Why aren't more Singaporeans using their SkillsFuture Credit? | Deep Dive

SkillsFuture Credits: Utilization, Intent & Lifelong Learning - Deep Dive Episode Summary

Key Concepts:

• SkillsFuture Credits: Government-funded credits provided to Singaporean citizens to encourage lifelong learning and upskilling.
• Career Capital: The accumulation of skills, knowledge, and experiences that enhance an individual’s employability and career prospects. (Dr. Michael Arthur’s framework: Knowing How, Knowing Whom, Knowing Why)
• Nudging: A behavioral science technique used to subtly influence people’s choices in a predictable way without forbidding any options or significantly changing their economic incentives.
• Choice Paradox (Jam Study): The observation that offering too many choices can lead to decision paralysis and decreased satisfaction.
• T-shaped, Pie-shaped, & Comb-shaped Professionals: Models describing skillsets – T-shaped having deep expertise in one area and broad knowledge in others, Pie-shaped expanding expertise across multiple areas, and Comb-shaped possessing diverse skills for adaptability.
• Organizational Signaling: Actions taken by companies to communicate the value and importance of specific skills or training to their employees.

1. Introduction & Personal Experiences (0:00 - 2:30)

The episode begins with hosts Tiffany and Stephen reflecting on their experiences with SkillsFuture credits. Both acknowledge not fully utilizing the credits from the 2020 batch, with Stephen opting to defer usage via a subscription. The discussion highlights a common issue: procrastination and difficulty in finding relevant courses before the expiry date (December 31st). The core question posed is: why are Singaporeans not fully utilizing these credits? Potential reasons identified include lack of time, interest, website navigation difficulties, and an overwhelming number of course options. Stephen specifically cites the SkillsFuture website as being difficult to navigate.

2. Historical Context of SkillsFuture (2:30 - 3:30)

The program’s origins are traced back to 2015, with the initial credit allocation being $500. The current expiry cycle relates to credits issued in 2020, valid for five years. This establishes the recurring nature of the program and the need for proactive planning.

3. Expert Insights: Associate Professor Victor Sa & Dr. Ivon Konggho (3:30 - 4:30)

Associate Professor Victor Sa (Singapore University of Social Sciences, Behavioral Insights Center of Excellence) and Dr. Ivon Konggho (Career Development Specialist) join the discussion. Both experts initially used their first set of credits, with Victor taking a storytelling and branding course and a personal development course, while Ivon completed courses long ago. Victor notes that his university provides sufficient training, negating the immediate need for SkillsFuture credits. Ivon cites time constraints (young children) and company-provided training as reasons for non-usage.

4. The Intent & Purpose of SkillsFuture (4:30 - 6:30)

The conversation shifts to the core intent of SkillsFuture. Dr. Konggho emphasizes the program’s focus on industry needs and employee outcomes, citing the popularity of courses in AI and cybersecurity. However, a broader perspective is introduced, referencing Steve Jobs’ anecdote about how learning calligraphy influenced the design of the first Macintosh. This highlights the value of incidental learning and pursuing interests beyond purely career-focused upskilling. The discussion acknowledges the tension between targeted upskilling for career advancement and fostering a general joy of learning.

5. Usage Patterns & Career vs. Hobby (6:30 - 9:00)

Dr. Konggho observes a trend where individuals often choose courses based on current trends ("what's in flavor") without a clear goal. She notes that individuals with strong "career capital" are more likely to view learning as a continuous pursuit. A key observation is that the availability of free credits can lead to a lack of intentionality, with some using them for hobbies (e.g., coffee making, tea brewing) rather than career development. Victor points out that the program is a privilege and should be treasured.

6. Building Career Capital & the "Knowing How, Whom, & Why" Framework (9:00 - 11:30)

Dr. Konggho introduces Dr. Michael Arthur’s framework for building career capital: "Knowing How" (skills acquisition through courses), "Knowing Whom" (networking with classmates and industry professionals), and "Knowing Why" (clarifying aspirations and motivations). She emphasizes that learning can be a process of self-discovery, even if a course ultimately reveals an unsuitable career path. The importance of strategic planning is underscored, rather than simply reacting to expiring credits.

7. Website Usability & Choice Overload (11:30 - 14:00)

The discussion returns to the usability of the SkillsFuture website. Stephen reiterates his difficulty navigating the site. Victor acknowledges the challenge of providing relevant courses to a national audience while maintaining ease of use. He suggests features like AI-powered recommendations (Career Kaki) and more prescriptive course suggestions. A 2000 study on choice overload (Jam Study) is cited, demonstrating that offering too many options can decrease purchase rates. (6 varieties of jam = 30% purchase rate, 24 varieties = 3% purchase rate).

8. The Role of Companies & Organizational Support (14:00 - 17:30)

The conversation explores the role of companies in encouraging SkillsFuture usage. The issue of incentives is raised: why would a company invest in an employee’s upskilling if the employee is using free credits? Victor explains the concept of "organizational signaling" – companies clearly communicating desired skills and providing support for employees to acquire them. The importance of a clear roadmap for career progression, linked to specific training, is emphasized. Time constraints are also addressed, with the suggestion that companies provide dedicated time off for learning, separate from annual leave.

9. Reclaiming the Joy of Learning & Shifting Mindsets (17:30 - 20:00)

The discussion circles back to the importance of lifelong learning as a journey, not solely a means to career advancement. Victor cautions against assuming a lack of national interest in learning based solely on SkillsFuture credit usage, noting that much learning occurs informally. The benefits of learning without the pressure of grades are highlighted, offering a low-stakes environment for exploration. The concept of evolving professional skillsets – from T-shaped to Pie-shaped to Comb-shaped – is introduced, emphasizing adaptability in the face of technological change.

10. Conclusion & Call to Action (20:00 - 21:30)

The episode concludes with a call to action: encourage viewers to strategically utilize remaining SkillsFuture credits, whether for career development or personal enrichment. The hosts invite viewers to share their experiences and inspire others. The importance of viewing SkillsFuture as a valuable opportunity for growth and self-discovery is reiterated.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Ivon Konggho: "They didn't really really like learning for the sake of learning. So they they used it in many other places and it disappointed me a little for some of them because it didn't really help their careers and at the same time it also didn't spark off the joy of learning."
• Associate Professor Victor Sa: "Using the credit is uh one way to learn but it's not the only way to learn."
• Associate Professor Victor Sa: "If organizations actually signal um quite clearly what kind of skills are required, uh then that will actually reduce the the cost and the uncertainties involved in uh upskilling and using the credit."
• Dr. Ivon Konggho: "Learning is really the secret power that we should all have."

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