SkillsFuture: the roles of public and private sectors in developing a learning society in Singapore

Abstract

The future of learning and work, and the development of learning societies, are being disrupted by technological advancements, shifting demographics, extended careers, and more recently, by the coronavirus disease pandemic, with a massive impact on businesses and individuals around the world. Disruptions such as the fourth industrial revolution or Industry 4.0, demographic changes in the labor force, and increases in human life expectancy have accentuated the inadequacies of traditional education and training systems in responding to rapidly evolving skills needs of businesses and individuals. This chapter discusses the need for a new learning architecture for a more flexible and agile system of education and training, where both public and private sectors play significant roles to help companies, workers, and society address skills needs for the future of work and living. The SkillsFuture movement in Singapore is presented to demonstrate how strong multistakeholder partnerships are fostering a more dynamic, holistic, and collaborative learning ecosystem for individuals to acquire new skills and confidently navigate the uncertain future.