trends, the workplace must be a major site of learning, where every Singaporean is able to continue to develop themselves throughout their careers and through life.
The tripartite SkillsFuture Council, led by Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, will coordinate and drive a national effort to help Singaporeans develop skills relevant to the future, and build a future based on the mastery of skills in every job. SkillsFuture encapsulates the impetus for Singapore to move towards an advanced economy and society, where individuals go beyond competence to attaining expertise and mastery of skills, motivated not just by current demands of their job but by a dedication to excellence and passion in each individual’s own area of strength and interest. It also embodies the spirit of lifelong learning, respect for skills in every job, and celebrating the skills and growth of every individual, no matter their background, age or qualifications.
Four key areas of focus under the SkillsFuture Council are:
- Helping individuals make well-informed choices in education, training and careers.
- Developing an integrated, high-quality system of education and training that responds to constantly evolving industry needs.
- Promoting employer recognition and career development based on skills and mastery.
- Fostering a culture that supports and celebrates lifelong learning.
In line with SkillsFuture, the Ministry of Manpower, together with Workforce Singapore, the Ministry of Education and other economic agencies in government, are developing an integrated system of education and training to provide all Singaporeans with the enhanced opportunities to acquire greater skills proficiency, knowledge and expertise.
For continuing education and training (CET), workers can sign up for programmes and courses under the Singapore Workforce Qualifications System (WSQ) to upgrade their skills and enhance their employability.
For more info, please visit the SkillsFuture website.