2020 beckons the beginning of a new decade and as we watch closely the reality of a pandemic unfold on a global scale, we see entire sectors being uprooted and it is undeniable that moving from digital disruption to digital innovation is key.

Such a trajectory calls for digital strategies in the workplace. No longer is digital transformation a litmus test but a clear and critical component to survive in such uncertain times. Companies should stay open-minded and professionals should embrace lifelong learning to stay resilient and reinvent. Be empowered to ride on a wave of skills and career transformation, one in which NUS-ISS is committed to blaze the path ahead.

In the past year, NUS-ISS trained close to 11,240 PMEs from more than 770 companies and government sectors – an 11% growth from the year before. A total of 477 students enrolled in our graduate programmes and our stackable programmes continue to pave the way for effective bite-sized learning. The students completed projects for notable organisations such as SPH, PSA and GovTech, and we are seeing a trend of more students joining start-ups such as Grab and Shopee. We also hosted a total of 21 seminars, conferences, and Community of Practices (CoP) sessions in 2019 and participated in more than 31 outreach events to stay connected to latest tech events including Innovfest Unbound, Future Economy Conference and Exhibition and more. SkillsFuture Festival 2019 themed - Industry 4.0 and the future of skills was held on NUS premises with more than 3,000 like-minded industry professionals and thought leaders gathered to share their digital journeys, exchange ideas and best practices.

Our largest NUS-ISS Learning Day to date, held on 2 August, attracted 800 attendees – a 60% increase from last year reflecting a thirst for knowledge. Insightful talks delivered by invited speakers from SIA and DBS were part of the curated programme and learners went home sparked with creativity and challenges. I am also pleased to have presided over the Professional Diploma Presentation Ceremony in November 2019 which saw the graduation of Singapore’s pioneer batch of 15 Smart Health Leadership Graduates from Ng Teng Fong General Hospital.

We have also laid the groundwork for championing individual and organisation transformation by harnessing the synergy over five major MoUs. It is an honour to collaborate with these partners namely, the recognition of specialist diploma from Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic; Nucleus 2.0 Programme with NCS to cultivate workplace learning, three digitalisation programmes with the Singapore Business Federation and the Digital Finance Leadership Programme with AMTD Foundation, Xiaomi Finance and SMU.

The NUS-ISS career services team collaborated with companies to secure over 174 job placements for our graduands in 2019. Stay tuned as in 2020, five new Professional Conversion Programmes to result in target job roles for new industries will be launched.

It has been a wonderful year serving NUS-ISS, and taking a moment to reflect upon our contributions towards a Smart Nation brings me great pride. The team at NUS-ISS has quickly adapted to changes and seamlessly operated and I am truly appreciative for their support.

Looking ahead, I am confident that the institute’s vision will be brought to greater heights. United as an NUS-ISS community, strengthened with industry partners and esteemed stakeholders, I look forward to igniting collaborative efforts in empowering skills and career transformation.

Ms Janet Ang
Chairman, NUS-ISS Management Board