SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and Microsoft have launched a Tech Intensity Training Roadmap, a three-year plan to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) accelerate their adoption of technology.
This was 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), held at the start of August.
The collaboration is aiming to benefit 5,000 individuals and 100 SMEs.
There are several components to the collaboration, one of them sees Microsoft working with Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) to develop “industry-relevant curriculum” for relevant SkillsFuture programmes, such as the SkillsFuture Work-Study programmes.
Participants of these programmes will have the opportunity to be matched with jobs at Microsoft or its partner companies.
Microsoft will also work with SSG to enhance workplace learning practices among Microsoft’s network of SME partners, and both parties will co-develop a training blueprint for SMEs.
Next, Microsoft will be providing a curated list of free online Microsoft courses on the MySkillsFuture portal on topics like Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence.
SSG will also work to incorporate the materials provided by Microsoft on CyberSecurity, Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence into the curriculum for the SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace programme.
Participants will have a chance to receive Microsoft certification upon successful completion of selected programmes.
Finally, Microsoft’s PowerApps Platform, which helps users build and customise business apps, will also be incorporated into SkillsFuture initiatives.
Additionally, SSG has also enhanced the SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace by adding 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”.
Said Mr Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive of SSG: “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.”
“SSG will continue to expand our network of intermediaries in Singapore’s skills ecosystem.”
Added Mr Kevin Wo, Managing Director, Microsoft Singapore: “In a world where every company is going digital, organisations of all sizes need to embrace tech intensity to thrive and maximise their impact.”
“We are excited to partner with SkillsFuture Singapore on the Tech Intensity Training Roadmap where we leverage our unique strengths to accelerate Singapore’s tech intensity and support Smart Nation ambitions.”