Blog

1. What is Data Analytics?
You have probably heard of ‘Big Data’ - it captures details about most facets of our lives including our daily activities, our interactions with social media & devices, our shopping & consumption habits and more. But what is the point of all this data unless it’s translated into valuable insights? 

The growth of Big Data and digital transformation drives the demand for skilled professionals who can understand and analyse raw data to extract valuable information into actionable insights. Data Analysts possess the technical skills to analyse large data sets through specialised software and tools, such as Microsoft Power BI for business intelligence, Google Analytics for web analytics and Tableau for data visualisation. These skills are based on fundamental data analysis techniques that can be practised in Microsoft Excel. According to the Robert Half Salary Guide, Data Analysts were among the top five in-demand hiring roles in Singapore in 2022. 

2. Changes in Data Analytics landscape
Data Analytics has been rapidly adopted by most organisations and businesses, and the industry itself is growing and evolving at a breakneck pace. Data centre operations are sprouting in high numbers in Singapore over the last few years just to accommodate the increased demand, with about 24 providers and more than 40 data centres currently. 

However, your job prospects in the field of data analytics are not limited to data centres. From e-commerce to education, all businesses collect data on their systems and users to analyse for actionable insights to improve their business performance. 

As the world quickly wakes up to the significance, permeation, power and even risks associated with data, new regulations and platforms have emerged in response. Here are some of the hot topics in Data Analytics: 

1. Data Protection Regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are being implemented by governments, regulatory boards and large IT players to safeguard user data interests. The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) is the baseline benchmark of protection for personal data within Singapore. This law is used to detail legislative and regulatory protocols that are embedded within different sectors, including the Banking Act and Insurance Act. As Singapore faces challenges when it comes to data breaches and protection, your role as a Data Analyst can entail even more legislative laws put in place, perhaps for newer technologies such as blockchain, decentralised finance and cryptocurrency. 

2. Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is the latest version of the analytics tool built by Google to curate precise and timely measurement of user data on websites and apps. Tracking website and app data to funnel and characterise users into different parts of the customer journey, GA4 collects event or session-based data with updated privacy controls such as cookieless measurement now newly baked in as an upgrade on the long-standing Universal Analytics (UA). If you have yet to, you will need to update your proficiency in Google Analytics 4 so your company’s or client’s data can be collected, manipulated and interpreted efficiently. 

3. If you are using a smartphone, chances are you have been more involved in the cloud than ever before. Cloud Analytics translates analytic software into the cloud, analysing data patterns in private or public cloud infrastructures to gather new insights across different databases, servers or software powered by the Internet. 

4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is when machines or computerised software are modelled after human intelligence and behaviour. Much like how Lensa gained popularity at the tail end of 2022 as everyone changed their profile picture into an AI-generated version of their selfie, every organisation’s processes have the potential to be automated through AI systems such as machine learning, expert systems, natural language processing, speech recognition and machine vision. 

3. A career in Data Analytics
A Data Analyst can seek roles as Data Scientists, Data Technicians or Data Consultants, but it does not stop there. Data Analysis as a transferable skill set is highly sought after in Singapore, especially considering how connected we are, and how reliant we are on technology. Skills in data analysis and visualisation opens up crucial opportunities in management and consulting roles, as organisations depend on you to point them in the right direction with data-driven decisions. 

Internet giants such as Google, Amazon and Facebook have also chosen Singapore as one of their destinations to house data. Facebook will be investing S$1.4 billion into building a 170,000 square metre building in Singapore, which will become the world’s largest data centre under one roof. Having one of these tech giants under your resume could be reality for you as a Data Analyst. In addition, the data industry contributes around S$1 billion to Singapore’s economy each year. 

Here are some of the key responsibilities you could take on in a role that involves Data Analytics, including some common qualifications that are needed: 

1. Control and program automated tools to retrieve relevant data from primary and secondary sources
2. Assigning numerical values to essential business functions to quantify and track business growth
3. Identify and eradicate corrupted data while providing solutions for any coding problems that may surface
4. Arrange and sort data (e.g., sales numbers, market research, logistics, and other patterns of behaviour etc)
5. Making sense of raw data and gathering insights
6. Crafting in-depth reports using performance indicators
7. Keeping tabs on local, national, and global trends in data and data management that can affect the organisation - and potentially implementing them
8. Partnering with programmers, engineers, and management heads to craft process improvements, propose system modifications, or improve data governance strategies
9. Maintaining security of databases and data systems

Organisations look for these key defining skills in a Data Analyst: 

1. Powerful set of mathematical skills to help collect, measure, organise and analyse data 
2. Proficiency in programming languages like SQL, Oracle, R, MATLAB, and Python
3. Familiarity with reporting packages like Business Objects, programming (Javascript, XML, or ETL frameworks), databases
4. Technical proficiency regarding database design development, data models, techniques for data mining, and segmentation.
5. Operating know-how for statistical softwares such as Excel, SPSS, SAS and data processing platforms like Hadoop and Apache Spark
6. Knowledge of data visualisation software like Tableau, Qlik, Google Looker Studio

And in case you were wondering, Data Analysts can get starting salaries of $4,550 and higher.

