Abstract:

This keynote will examine the development of Continuing Education and Training (CET) in Singapore over the past decade, with particular attention to the opportunities presented by the newly merged SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and Workforce Singapore (WSG) entity. It will distil the key success factors that have enabled and sustained Singapore’s achievements in the adult CET space, including system-wide coordination, policy coherence, industry responsiveness, and a strong commitment to lifelong learning. At the same time, it will consider how these strengths can be maintained and strengthened amidst the velocity of change and developments across the globe in terms of jobs, skills, and technology, particularly in relation to digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI). In response to this shifting landscape, the keynote will also explore strategies and ideas for building a CET system that is not only future-ready in responding to emerging demands, but also future-forward in anticipating change driving innovation and equipping adult learners to thrive in an increasingly complex and dynamic world.

Biography:

Mr Patrick Tay is the Assistant Secretary-General of NTUC and Member of Parliament of Pioneer Single Member Constituency. He co-chairs the Financial Sector Tripartite Committee. As Director of NTUC’s Legal Services and Strategy Departments, he represents the Labour Movement in tripartite workgroups to review/update employment and industrial relations legislation and has been pivotal in lobbying for the many changes to manpower related laws and policies in Singapore. He also co-chaired the NTUC-Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) Professional Managerial Employees (PME) Taskforce and is the Executive Secretary for the United Workers of Electronics & Electrical Industries. As legal adviser to NTUC-affiliated unions in Singapore, he has advised/represented numerous unions/members in complex and contentious issues, dispute resolution, conciliation and in the Industrial Arbitration Court.