Singapore pushes micro-credentials: What are they and are they right for you?

How they work in some cases

These courses can be taken in depth, said Associate Professor May Lim, assistant dean of applied learning at Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). SIT offers micro-certificates in the fields of technology and sustainability.

For example, for those who want to become machine learning or data engineers, a two-day AI course that teaches general knowledge is not enough, she said.

She told CNA’s Singapore Tonight: “If I want to delve deeper and have real competence… I need a lot of learning, which is what micro-credentials are for.”

Assoc Prof Lim said SIT would also look at students’ prior learning in order to offer the right micro-credentials.

These institutions have also created courses that involve multiple providers. For example, the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) has partnered with the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) to launch a professional certification in generative artificial intelligence.

Guan Chon, associate professor at the Singapore University of Technology College, who also participated in the show, said that Singapore University of Technology focused on presentation and content generation and storytelling modules, while Singapore University of Technology and Design focused on design and innovation.

“We leverage each other’s strengths and build better products together,” she said.

The role of industry

Under a new initiative, skill development partners will administer IHL micro-credentials offered in emerging or high-demand fields and recognize learners who have acquired necessary skills through industry-recognized credentials.

For example, the Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES) worked with businesses to list the key skills required of sustainability engineers and identified institutional micro-credentials covering these skills.

Learners who complete a micro-credential covering core skills identified by IES and pass the IES professional assessment will be awarded Chartered Certification.

Singtel, Southeast Asia’s largest telecommunications company, is one company that is supporting its employees in taking on the new IES Chartered certification pathway.

To achieve its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2045, Singtel will use this new certification pathway to develop a core team of experts with expertise in areas such as sustainability reporting and sustainable design.