4. Courses for your 2024 Data Analytics journey
To ensure that you are trained in the most current and updated skills, NTUC LearningHub has partnered with key leaders in the industry such as Microsoft, Qlik Sense and Tableau, to provide training for practical skills to enhance your data analytics knowledge and expertise. 

If you are eager to get started on your Data Analytics path, here is a list of NTUC LearningHub courses to propel your dreams of becoming a Data Analyst into reality. 

1. Data Analysis Fundamentals using Microsoft Excel (IBF)
   If you are just starting out, this is the first step for most data analysts. This 15-hour course introduces you to data analysis processes and techniques in Excel (beyond basic formulas) and builds towards more advanced capabilities such as dashboard creation, process automation, data modelling and more that can be applied in roles such as:
   • Data Officer
   • Associate Data Analyst / Data Analyst
   • Associate Data Engineer / Data Engineer
   • Associate Data Scientist / Data Scientist
   • Business Analyst
   • Data Team Leader

   Here is your start: https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/-/course/data-analysis-fundamentals-using-microsoft-excel-ibf

2. Analysing and Visualising Data with Power BI (SF)
   Microsoft Power BI (Business Intelligence) is an enterprise level data visualisation software used by major corporations for data transformation, data analysis and to garner actionable insights to aid the planning of business strategies and make crucial decisions in operational structure and processes.
   This 24-hour course introduces you to the Power BI Service and the Power BI Mobile App across nine modules and prepares you for data analysis with Power BI through hands-on experiences in illustrating data patterns and insights through data visualisation and dashboard creation. This course is popular amongst those who are / aspire to be:
   • Report Creators
   • Data Analysts
   • Business Intelligence Professionals

   If you have similar aspirations, find out more here: https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/-/course/analyzing-and-visualizing-data-with-power-bi-sf 

3. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in Financial Services
   Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is the process of using technology to configure computer software, or a “robot”, to replicate human actions, interacting with a range of applications to execute whole or parts of business processes. RPA is typically used to reduce the amount of human effort required to complete repetitive tasks by automating them.
   This course covers RPA basic concepts and core principles of RPA development for the integration of different types of applications in seven lessons across 22.5 hours, all within the powerful UiPath Studio software and in the context of financial services. Apart from learning about data extraction, variables and sequencing & flow within UiPath Studio, you will also explore potential RPA tool integrations with a range of applications such as Excel, PDF, and Emails.

   Read all about this RPA course here: https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/-/course/rpa-in-financial-services

4. Fundamentals of the Personal Data Protection Act
   If you are based in Singapore, you will need to comply with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) when managing consumer data for your business, ensuring that the collection, storage, and usage of your consumers' data abides by local security and data protection legislation.
   This three-day course will give you a good overview and understanding of the PDPA and how it should be applied to your organisation for compliance. In addition to referencing various sections of the PDPA, the course content is also largely adapted from the Advisory Guidelines published by the PDPC and emphasises the best practices of keeping data safe.
   Key participants who would greatly benefit from the programme include:
   • Compliance Managers or Data Protection Officers (DPOs)
   • Human Resource, Admin, IT personnel, Sales and Business Development Executive / Managers who need to be involved in data protection matters

   More here: https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/-/course/fundamentals-of-personal-data-protection-act

1. Cybersecurity in Singapore

Much of what we do in the modern world is powered by the Internet - a global system of interconnected computer networks. 

However, this also means that the connected devices in your home, office and hands are prone to cyber attacks from anywhere and anyone in the world, including hackers, cyberterrorists, criminal groups and other malicious parties via viruses, malware, email hijacking, DDos attacks, and more.

Nearly 90% of Singaporeans were active users of the Internet in 2020 and this is projected to reach 94.2% in 2026. With widespread internet usage, Cybersecurity is crucial to thenation’s progress; and as Singapore’s digital landscape evolves, job roles such as cybersecurity engineers are in high demand. On average, Organisations in Singapore experience 54 security incidents daily and 80% reported losses of up to 10% of their revenue due to security breaches in the past year. 

Cybersecurity is crucial for the success of most, if not all businesses and industries. Companies from all industries are looking to fill various Cybersecurity positions to manage and operate their cybersecurity systems. 

To launch a career in Cybersecurity, obtaining industry-recognised certification is key. The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), for instance, can enhance your cybersecurity skills, enabling you to craft detailed strategies for your organisation to build resilient and robust cybersecurity defences against potential threats. 

