Preparing for the Future Today
Having lived in Singapore back in 2010, I quickly realized that this city-state was moving towards the future at an impressive pace. From its stunning and futuristic skyline to what I believe is the best airport in the world, Changi, it was clear to me then (despite the banning of chewing gum and the regular pong of durian fruit) that this small country was destined for big things.
Jump ahead a little over a decade, and once again, Singapore seems to be forecasting ways to tackle the coming wave. The Singaporean government has announced an initiative called "SkillsFuture," which aims to provide citizens over the age of 40 with opportunities to reskill and upskill in response to the changing job landscape due in part to AI.
Under this program, eligible individuals can receive government funding and support to pursue further education and training in areas such as data analytics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The program is part of Singapore's broader effort to prepare its workforce for the digital economy, ensuring that its citizens remain competitive and employable as AI and other emerging technologies continue to shape the job market.
By encouraging lifelong learning and skills development, the Singaporean government is taking proactive steps to future-proof its workforce and maintain the country's status as a leading hub for innovation and technology. I wonder what other countries plan to do to re-skill people as we live through the coming wave?