The SkillsFuture Singapore and Workforce Singapore (SSG-WSG) Joint Undergraduate Scholarship offers our scholars the unique opportunity to be assigned to divisions across both agencies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the efforts to promote lifelong learning and enhance the employability of our local workforce.

Scholars Joel Tan and Vanessa Tay are driven by a shared desire to make meaningful contributions in their respective roles at SSG and WSG, positively impacting individuals within and beyond the workforce.

Currently, Joel serves as a Manager in the Industry Development Division at SkillsFuture Singapore, while Vanessa holds the position of Manager in the Planning and Design Division at Workforce Singapore.

We had the opportunity to sit down with them to learn about their roles and their shared enthusiasm for shaping Singapore’s employment landscape.

What motivated you to pursue a career in your field?

Vanessa: I have always been interested in leveraging social research to inform product and policy development, which is an important aspect of the planning and design division’s work. I hold a steadfast belief in the efficacy of data-driven solutions that align with real-life experiences. This conviction propels my aspiration to actively contribute to the development of impactful social solutions.

Joel: As a fresh graduate, I entered the field of Industry Development with the determination to embrace and adapt to its challenges to the best of my ability. Having been in the role for close to a year, I have come to better appreciate the work in the Industry Development Division and understand the importance of developing a robust and high-quality Continuing Education and Training (CET) ecosystem through strategic partnerships and managing CET providers.

Tell us more about the scholarship. What made you apply for it?

Vanessa: As a passionate advocate for education and driven by a desire to create lasting social impact for Singaporeans, I found resonance in SSG and WSG’s commitment to foster lifelong learning and enable Singaporeans to take on quality jobs and meet their career aspirations.

The financial support provided was undoubtedly valuable in helping me focus on my undergraduate studies. More importantly, the scholarship opened doors to immersive internship experiences at both agencies where I not only received mentorship but also gained hands-on professional experience and forged meaningful connections with my peers. These opportunities allowed me to enhance my skills and contributed to my professional development at the workplace.

Joel: The unique appeal of a Joint Undergraduate Scholarship offered by two statutory boards immediately caught my attention, presenting an exciting opportunity to gain insights into the workings of both SSG and WSG and be exposed to different areas of work within both agencies. Moreover, the core mission of both agencies in promoting lifelong learning and strengthening the workforce resonated with me.

The scholarship played a pivotal role in supporting my academic journey by allowing me to pursue dual degrees in Economics and Business Management. Additionally, it provided invaluable networking opportunities, allowing me to interact with leaders of both agencies and glean deeper insights into their work throughout my undergraduate years.

That’s amazing! Tell us more about the current roles you hold

Vanessa: I am involved in liaising with other divisions within WSG and with other government agencies. My responsibilities include crafting tailored content, such as Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for our website to ensure that our messaging resonates with the public. My typical workday involves working closely with the rest of my team to ensure that the development of our programmes are on track. Although we work on separate projects, all our workstreams are intricately connected, often necessitating frequent support and coordination. I am fortunate that all my team members are very supportive, which has fostered a collaborative environment, where we consistently help and uplift one another!

Joel: As a Manager in the Industry Development Division, I am mainly responsible for account managing strategic training partners to develop capabilities and working with strategic partners to plan and support sectoral manpower development needs.

In a typical workday, I can be engaging stakeholders, such as training partners on budget-related matters in the morning before gathering market intelligence on industry trends to develop sectoral plans or even preparing budget proposals in the afternoon.

The dynamic and fast-paced nature of the work can be challenging at times, but the accomplishment that comes from completing a piece of work, knowing that it will contribute to the betterment of society at large is something I truly appreciate.

Vanessa, what skills or qualities do you believe are necessary for success in your agency?

I value and embrace adaptability and open-mindedness in today’s world because it enables us to navigate rapid changes effectively and promote an environment where diverse perspectives thrive. This means that we can adjust to different working styles and ideas and make room for everyone’s unique perspective and contribution, leading to innovative and fresh solutions.

Interesting! Joel, tell us about a memorable experience you’ve had at work.

I vividly recall a meeting with a training provider where they shared numerous success stories of trainees who have attained job placements after completing SSG-supported courses. These trainees span various ages, each with different aptitudes and financial situations. Knowing that the work we do provides tangible benefits to society certainly warms my heart and motivates me.

Finally, how does SSG-WSG support professional growth and advancement opportunities for its employees?

Vanessa: SSG-WSG encourages regular check-ins between the management and officers, and these serve as invaluable opportunities to maintain clarity regarding our professional development and career progression. Such communication channels can enhance our professional development and promote career health, ensuring that employees feel supported and are equipped with the resources and guidance needed to thrive in their roles and achieve long-term success.

Joel: There are numerous opportunities for rotations across different divisions to allow officers to be exposed to different types of work to develop our skills set. Beyond this, SSG-WSG frequently organises workshops and seminars to develop officers’ technical skill sets, be it in the realms of InfoComm Technology or communications.