2. Cyber Security Trends & Developments 2023

Continuous upgrading is key in Cyber Security, as the landscape is constantly evolving with new hardware, software and network types To stay ahead of the curve, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the e latest developments in cybersecurity, which encompasses industries beyond  IT and cybersecurity, to learn about:

1. Extended detection and response (XDR) is a new approach to threat detection and response; unifying the view and analysis tools and data for comprehensive response where necessary. Data is collected across multiple security layers and correlated swiftly to prioritise alerts for more sophisticated responses to cyber threats, with improved automation. 
2. Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA) is a security framework that steps away from the traditional ‘trust but verify’ method of network security, continuously vetting and verifying users and devices before allowing access to enterprise or cloud assets, since over 80% of attacks involve the use (or misuse) of login credentials. ZTNA also attempts to minimise impact from breaches and automate context collection for accurate responses. 
3. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a cloud architecture combining security technologies with wide area network (WAN) capabilities securely, directly to inspect traffic at enforcement points separate from data centre security. This lowers IT costs and simplifies IT by focusing on entities, improves user experience and speed, and improving security across distributed users & applications. 

3. What Do Cyber Security Job Roles Entail?

Cyber security professionals, such as cyber security engineers, are the gears that keep crucial software and hardware systems running smoothly.. You will not be limited to jobs in just tech companies - industries such as finance, e-commerce and education are also on the lookout for cyber security professionals like yourself to play a critical role in identifying threats and vulnerabilities, and implementing high-tech solutions to protect systems and software.

Whether you are a recent graduate seeking your first job or a mid-career individual seeking a career switch, try the following scopes of work for a Cyber Security Engineer as suggested by employment website Betterteam: 

• Managing the end-to-end security protocols of an organization, covering its raw data, systems, and the internal/external networks
• Diagnose security or network issues to identify & implement solutions 
• Addressing and neutralising security breaches within the network
• Maintaining security controls to keep data and IT infrastructure safe 
• Putting forward IT security interests in change management processes

According to Betterham, these are the typical qualifications of a cybersecurity engineer: 

• Degree in Computer Science, IT, Systems Engineering, or a similar field
• Work experience in cybersecurity-related duties such as incident detection and response, and forensics
• Experience with the functionality, operation, and maintenance of firewalls and various forms of endpoint security
• Proficiency in languages/tools such as C++, Java, Node, Python, Ruby, Go, or Powershell
• CISSP/CISM or equivalent IT certifications
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, often under pressure
• Possess the right eye for detail and outstanding problem-solving skills
• Up-to-date knowledge of the latest cybersecurity trends and hacker tactics

4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Course In Singapore & Other Cybersecurity Courses

Certifications can help your resume stand out and boost your job prospects when applying for cyber security roles. 

Here at NTUC LearningHub, our courses are designed in collaboration with Cyber Security industry leaders like the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) and the Cybersecurity Agency of Singapore (CSA), to keep up with the latest cybersecurity updates. 

Whether you’re an IT professional looking to advance your skills or a non-IT professional considering a mid-career switch, our following courses offer current, relevant frameworks that are used in MNCs and SMEs in Singapore and beyond.

1. ISC2 CERTIFIED INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY PROFESSIONAL (CISSP)

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) course by NTUC LearningHub is a five-day course endorsed by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)². It is popular among practising cyber security and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) professionals, or anyone equipped with necessary IT qualifications who wants to be recognised for their competence in Information Security. 

By providing you with a deeper understanding of information security through eight comprehensive domains spanning risk management, operations, security assessment and testing, architecture and engineering, software development security and more, this course leads up to a written assessment and case study assignment to prepare you for the official (ISC)² CISSP certification exam, which qualifies you to become an Associate of (ISC)².

Thereafter, if you have also fulfilled the work experience requirements within at least two of the eight domains, you will be issued with your with your CISSP certificate from (ISC)².

Recognised by organisations around the world as the hallmark of competent cybersecurity leaders who can design, develop and manage an organisation’s overall cybersecurity, CISSP is known for its hands-on implementation syllabus.

Taking your CISSP is the first step towards careers in the following roles: 

• Chief Information Security Officer
• Chief Information Officer
• IT Director/Manager
• Security Director
• Security Manager
• Security Auditor
• Security Systems Engineer
• Security/Network Architect
• Security Consultant/Analyst.

