The Singapore Management University (SMU), in partnership with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and with support from the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), hosted the SkillsFuture Festival x SMU 2024. It was just six years ago that SMU had the privilege of hosting the inaugural SkillsFuture Festival, and it is with great pleasure that SMU is hosting it this year again.
This year’s festival, themed 'AI Unleashed: Transforming Skillsets for the Future', was an enlightening experience, designed to equip both students and professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world. We were honoured to have Minister of State (MOS) for Education, Ms Gan Siow Huang, graced the event as the Guest-of-Honour and gave a speech.
At the event, SMU Academy launched two SCTP programmes, 'SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP) Advanced Certificate in Generative AI for Business Analyst' and the 'SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP) Advanced Certificate in Generative AI for Digital Marketing Specialist'.
Check out our event highlights:
MOS Gan (middle) with SSG CEO Tan Kok Yam (1st fr L), Exec Dir of SMU Academy Jack Lim (3rd fr L), SMU Provost Prof Timothy Clark (1st fr R), SMU Academy staff
Chief Executive of SkillsFuture Singapore, Mr Tan Kok Yam, said “Our IHLs anchor our lifelong learning ecosystem. Their responsiveness to industry demand, and their collaborative approach to serve learners better, are exemplified by today’s event. SSG and the IHLs are committed to providing upskilling options that provide in-demand skills and industry-relevant credentials, that lead to stronger career progression.”
SMU Provost, Professor Timothy Clark, said, "The integration of AI into our professional spheres isn’t just about technological adoption; it is about cultivating a mindset that’s geared towards continuous learning and adaptability. At SMU, we are dedicated to equipping our learners with these essential skills. This not only prepares them for the dynamic future of work but also empowers them to drive innovation in an AI-centric world.”
More details about the press release can be found here.
Panel Discussion: "Empowering the Workforce: AI’s Role in the Future of Jobs and Skills Development"
The event featured an engaging panel discussion that explored the dynamic interplay between AI and human talent, delving into how AI augments human skills, reshapes career paths, and fosters a culture of continuous learning in the digital age.
From left to right: Mr Michael Low, Ms Chelvin Loh, Mr Vincent Xu, Ms Linda Hui-Issac, Dr Sungjong Roh, Dr Fermin A. Diez
Interactive AI Workshops and Booths by IHLs
With 13 interactive AI workshops led by various Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), focusing on cutting-edge AI technologies and trends, along with booths providing information on various Continuing Education and Training (CET) programs, this event marked a significant milestone.
Award Ceremony: National Youth AI Prompt Design Challenge
During the event, Ms Gan also awarded prizes to 27 winners of the National AI Prompt Design Challenge. Echoing the ethos of Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0, the Challenge aimed to foster conscientious AI advancements and tackle real-life challenges, with youths aged 13 to 25 crafting AI tools that helped to boost business productivity, enrich educational journeys, and foster upskilling.
