SkillsFuture Festival 2024: Transforming Skillsets for The AI Future

On 29 Jul 2024, SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), in collaboration with Singapore Management University (SMU), co-organised the annual SkillsFuture Festival @IHL 2024. The event was held at SMU campus and supported by all Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) in Singapore. It featured thought-provoking discussions, hands-on workshops, and immersive experiences to envision a future where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not a distant concept but an integral part of everyday life.

The guest of honour - Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for Education and Manpower kickstarted the event highlighting this year’s theme ‘AI Unleashed: Transforming Skillsets for the Future’. The event showcased Continuing Education and Training (CET) programmes from various IHLs, focusing on empowering our nation’s talent in the age of AI.

The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Centre for Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) plays a crucial coordinating role between SSG and various NTU entities in promoting CET and lifelong learning. PaCE actively represented NTU at the festival together with our trainer, Dr Vijayan P Munusamy, successfully hosted a workshop that showcased innovative approaches in AI education such as AI-driven learning environments and tools.

PaCE@NTU Workshop - Learn to Learn: Leveraging AI for Lifelong Learning

PaCE@NTU collaborated with Dr Vijayan from the Centre for Research and Development in Learning (NTU CRADLE) to conduct a 1-hour experiential workshop titled ‘Learn to Learn: Leveraging AI for Lifelong Learning’. The workshop was designed to empower employees with essential AI skills to learn more effectively through its interactive sessions and practical exercises.

Participants explored the principles of the science of learning while tapping into the full potential of AI to improve their learning experiences. The workshop's main goal was for participants to develop a mindset focused on continuous growth – in line with SSG initiatives and the nationwide objective of lifelong learning. This highlighted the intersection between education and industry, and the various pathways to continuous learning. Ultimately, providing professionals with AI competencies that are crucial in AI-advanced industries.

PaCE@NTU Lifelong Learning Booth

Alongside the workshop, we also presented the new SSG offerings and developments that would provide micro-credentials for working adults or alumni who aim to enhance their profession with credit-bearing certifications in AI and data analytics.

Our booth showcased 3 AI-related courses available: Certificate in AI Ethics and Governance (in collaboration with Singapore Computer Society), FlexiMasters in Artificial Intelligence and AI Ethics, and FlexiMasters in Data Science and AI.

At the booth, we also offered Professional Development Courses for individuals who are keen on short-term courses to develop their professional growth:

• Leveraging Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT)
• Developing Intelligent Applications with GPT API
• Digital Transformation for Strategic Competitiveness
• Registered Scrum Master and Product Owner
• Sustainability Leadership in the Real Estate Sector

Lifelong learners who were interested in fields other than AI were also provided with the Jul - Dec 2024 course calendar to understand PaCE@NTU’s programmes and courses better.