For the full course details, read on here:

https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/en-gb/-/course/nicf-isc2-certified-information-systems-security-professional-cissp-sf

2. CERTIFIED ETHICAL HACKER (CEH)

Another gateway to (ICT) and Cybersecurity industries is the CEH certification - an introductory course backed by EC-Council that has been refined over 20 years to equip aspiring cybersecurity professionals with the necessary skills to become ethical hackers who can uncover weaknesses in nearly any type of target system - before cyber criminals do. Covering 20 comprehensive modules encompassing technologies, tactics and procedures for prospective ethical hackers, this 5-day training adopts the learning framework of 1. Learn 2. Certify 3. Engage 4. Compete, and combines knowledge-based training with hands-on application and other opportunities for continuous learning. 

In this 12th version of the CEH course, you are prepared for roles including: 

• Information Security Analyst /Administrator, Information Assurance (IA) Security Officer 
• Information Security Manager / Specialist
• Information Systems Security Engineer / Manager
• Information Security Professionals / Officers
• Information Security / IT Auditors
• Risk / Threat/Vulnerability Analyst
• System Administrators
• Network Administrators and Engineers

Learn more about the C|EH® v12 training program here: https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/en-gb/-/course/nicf-certified-ethical-hacker-ceh-sf-1

3. NICF - CERTIFIED INFORMATION SECURITY MANAGER® (CISM®)

CISM® holders widely recognised by the cybersecurity industry as qualified Information Security managers who can be trusted to effectively secure an Enterprise by managing the risks and threats in the cyber realm. 

As a CISM® holder, you will be among the most-qualified professionals in the information security and risk management fields, being well-versed in international security practices, information security governance, information risk management, information security program development & management and incident management.

NTUC LearningHub’s 5-day NICF CISM® course prepares you for the eventual external certification exam, covering 38 task areas and 72 knowledge areas through comprehensive lectures and case study applications. 

Get your competitive edge for both local and international job prospects. View the full details of the CISM®  course here: https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/en-gb/-/course/nicf-certified-information-security-manager-cism-sf

4. CERTIFIED IN RISK AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS CONTROL® (CRISC®) 

As one of the notable courses provided by ISACA, this Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC®) certification shows your expertise in identifying and managing enterprise IT risk and implementing and maintaining information systems controls.

Professionals holding the CRISC® certification are recognised in having a good grasp of IT risks and how they affect individual departments across an entire organisation, devising strategies and planning to handle these risks by facilitating understanding and communication between the IT teams and stakeholders.

This 32-hour preparatory course by NTUC LearningHub provides you with a better understanding of the format and structure of the external CRISC® certification exam by comprehensively covering the knowledge and competencies of Organisational Governance, IT Risk Assessment, Risk Response and Reporting and Information Technology and Security. After passing the external CRISC certification exam and completing the additional certification requirements, you can then apply to ISACA for your CRISC® certification. 

Sign up here: https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/en-gb/-/course/nicf-certified-in-risk-and-information-systems-control-crisc-sf

If you have any questions regarding the above-mentioned courses, you can contact us via: 

• <[email protected]> 
• <WhatsApp: 8488 5482>

The ‘skill gap’ as we know it today, between millennials and the generation before, usually focuses on bridging the gap in technical skills and all things digital. But what about life away from our computers and devices? Would millennials still have the upper hand? Here are five essential life skills millennials should learn about.

1) Getting Around Without a GPS

Before Google Maps, people could get around unfamiliar places just fine. Improving your orientation skills does not mean that you start using paper maps. Go ahead and Google that destination to have a rough idea of where you’re headed, but try to memorise the routes, and when in doubt, simply approach the nearest friendly face for directions! You never know – this little exercise could help you overcome your shyness around strangers.

2) Splitting the Bill Without a Calculator

Armed with a smartphone, simple calculations are made even simpler at the push of a button. There is no question about the convenience it brings, but using a shortcut like this means robbing your brain of the regular stimulations it needs to stay in shape. Neurobiologist Dr. Lawrence Katz explains that “mental decline is not usually from loss of brain cells as much as it is from loss of communication between brain cells.” So the next time you’re splitting the bill, put aside that calculator and exercise your mental muscles instead. Your older self will thank you for it.

3) Learning to Write Beautifully

When was the last time you wrote instead of typed? Chances are, it wasn’t that long ago. Most of us still write in some way: keeping notes, jotting down random thoughts and signing important documents. While it’s possible to differentiate one man’s penmanship from another, did you know that your handwriting also contains clues to your health? If having a pretty handwriting isn’t on your list of priorities, perhaps this would encourage you to pick up the pen more often.

4) Reading a Book Cover to Cover

Some may argue that it’s not necessary to read a book from beginning to end. Nonetheless, studies have shown that any form of reading improves your mood, critical thinking skills, sense of empathy, among other health and cognitive benefits. Want to make the best of it? Check out these tips to help you read cover to cover so you can better absorb all the goodness that comes from a good book!

