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Many other paths to success, say youths in SGFuture dialogue

SINGAPORE — The SkillsFuture movement is a good start to helping Singaporeans empower themselves with the necessary skills, but youths at a SGFuture engagement session on Sunday (March 6) felt that society’s attitudes towards lifelong learning and failures also have to change for the initiative to work in the long run.

About 50 participants were involved a discussion on Singapore's future economy, majority of whom are between the ages of 19 and 35. Photo: Robin Choo/TODAY

About 50 participants were involved a discussion on Singapore's future economy, majority of whom are between the ages of 19 and 35. Photo: Robin Choo/TODAY

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SINGAPORE — The SkillsFuture movement is a good start to helping Singaporeans empower themselves with the necessary skills, but youths at a SGFuture engagement session on Sunday (March 6) felt that society’s attitudes towards lifelong learning and failures also have to change for the initiative to work in the long run.

And while they recognised the need to continuously upgrade themselves to remain employable as the economy changes, they also felt that parents and employers should recognise that there are many pathways to success, instead of the conventional junior college and university route.

About 50 participants — aged between 19 and 35 — were invited to the session, which was organised by the National Youth Council.

The discussion spanned a range of topics, such as areas of concern for youths, and the future of Singapore’s economy. 

Economist Neha Prakash Varma, 28, one of the participants, felt that although the Government is moving towards the right direction with SkillsFuture, “people also have to change their mindset ... You can also succeed in life even if you don’t go to university”.

Her group felt that people have to know that it is acceptable to make mistakes or to have different tracks of success.

“You don’t all have to go to the university track, there has to be alternative paths,” said Ms Neha, adding that individuals can, for example, start as an apprentice.

They also suggested a “bottom-up” approach, such as mentorship programmes to coach and counsel students to develop their strengths and pursue suitable careers.

Mr Tan Shuo Yan, a project manager in a start-up, said his group discussed what learning could look like in future.

The 28-year-old felt that learning had no “definite end point”, such as a university degree or Masters.

“At the same time, I think this comes with employers having to be more open to unconventional ways of certification, (such as) going out for vocation attachments,” said Mr Tan.

“Employers (have to be) accepting of different forms of learning so that youths like me have more avenues to prove that they know how to do their jobs.”

Commenting on the session, Senior Minister of State for Community, Culture and Youth Sim Ann said many youths today will become industry or business leaders in the future.

“They will be very instrumental in providing solutions to many aspects of life in future, working in tandem with the people sector, with the public sector,” she said.

“So to hear the enthusiasm and so many good ideas, I think it’s very encouraging.”

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