Microsoft teams up with Singapore government in training push

Software giant Microsoft has joined hands with the Singapore government in a three-year training programme to equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and workers with the skills needed to plug into the digital economy.

Called the Tech Intensity Training Roadmap, the programme is expected to benefit 100 SMEs and 5,000 individuals who can sign up for free online Microsoft courses on the government-run MySkillsFuture portal on topics such as data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI).

Participants will receive Microsoft certification upon successful completion of the courses, while the government will incorporate the materials provided by Microsoft on cyber security, the internet of things (IoT) and AI into its SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace programme.

Meanwhile, the SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace programme will be enhanced to help participants become better informed about cyber security, and to pick up skills to identify and guard themselves against fake news.

To build a pipeline of talent skilled in digital technologies, Microsoft will work with the government to enhance workplace learning practices among the company’s network of SME partners.

Both parties are also co-developing a training blueprint that will help SMEs build a strong workplace learning culture to accelerate adoption of technology skills and enhance employee engagement and retention.

Janil Puthucheary, Singapore’s senior minister of state for communications and information, said the programme is part of the government’s efforts to build a “digitally confident” population.

“To the companies and businesses, we want you to create opportunities for this digitally confident population that we have here in Singapore,” he said at the inaugural SkillsFuture Festival X Smart Nation event on 3 August 2019.

Co-organised by SkillsFuture Singapore and the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office, the event is part of the six-week long SkillsFuture Festival where visitors can learn more about the application and benefits of technology at work as part of Singapore’s smart nation movement.

Participants can also learn about the latest digital tools and technology trends through experiential zones, workshops and talks to become more confident about using technology.