5) Holding a Conversation Without Distractions

With social media, you may be talking to people every day, but are you truly communicating? When you’re in a room with other people, are you able to go beyond the banalities of small talks and speak in a way that they will listen? Hear it from the experts in this illuminating TED Talk playlist to learn the ingredients of a great conversation and find more tips here to help you master the art of meaningful conversation.

With technology, globalisation and workplace expectations dramatically changing, there’s never been a more exciting and opportunistic time to be in human resources.

However, success will heavily depend on a new set of competencies, mindsets, and behaviours – a message that has been reflected in the Singapore government’s newly launched Industry Manpower Plan.

Whether you work for a large multinational company or a local SME, here are the top 7 skills that you need to be cultivating.

1. Recruitment & Selection

As global competition continues to intensify, there will be increased pressure to discover the best talents efficiently. While digital technologies will play a crucial role in managing the hiring process, traditional soft skills won’t be going out of fashion. Interviewing, for example, will still be critical as the best paper applicants are not necessarily the best people for the job!

Recommended Course: Implement Recruitment and Selection Methods

Designed for anyone involved in recruitment and selection, this course empowers HR professionals to select and improve recruitment and selection methods that comply with regulations.

2. Learning & Development

Successful organisations don’t just hire the right people – they invest in them too! While Learning and Development (L&D) programmes have been around for years, their delivery has evolved. Organisations are increasingly on focusses developing teams in addition to individuals, and technology has opened up new possibilities through gamification, virtual reality, mobile learning and micro-learning (short 90 to 120-second videos).

Recommended Course: CIPD Level 3 – Diploma in Learning and Development

Having set the benchmark for excellence in people and organisation development for over 100 years, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) helps HRs stand out from the crowd with a firm foundation and professional recognition in the field of learning and development.

3. Coaching

Coaching is one of the fastest growing industries as more people and organisations seek to maximise their potential. Given that coaching utilises an array of soft skills such as listening, questioning, feedback, rapport-building and one-on-one planning, experienced employees are particularly suited for applying them in the workplace and helping to establish a coaching culture.

Recommended Course: HR as an Organisational Coach-Mentor

This 2 day training course empowers HR & L&D professionals to coach executives and managers to become the best leaders they can be while developing effective coaching environments.

4. Change Management

There are more freelancers and temp workers than ever before, work permit requirements are constantly changing and SMEs are finding it difficult to attract top talent. While these changes could be seen as threats, they have also given rise to new opportunities such as freelancer fairs, online foreign worker quota calculators and services like P-Max, which pairs job-seeking PMETs with vacancies at SMEs. The best HRs will know how to respond to these changes and influence their organisations to move with them.

Recommended Course: The Influential HR and Stakeholder Management

This 2 day course teaches HRs how to build successful partnerships within their organisation so that they can shape their company’s agendas. A Certificate of Attendance is offered by the CIPD upon completion.

5. Analytics

How will you know if your current recruitment strategy is working? How will you know if your learning development programmes are actually helping people to grow? The answer is analytics. While there are many different types of software packages that can do everything from track time (e.g. Harvest) to manage leave and performance evaluations (e.g. TribeHR), the key is knowing how to draw the right insights to inspire informed HR decisions.

Recommended Course: HR Strategic Analytics and Reporting

This 3 day course provides a thorough overview of HR analytics and how to use commonly available data software and tools.

6. Holistic Thinking

Although human resources is often seen as a function in its own right, it does not operate in a vacuum. Rather, it works in relation to all other departments. Consequently, successful HRs take a holistic approach so that HR can be used as a strategic tool to reach an organisation’s short and long-term goals.

Recommended Course: HR Business Savvy Skills

This 2 day workshop teaches HR professionals how to address problems and challenges through HR, how to be more entrepreneurial in HR and how to evaluate the value of HR to an organisation.

7. Termination & Re-employment

Whether it is due to poor work performance or disciplinary action, everyone who works in HR has to deal with termination at some point. While this is often seen as the ugly side of the business, understanding best practices as well as the latest labour policies and legislation will help to smoothen out the process for all parties involved.

Recommended Course: Managing Termination Dismissal and Re-Employment

This 1 day course ensures that HR professionals know how to implement termination and re-employment processes that are aligned with both their organisation’s needs and Singapore’s employment laws.

The organisation of the future will depend on the power of their people. Develop your HR skills and expand your career prospects by putting your SkillsFuture Credit to use today.

We all know the importance of training programmes in finding and building our careers. But did you also know that there are support programmes available to make it more affordable for Singaporeans?

Whether you are a mature PMET (Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians), looking for a change in industry or career, or are on a low income, read on and discover the many funding schemes that can support you in realising your career goals.

Mature PMETs

Skills Development Fund (SDF) for Individuals

Are you a PMET who is hungry for continual learning and growth?

