SkillsFuture Singapore and Workforce Singapore
Feature | SSGWSG

Developing a Future-Ready Workforce

SkillsFuture Singapore and Workforce Singapore
Champions of enhancing employability, SkillsFuture Singapore and Workforce Singapore work in unison to forge new pathways of success for the local workforce and companies.

Working in tandem to bolster the future prospects of both employers and employees in Singapore are SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and Workforce Singapore (WSG). Serving mutually complementary roles, SSG aims to inspire adults to become lifelong learners while WSG seeks to oversee the transformation of the local workforce and industry to meet economic challenges.

Vincent Wu and Michelle Han, who are SSG-WSG Joint Undergraduate Scholars, share how the SSG-WSG Joint Undergraduate Scholarship provides individuals with opportunities for development in both agencies under one scholarship. These are their experiences.

What drew you to SSG-WSG Joint Undergraduate Scholarship?

Vincent: I was deeply intrigued by the concept of employee training when I took a module on training and development in the third year of my university studies. SSG and WSG are the leading agencies for lifelong learning and training of the Singapore workforce, and the scholarship offered jointly by both agencies became a natural choice for me.

Michelle: After my ‘A’ Levels, I worked as a customer service officer with the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i). This temporary stint provided me with the opportunity to interact with jobseekers from all walks of life. I felt a great sense of accomplishment when these individuals found employment through the assistance I rendered. When I saw the scholarship advertisement looking for individuals who were passionate to drive a strong local workforce and promote lifelong learning, I knew I had to apply!

Michelle Han Jia Li

Michelle Han Jia Li 
Manager, Partners and Operations Division
SSG-WSG Joint Undergraduate Scholar

Bachelor of Science(Economics)
Singapore Management University

“At SSG and WSG, we constantly strive to innovate and refine our programmes and initiatives to ensure relevance and direct impact on the local workforce.”

Share how this scholarship provides you with opportunities for development in both agencies.

Vincent: As part of our development, we move on to different roles every few years. Having both agencies under one scholarship meant that I have more opportunities and choices to challenge myself. While my current posting is with SSG as a Resource Planning Manager, my first role was with WSG as an Industry Development Manager. Through the close collaboration of both agencies, I gained invaluable knowledge and diversified my skillsets.

Michelle: The scholarship has provided me with opportunities to work in both agencies and experience different job scopes. As a member of the Staff Welfare Action Team, I was able to organise and lead inter-agency activities which fostered collaboration between SSG and WSG. These experiences have exposed me to workforce development and allowed me to develop more holistically career-wise.

What is meaningful or fulfilling about your work?

Vincent: So far in my career with SSG and WSG, many of the programmes and initiatives that I have contributed to have come to fruition, with some being publicised in the media. Being able to see my work create a positive impact on the lives of Singaporeans gives me great satisfaction, and energises me to take on greater challenges.

Michelle: At SSG and WSG, we constantly strive to innovate and refine our programmes and initiatives to ensure relevance to the local workforce. It is rewarding to have my recommendations taken into consideration at the senior management-level, especially when the work we do in both agencies has a direct impact on individuals and employers. The bosses encourage an open culture of communication where the staff members are free to voice opinions on the effectiveness of our programmes.

Vincent Wu Zheng Jie

Vincent Wu Zheng Jie 
Manager, Resource Planning Division
SSG-WSG Joint Undergraduate Scholar

Bachelor of Social Science(Psychology)
Singapore Management University

“I was deeply intrigued by the concept of employee training, and SSG and WSG are the leading agencies for lifelong learning and training of the Singapore workforce.”

What are some of the essential skills needed in your job?

Vincent: For me, being humble and having an open mindset towards accepting and giving feedback helps me to build lasting partnerships. It also sets the stage for greater collaboration with my stakeholders.

Michelle: I believe having an open communication channel is essential. It is not just about conveying what we want, or our intent, but it is also about receiving feedback. There is much for us to learn from the perspectives of different stakeholders and having the aptitude and attitude to learn is especially critical for young officers like us.

Looking back, how do you know applying to be a SSG-WSG scholar was the right decision?

Vincent: Being the champions of training and development of the workforce, SSG and WSG walk the talk by having a strong employee development culture. Being passionate about continuous training and development, I know I have made the right decision because the many development opportunities provided have made me a more well-rounded person.

Michelle: Both agencies have a heavy focus on the personal and professional development of staffs. As an advocate of human capital development, I am privileged to be part of an organisation that empowers individuals to chart their own learning pathways towards employability.