Partnership helps close skills gap for Singapore SMEs

Photo by Mimi Thian

Microsoft and SkillsFuture Singapore have partnered to help local small and medium enterprises close skills gap by tailoring skills paths and transforming workplace learning practices.

Since the launch of the Let’s Skill Up program earlier this year, Microsoft Singapore has enabled more than 30 local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in their partner ecosystem to uplift skills capabilities and strengthen workplace learning practices.

Identifying skills gap and delivering curated training for SMEs

As reported in a study by ASME-Microsoft, many SMEs find themselves facing delays in their digital transformation plans due to COVID-19, in addition to challenges in manpower and skilling.

In addressing the issue, Microsoft Singapore partnered SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) to create the Microsoft Let’s Skill Up Program as part of the SkillsFuture Queen Bee initiative to reach out to the SMEs directly, and work with them to identify skills gaps in their businesses and curate customized training programs for their employees.

SMEs can also enjoy enhanced absentee payroll support funding to help them defray their manpower costs when they send employees for training courses supported by SSG.

Since its launch, more than 30 SMEs have joined the Microsoft Let’s Skill Up program with at least 79 employees from these SMEs undergoing upskilling in IT, in areas such as Microsoft Azure, security, modern workplace, business applications.

Strengthening workplace learning practices through inculcating a culture of innovation

A hallmark of the Microsoft Let’s Skill Up Program is the introduction of workplace learning to the SMEs.  A huge amount of time is spent learning on the job, and workplace learning has been shown to be effective in optimizing work performance and improving employee engagement and retention.

By applying workplace practices to learn, unlearn, relearn, and reimagine innovation, business leaders can chart a course for themselves and their employees to embrace tech intensity and foster more collaborative learning.

Oh Kwang Leong, Managing Director, Nanyang Tech shares, “Human resources have always been the most valuable asset in our company and Microsoft’s Let’s Skill Up Program has shown us how we could further upskill our workforce and create a structure to harness learning at the workplace.  We are very appreciative of their support”.

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