Available to both self-sponsored and company-sponsored Singapore Citizens and PRs, the SDF offers up to 95% of funding for SSG-funded courses at both PME and non-PME level.

The programme also gives employers further incentive to invest in their mature employees by offering up to 95% of absentee payroll funding.

Learn more about applying for the  SDF as an individual.

CITREP+ Microsoft On-Demand

Keeping up with all the latest shifts in the ICT industry can be expensive. Fortunately, CITREP+ helps you do it effectively and affordably.

Through proactive training and funding support, CITREP+ offers up to 100% of the nett payable certification fees (capped at $500 per trainee) for the following two courses.

• NICF – Project Management Professional (PMP)®
• NICF – ITIL® Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management

To apply for CITREP+, you must be a self-sponsored Singapore Citizen or PR, or a trainee who has been sponsored by an organisation that has been incorporated or registered in Singapore (Local Government Agency employees can only apply through self-sponsorship).

Don’t let your ICT skills fall behind – learn more about  CITREP+.

Mid-Career Switchers

SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy

In need of training to keep up with the changing workplace?

Open to Singapore Citizens aged 40 and above, the Skills Future Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy supports upskilling and reskilling by offering up to 90% off course fees for SSG-supported certifiable courses.

Of course, if you are already under the Workfare Training Support (WTS) Scheme (which we’ll discuss later), you will continue to receive 95% course fee funding support.

To learn more about the subsidy  Skills Future Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy.

Infocomm Technology (ICT) Professional Conversion Programme (PCP)

Been wanting to shift into  Singapore’s booming ICT sector but don’t know how to make the jump?

NTUC LearningHub has partnered with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and  Workforce Singapore (WSG) to offer a place-and-train PCP that enables mid-career switchers to become qualified ICT professionals. While there are many different career paths in ICT, area include software, web and mobile app development.

To apply for the ICT PCP, you’ll need to be a Singapore Citizen or PR who meets one of the following:

• Currently employed in ICT but seeking to acquire new skills and/or switch careers to another ICT sub-sector
• Currently employed in industries other than ICT but seeking to acquire new skills and switch careers to ICT
• Currently unemployed but seeking to enter the ICT industry

Find out more about shifting into the ICT sector.

Career Support Programme (CSP)

Are you a mature PME who has been actively looking for jobs for a considerable period of time?

The CSP supports mature PMEs in finding work by offering  up to 18 months of wage support (capped at $42,000) to employers who are offering suitable job opportunities. New hires can also be sent for SSG-funded courses with fee support depending on prevailing SSG rates and existing processes.

To be eligible for the CSP, you must adhere to the following:

• Individuals
  • Singapore Citizens aged 40 years and above who have been made redundant or unemployed and actively looking for jobs for 6 months or more
  • Singapore Citizens aged below 40 years who have been unemployed and actively looking for jobs for 6 months or more

• Employers
  • Company is registered or incorporated in Singapore
  • Employs eligible PME job seeker(s) with a permanent job or employment contract duration of at least 12 months and a monthly gross salary of at least $4,000 (basic salary plus allowances attracting CPF contribution)
  • Provides eligible PME job seeker(s) with approved structured  On-The-Job training (OJT) or sends him/her for external SSG-approved training

Low-Income Workers

Workfare Training Support (WTS)

Skills training is not just for business owners and managers – it’s for everyone, including low-income workers seeking to increase their earning potential.

If you are a Singaporean Citizen aged 35 and above (or are 13 years and above with Disabilities) and  earn not more than $2,000 per month, Workfare Training Support (WTS) can help you upskill and improve your career prospects.

WTS offers:

• 100% funding support for selected basic skills training such as foundational skills in numeracy
• 95% course fee funding and absentee payroll for a wide range of courses
• Training allowance of $4.50 per training hour (for those who meet criteria)
• Cash awards of up to $400 per year under the Training Commitment Award (TCA), and up to $1,200 under the Continuing Education and Training Qualification Award (CQA)

Interested? Learn more about the WTS Scheme.

General Public

UTAP (for NTUC members)

Are you a NTUC member? If so, you also have access to the Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP)!

This unique training benefit  offers NTUC members up to $250 in training benefits per year, which can be used on a whole range of UTAP-supported courses ranging from manufacturing to construction to infocomms and management (see the full list  here).

To be eligible, NTUC members must meet the following conditions:

• Paid-up union membership before course commencement, throughout whole course duration and at the point of claim
• Course by training provider is supported by UTAP and training must commence within supported period
• UTAP funding is only applicable on the course fee not funded through company sponsorship or other types of funding
• Unfunded course fee must be S$20.00 and above
• Achieved a minimum of 75% attendance for each application and sat for all prescribed examination(s), if any
• UTAP application must be submitted online within 6 months from the course end/exam date.

Get more out of your NTUC membership today with UTAP.

