Manpower Planning and Lifelong Learning in Singapore: Implications for Older Workers

Abstract

Technology is radically transforming every industry sector in Singapore and most parts of the world. As Singaporean leaders have continually reiterated, this will continue to have a severe impact on jobs, professions and careers. The key to growth ultimately depends on how fast a country is able to restructure its industries to remain competitive and how workers, young or old, can develop new skills to stay relevant. This chapter focuses on Singapore’s SkillsFuture movement and its ambition to encourage every citizen, no matter what stage they are in, to attain personal mastery by continuously learning. It details government efforts at promoting as well as funding skill training, professional conversion programmes and lifelong learning to ensure career resilience especially among older workers. Many of these efforts require close collaboration between government agencies, trade associations, training providers as well as institutes of higher learning. The chapter provides insights into how older workers are adjusting to the digital economy and the disruptive technology, and highlights key success factors that are crucial to ensure that social cohesion and citizen welfare are not sacrificed in the drive to maintain economic growth and stability.