Singapore, [23 Oct 2023] – The SAPE (Singapore Association for Private Education) Annual Conference held on October 12, 2023, at the PSB Academy City Campus Auditorium, proved to be a pivotal moment for the private education industry in Singapore. The event not only celebrated the collaboration and innovation within the sector but also shed light on the pressing need for upskilling and reskilling, resonating with insights from the #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations, a ground- breaking study by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).
Distinguished Guest-of-Honour, Mr. Ng Chee Meng, Secretary-General of National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), opened the conference with a compelling address, affirming the objectives of the event and highlighting the significance of the #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations.
During his address, Mr. Ng shared key insights from the #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations, a study that engaged 42,000 Singaporean workers, revealing their views on upskilling and reskilling. Mr. Ng contributed to the discourse with noteworthy statements:
“In the #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations, we engaged with 42,000 Singaporeans in the labour force, and the results are telling. It’s heartening to see that 47% of the research participants recognise the importance of upskilling and reskilling in today’s dynamic world. It is a vital acknowledgment of the need to adapt to the ever-evolving employment landscape.”
“More strikingly,” Mr. Ng continued, “72% of mid-career workers have expressed a strong desire to upgrade and upskill. This demonstrates that the appetite for lifelong learning is very much present among the workforce. It aligns well with our aim to encourage continual self-improvement.”
Mr. Ng then touched upon the concerns identified in the study, saying, “However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Almost 100% of the participants cited three significant concerns pertaining to upskilling: financial support, the time required for further education, and the outcomes of this upgraded knowledge and skillsets in terms of better wages and progress in their career development.”
Mr. Viva Sinniah, President of SAPE, reinforced Mr Ng’s view by emphasising the importance of addressing these concerns, saying, “It’s clear that we, as educators and leaders, have a critical role to play in addressing these concerns. We need to ensure that the path to upskilling and reskilling is accessible, affordable, and effective for all, and that it leads to tangible benefits for every worker.”
Acknowledging the significant role that government agencies like SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and the Committee for Private Education (CPE) play in supporting the private education industry, Mr. Sinniah expressed his heartfelt thanks for their continuous support in shaping the sector’s growth and development.
Mr. Sinniah also recognised NTUC for their steadfast support, beginning with the MOU with e2i in 2022 and now extending to the signing of another MOU with the Education Services Union (ESU).
These partnerships are opening new avenues for collaboration and innovation within the private education sector, and SAPE eagerly anticipates the positive impact they will have on its member institutions and their students.
Mr. Sinniah urged all members and non-member institutions to actively participate in this initiative, emphasising the importance of coming together to shape the future of the private education sector. He expressed his confidence that, with dedication and passion, the sector will continue to excel and provide quality education to students.
The private education sector is currently facing new challenges, such as the rapidly changing educational landscape and the need to adapt to emerging technologies. The theme of the conference, “Breaking Norms and Reaching New Standards in Private Education,” was designed to address these challenges.
Two key domains were highlighted during the conference:
1. Leveraging Technology to Improve Pedagogy: The impact of generative AI on education, including content creation, delivery, and assessment, was discussed in detail.
2. Sustainability in Private Education: The conference explored the concept of sustainability in education, recognizing the importance the sector plays nurturing future talents with the right mindset.
Guest speakers and panelists shared their valuable insights and experiences in these critical areas, offering valuable perspectives for the industry’s development.
The SAPE Annual Conference owed its success to the diligent efforts of the SAPE Board Members and dedicated volunteers. The conference underscored the significance of adapting and evolving to meet the ever-changing workforce’s requirements. It culminated with a poignant reminder of the vital role that collective efforts play in surmounting challenges and activating positive change.