Enterprise Training Support (ETS) Scheme

Running an organisation and want to get the best out of your employees?

The Enterprise Training Support (ETS) Scheme helps you raise employee skills and productivity, develop Human Resources (HR) and management systems and practices tied to training, as well as benchmark compensation and benefits to market rates.

Available to all organisations, companies, societies and non-profit organisations registered or incorporated in Singapore, the ETS Scheme offers a whole range of grants, which can extend to up to  as much as $200,000 per organisation.

There is a caveat though – those who have tapped into government assistance schemes in the past, for similar funding components, may not qualify for some specific grant components.

Learn more about the  ETS Scheme.

That brings us to the end of our roundup of funding and claims programmes in Singapore! There are however even more and if you’d like to learn about them,  click here.

With thousands of programming languages to choose from and a  booming ICT industry in Singapore, which ones should you be learning to further your career?

We’ve compiled a list of the most in-demand programming languages to help you make the right choice. Rather than learning just one of them, aim for three or more to enhance your versatility and really stand out from the crowd.

Java

Industry Focus: Finance, Healthcare, Enterprise

Java is worthy of a first mention as it not only underpins sites like Amazon and LinkedIn, but it is also  the most popular programming language in the world building everything from server-side applications to video games and Android apps.

There are several versions of Java though including SE (Standard Edition) and EE (Enterprise Edition). If you are new to Java, SE is a great place to start. However, if you want to work with companies requiring large scale, distributed systems, go for Java EE.

Courses:

• NICF – Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE Programmer
• NICF – Front-end Web Application Development with Java EE

PHP

Industry Focus: Web Development

Providing the building blocks to some of the world’s biggest sites such as Facebook and Wikipedia, PHP is a free and open source server-side programming language that meets the needs of both beginners and experienced users.

PHP is incredibly useful to have in your toolkit as it runs on many platforms and is  used by over 80% of websites. The key to fully leveraging its power however, lies in combining it with other languages such as JavaScript, SQL and HTML.

Courses:

• NICF – Querying Data with Transact-SQL
• Microsoft SQL Server Administrator / Developer Track
• NICF – Developing SQL Databases
• NICF – Administering a SQL Database Infrastructure
• NICF – Provisioning SQL Databases

Swift

Industry Focus: iOS Development

If you love Apple products and want to write for iOS, then learn Apple’s new programming language, Swift.

Since launching in 2014, Swift has grown in popularity due to its speed and scalability coupled with an increase in demand for mobile apps. Used by San Francisco-based rideshare company Lyft, it’s simple to learn and viewed by many in the industry as “trendy” – two factors that are attractive to an entry-level developer.

Courses:

• NICF – iOS Programming & Applications Development with Swift

Android Programming

Industry Focus: App Development

There’s no doubt however that Android is leading the operating system wars and according to  GlobalStats, it is currently enjoying a market share of around 58% in Singapore, 82% in Malaysia and 85% in Indonesia.

The dilemma with programming for Android is deciding upon which language to learn. While Java has traditionally been the go-to language for Android development, the recently released “Kotlin” has been predicted to take the top spot in the future.

Courses:

• NICF – Android Programming & Applications Development

GO

Industry Focus: Networking, Web Servers and Automation

Free, open source and built by Google, Go is used by large companies like Adobe and Facebook, and won  Tiobe Index’ Programming Language of the Year 2016 award.

It isn’t uncommon to find  high salaries associated with Go and according to Kevin Troy, Director of Developer Insights at Stack Overflow, a big reason for this is the rising importance of cloud and big data.

HTML5

Industry Focus: Web Development, Finance

While HTML5 is a scripting rather than a programming language, it’s a must for any web developer. Aside from enabling you to build rich web-based apps that can run on any device through a regular web browser, learning HTML5 will give you an edge in the financial sector.

Comparing the number of Singapore-based vacancies in the financial sector to the number of local IT candidates across six key programming languages,  efinancialcareers found HTML5 to be the most desirable programming skill to possess given that supply has been slow to meet demand.

Courses:

• NICF – Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3

C#

Industry Focus: Microsoft Programming

C# is an object-oriented programming language used to build a variety of secure and robust applications on the .NET Framework. Developed by Microsoft and used by companies like GoDaddy and Intel, it’s (not surprisingly) a must for developing Microsoft enterprise software and apps for the Windows phone operating systems.

Also part of the .NET framework, ASP.NET is an open source framework used to create simple, fast and highly scalable web apps and services. It also happens to be the  second most used programming language in Singapore at 20%. ASP.NET may be of particular use in the future as it can help organisations leverage upon the trends towards  IoT and big data.

Courses:

• NICF – Programming in C#
• NICF – Developing ASP.NET MVC 4 Web Applications

C++

Industry Focus: Games Development

A powerful and high-performance language, C++ is used to build system software, desktop and web apps, and games.

