New skills agency opens one-stop career hub, rolls out free premium AI tools for course-takers
Course attendees can select from a range of AI platforms, including ChatGPT Plus and Manus AI
The Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA) inaugurated a physical one-stop centre, Connect by SWDA, on September 16, offering free six-month subscriptions to premium AI tools for Singaporeans who enroll in selected courses. This marks the first SkillsFuture Festival since the agency was formed through the merger of SkillsFuture Singapore and Workforce Singapore.
The new centre aims to provide integrated support for individuals and employers throughout their careers, skills, and workforce development journeys. It consolidates two former service points under one roof, offering personalized career and skills support to individuals and tailored advice on workforce development to employers. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted that the centre will aid businesses in transforming and help workers progress with them.
SMEs will receive additional support, such as digital tools for self-diagnosis, funding for job redesign, and guidance from "SkillsFuture Queen Bees" – companies that act as pathfinders in their sectors. The agency also launched OurWorkforce, an employer portal replacing the SkillsFuture for Business website, providing tailored recommendations on training, job redesign, and AI adoption.
As part of the three-year SkillsFuture AI Subscription initiative, Singaporeans aged 18 and above who enroll in and attend a course from a curated catalogue will receive a six-month free subscription to premium AI tools, including ChatGPT Plus, Google AI Pro, Manus AI, Microsoft 365 Personal, or Singtel AI Pass. The initiative aligns with the National AI Impact Programme, which aspires to train 100,000 workers to become "AI bilingual" within three years.
Written by urgent.news from The Business Times - Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
