F O C U S
W H AT ’ S T H E
LESSON
HERE?
TEXT BY WANDA TAN
M In this age where change is the only constant, it is said that the surest way to keep pace with disruption is to embrace lifelong learning, as NUS is doing via several alumni-centred initiatives.
UCH HAS BEEN MADE OF THE STAGGERING CHANGES IN TODAY’S FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION. Innovative technologies such as the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence are driving the confluence of the physical, digital and biological worlds at an exponential rate. Younger, digitally-connected millennials and Gen Z are amassing more influence and purchasing power, even as demographic trends point to an ageing global population. We now live in an age of disruption, where all industries and countries are scrambling to adapt to a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world. What does this mean for Singapore and its higher education landscape? At the macro level, the Government is leading the push to transform Singapore into a Smart Nation. It is also encouraging citizens, young and old, to take ownership of their learning, both for personal enrichment and to enhance their career prospects as they contribute to the Smart Nation ambition. Universities have a crucial part to play in this endeavour, given their role in preparing students for the workforce and instilling in them a lifelong love of learning. Indeed, this emphasis on lifelong learning has led to an expanded institutional focus for NUS — and, by implication, deeper engagement between the University and its alumni.
T O WA R D S A S M A R T N AT I O N In Singapore, efforts to harness the positive impact of technological disruption are underway through its Smart Nation vision. By implementing key strategic projects such as building e-payment platforms and deploying autonomous vehicles, the Government hopes to advance the city-state’s economic competitiveness and liveability. National initiatives like SkillsFuture and Adapt & Grow have also been launched to promote lifelong learning among Singaporeans of all ages, so that they can upgrade their skills and take on new jobs in existing and emerging industries.
In your career, we will be your anchor for lifelong learning so that you can make sense of the future economy, and your future jobs. Prof Tan Eng Chye, NUS President
16 . THE ALUM NUS
The latest figures show that many Singaporeans are proactive in charting their own learning and career paths. More than 285,000 working adults have utilised the SkillsFuture Credit scheme to date, with many pursuing infocomm technology courses at substantially-discounted rates. And out of the 24,000 individuals who found jobs in 2017 through Adapt & Grow, 3,300 underwent the Professional Conversion Programme to reskill themselves and move into new occupations or sectors. Speaking at the recent May Day Rally, Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong urged mature workers in particular to take advantage of these initiatives amid the ongoing economic restructuring and changing job demands. “For younger Singaporeans not in the workforce, you will have sound education and market-relevant skills that will be sought after in the job market. For those already in the workforce, especially the older ones, we look out for you, and support you with all these schemes and programmes, [to] make you more employable,” said the Prime Minister. Mr Lee’s remarks on “sound education” call attention to the importance of universities in equipping pre-employment learners with the requisite knowledge and skills to succeed in tomorrow’s workplace. This is certainly true of NUS — however, it only tells half the story. While NUS continues to be a leading provider of undergraduate education, the last few years have also seen the University upping its efforts in serving adult learners through continuing education and training (CET).
STUDENTS FOR LIFE The tone for NUS’ lifelong learning strategy was set by NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (Science ’85) as soon as he assumed office early this year. In a speech delivered on 5 January, Prof Tan said, “To our students, we say that NUS is committed to helping you grow as a person. NUS will be here for you, for life. In your career, we will be your anchor for lifelong learning so that you can make sense of the future economy, and your future jobs. We aim to empower you so that you can give back to the community, to help others succeed.” He also outlined NUS’ plans over the next five years to “re-imagine teaching and learning for the future”, including progressively opening up programmes to non–NUS alumni and gradually integrating adult learners into undergraduate and postgraduate classes. This is a continuation of Prof Tan’s efforts in his former capacity as NUS Provost to ramp up the University’s foray into the CET space, most notably through the launch of the School of Continuing and Lifelong Education (SCALE) in 2016.
SKILLSFUTURE:
THE NUMBERS SO FAR SkillsFuture Credit scheme LAUNCHED:
January 2016 TAKE-UP:
More than
285,000 people
SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy for Singaporeans aged 40 and above LAUNCHED:
October 2015 TAKE-UP:
About
120,000 people
SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace training programme LAUNCHED:
October 2017 TAKE-UP:
More than
4,600 people
SkillsFuture Series of training programmes in 8 priority and emerging skills areas LAUNCHED:
October 2017 TAKE-UP:
More than
2,100
people Source: www.skillsfuture.sg Statistics as of 31 December 2017.
J U L — S E P 2 0 1 8 . 17