Opportunities look particularly bright in the  game development scene as it is Singapore’s fastest-growing media sub-sector. It should be kept in mind though that C++ is a little more difficult to learn and will take a sound understanding of programming knowledge to master.

Python

Industry Focus: Finance

Used by companies like Instagram, YouTube and even NASA, Python is an open source programming language that is loved for its emphasis on code readability.

Python has become increasingly popular amongst data scientists and the banking sector as according to Paul Bennie, Managing Director of financial technology headhunters, Bennie MacLean, the  supply of talent has not kept pace with demand.

That brings us to the end of our list of most in-demand programming languages! While it is by no means exhaustive, it provides a great foundation to thrive in Singapore’s burgeoning IT industry. If you’d like to learn how SkillsFuture Credit can help you offset your course fees,  click here.

Technical skills, knowledge and experience are important attributes to work in any profession. But while they may help you  keep your job, these days, they are not enough to  excel at it. What you also need in your professional arsenal is  soft skills.

According to a study conducted by renowned psychologist Daniel Goleman, which involved nearly 200 large, global companies, Emotional Intelligence (EI) [also known as Emotional Quotient (EQ)] was found to be twice as important as Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and technical ability. What’s more, he found that truly effective  leaders were distinguished by a high degree of emotional intelligence.

Thus, the question is not, “will you be working on your soft skills?” The question is, “which soft skill will you be working on today?” Here are 7 to get you started!

1. Emotional Awareness

Cultivating soft skills starts with cultivating emotional awareness. If you cannot understand your own emotions, how can you begin to understand the emotions of others?

The next time you face a situation that sparks a strong emotion inside you, just pause and take a deep breath. Pay attention to what you feel and delve into why you feel that way.

Being aware of your own emotions is the first step to mastering them. By honing your emotional awareness, you will be better placed to use your emotions in a constructive manner when interacting with customers, clients and co-workers.

2. Empathy

According to Psychology Today, empathy is the “experience of understanding another person’s condition from their perspective.” While this definition may seem clinical, the process of  developing empathy can be an extremely enjoyable process involving activities happening outside of office hours such as travelling, volunteering, attending events and taking  continuing education courses.

Exposing yourself to a diverse array of people outside your industry will expand your perspective so that you may better understand where your colleagues and customers are coming from.

3. Listening

According to Stephen R. Covey, the author of international bestseller,  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, “most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”

If you are always focussed on what you will say next, you are practically telling your counterpart, “I value what I have to say more than what you have to say.” This blocks connection and increases the chances that you will miss the core of what they say and how they feel.

Listening is one of the most commonly overlooked, yet powerful  communication skills out there. Whether you work in customer service or not, the best way to put someone at ease is to just listen to them intently. People want to be heard and will appreciate it if you approach them with a genuine attitude.

4. Patience

We’ve all heard the proverbial phrase, “patience is a virtue.” But how many of us actually practise it at our workplace?

The reality of work is that while we may want things  now, they may have to come later. There will be situations where things go wrong and times where things get stressful. However, every customer service interaction, and in a larger context, every true success story, requires patience.

According to Amy Hoover, president of recruitment portal Talent Zoo, “if you’re patient with others and can keep a level head in stressful situations, it will definitely be noticed by management and perceived as a very strong asset.”

5. Flexibility

If there is one thing that can be guaranteed in the world, it is change. Nothing stays the same. Everything is constantly changing.

At a macro level, industries are being shaped by globalisation, world needs and technological advancement. At a micro level, your company’s projects and personnel, as well as your colleagues’ professional experience and moods are changing on a daily basis too.

We can either resist and be taken away by change, or we can move with it. Those who excel at their jobs will also be those who embrace new ideas and are flexible in how they approach work.

6. Acknowledgment

People want to be around people who appreciate them and help them to be at their best – and this is no different in the workplace. Unfortunately, many professionals focus too much on mistakes or the next big thing, rather than acknowledging the small successes along the way.

Both managers and team members should make an effort to appreciate the work of others. This simple act will stand out and boost everyone’s morale to continue doing more good work. And if you make others feel good, they’ll no doubt want you to stick around!

7. Negotiation

Negotiation is often relegated to those who work in sales or business development. However, as Dan Pink points out in his book,  To Sell Is Human, we are all in the game of sales. Every day, we negotiate points of view, project scopes, salaries, employee benefits and even who will get the last sandwich at the office luncheon.

Thus, if you want to excel at your job, you must level up your soft skills and learn how to negotiate. Even learning a few negotiation strategies such as how to create a win-win situation and BRATNA (Best Realistic Alternative To A Negotiated Agreement) will make you more confident in your negotiations.