The Fourth Industrial Revolution is transforming world economies towards automation and digitalisation. In Singapore, the Smart Nation initiative has seen many government bodies and organisations embark on digital transformation to stay relevant and competitive with evolving technological trends. Coupled with the push from Covid-19, the disruption to existing global economic activity has undeniably accelerated trends for digital adoption.
Change is the only constant; workers will fall short in an ever evolving and competitive job market unless they adapt and keep up as more digital skills are being sought after. According to a report commissioned by Amazon Web Services, Singapore will require 1.2 million additional digital workers by 2025. This translates to 23.8 million digital skill trainings from 2020 to 2025, said the report 'Unlocking APAC's Digital Potential: Changing Digital Skill Needs and Policy Approaches', which noted that digitally skilled workers currently represent 63 per cent of Singapore's workforce.
As Singapore's first institute for lifelong learning, SUSS encourages students to keep an open mind and be bold in learning new skills and expertise. To prepare our students for the future economy, we are focussed on imparting the adaptive skills needed for a digital world. We work closely with our partners, especially those in the technology space, to present our learners with diverse learning opportunities. These are offered through our degree programmes, Continuing Education and Training courses, applied learning, Work-Study Programme, internships for students, amongst others. When Covid-19 disrupted the traditional mode of face-to-face learning, we pivoted quickly to the virtual space so that teaching and learning could continue safely; our students adapted, and as a result, picked up new skills for the digital world.
SUSS drives 'Innovation for Excellence' (one of our core values), using new ideas and technologies to service society's changing needs. For instance, we partner Ray of Home to help non-profit organisations in their crowdfunding and fundraising online; and work with HCA Hospice Care to develop e-courses – which can be accessed anytime, anywhere – equipping caregivers with the knowledge and skills to better support and care for patients. Find out more in this issue about how we leverage technology to prepare our stakeholders and ourselves for the digital world, and how our various partnerships play a big part in it.
Martin Yuoon
Director, External Relations
Singapore University of Social Sciences