How can lifelong learning benefit Singaporean workers to be future ready?

Hanis Jazil
Jul 21, 2017 · 2 min read
Caption: National University of Singapore Campus will soon support lifelong learning for Singaporeans.

Working adults looking to stay relevant in Singapore’s rapidly evolving economy will soon be able to pursue their academic dreams in five local universities.

Of the five universities, the National University of Singapore (NUS) was the first to launch its lifelong learning centre, the School for Continuing and Lifelong Education (SCALE).

This is in support of SkillsFuture, a national drive to provide Singaporeans with opportunities to develop themselves, regardless of where they started from.

Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills), Mr. Ong Ye Kung said that Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Management University (NTU), the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) will also set up their own centres dedicated to lifelong learning.

SCALE aims to offer at least 10 degrees and more than 30 certificate programmes in the next few years with plans to offer certificate programmes, along with flexible work arrangements.

About 10 such skills-based courses, each consisting of six modules, on topics such as microelectronics and automation, are expected to be introduced by the school in August.

Vikneskumar, 24, a mechanical engineering student who recently graduated from Nanyang Technological University says, “I heard that SCALE will include computing programmes next year, so I am looking forward to be certified in business analytics for a competitive advantage.”

The new flipped classroom format enables flexible learning for busy adult learners such as Grace Chua, 36, an account service manager and a mother of two. However, she remains doubtful that a fast-track programme would lead to a competitive advantage.

She says, “When I first heard about lifelong learning, I immediately felt that this might be another paper chase among students as well as senior workers like myself when it comes to career advancement. I hope that this is not the case.”

However, Mr. Ong said, “This will not fuel a paper chase”. Instead, it will be “an upgrade in real practical terms”, such as in staying abreast of industry developments of deepening existing skills at work.

(Published on 2 July 2016 for a Newsroom Module @ The Bounce Singapore)

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