Review Gold Open Access 2024

Advancing Lifelong Learning in the Digital Age: A Narrative Review of Singapore’s SkillsFuture Programme

Social Sciences
Journal · Vol. 13 · Issue 2 · Art. 73
Abstract

Amidst the fourth industrial revolution, marked by swift technological advancements and changing economic environments, lifelong learning has risen as an essential cornerstone for developing people and society. Adult education, with a particular focus on skills learning, is vital in equipping individuals with the necessary competencies to navigate the dynamic demands of the modern workforce. This paper provides a qualitative analysis and commentary on the case study of Singapore’s SkillsFuture movement, an exemplary national initiative to promote skills learning among adults. Intending to reach a wide audience in educational science, we investigate the effectiveness and impact of this comprehensive programme and its implications for other countries. This article contributes to educational science and policy development by illustrating the importance of investing in adult education and skills development. By comprehensively studying the SkillsFuture experience, we offer valuable insights into establishing effective and inclusive lifelong learning ecosystems to foster a culture of continuous learning, equipping individuals to adapt and thrive in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous global landscape. © 2024 by the authors.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Workforce development lifelong learning Public policy adult education continuing education and training educational science SkillsFuture

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
Mathematics and Technology Cluster, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore City, Singapore
Mathematics and Technology Cluster, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore City, Singapore, Institute for Pedagogical Innovation, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore City, Singapore
Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore City, Singapore
Division of Psychology, College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Singapore City, Singapore
Funding & Acknowledgements
Grant: GA19-04
This work was supported by the Workforce Development Applied Research Fund (WDARF), Grant No. GA19-04. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of SkillsFuture Singapore or the Singapore Government.
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