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For many Singaporeans, the idea of lifelong learning is appealing in theory but daunting in practice. Common concerns such as “I don’t have enough time” or “I don’t know what to learn” often weigh us down, preventing us from embarking on our upskilling journey.
To help members navigate these challenges, SMOU organised a SkillsFuture Advice Workshop on 29 August 2025 at NTUC Club @ SingPost Centre. Guided by Mr Hafiz, SkillsFuture Advisor, South East CDC, 21 SMOU members were shown how to steer their way through SkillsFuture tools and resources for career growth and lifelong learning.
Time is one of the biggest hindrances to our decision to upskill.
To address this, Mr Hafiz highlighted two flexible learning platforms:
MySkillsFuture portal—a one-stop site with thousands of courses offered in short or modular formats
Coursera—an online platform for flexible, self-paced learning
These options allow learners to learn at their own pace, whether through evening study, weekend learning, or even on-the-go!
For those unsure of even where to begin, the workshop introduced career exploration tools such as the RIASEC quiz, which matches a learner’s personal strengths with career pathways.
Members also discovered courses in areas such as
Soft skills—Critical thinking, collaboration, communication
Self-management—Teamwork and interpersonal effectiveness
Creative problem-solving—Keeping pace with trends like social media
Members also learned to use the course listing to view key elements like the overview, objectives, eligibility, ratings, and even feedback, which allowed them to make more confident decisions on which course to enroll in.
Mr Hafiz also went through the different tiers of SkillsFuture credits available to Singaporeans:
$500 base credit (for all Singaporeans aged 25 and above, no expiry)
One-time $500 top-up in 2020 (for all Singaporeans aged 25 and above, expires 31 December 2025)
$500 mid-career top-up (for ages 40-60)
$4,000 mid-career credit under the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme (from 1 May 2024) for Singaporeans 40 years old and above
He also demonstrated how members could claim and track their credits and introduced the MySkillsFuture Career Passport, where users can view their education and employment history with consent.
Three training vendors—SSA Culinary Institute, Tembusu Institute, and Wong Fong Academy—concluded the workshop by discussing how SkillsFuture credits could fund their courses.
Members engaged with the providers, asking questions and exploring how different learning paths could help them stay relevant in a changing economy.
Through the workshop, members learned that SkillsFuture is more than a subsidy scheme but a pillar of support for their career and personal growth.
With flexible platforms, accessible credits, and practical tools, every member can steer their own course towards greater success.
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