In an interview with Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Singapore, Ha Son Tung, senior specialist and deputy head of the Advanced Optical Technologies Department at Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), emphasised the importance of prioritising human resources development, particularly in science, technology, and innovation that Singapore has the expertise.

According to the specialist, since Singapore's establishment, the government has recognised that its greatest asset is people. This understanding has led to long-term strategies aimed at strengthening workforce capabilities through a well-structured education system that spans primary and secondary school, college, and university.

Developing high-quality human resources has consistently been a top priority in Singapore’s economic growth strategy. Tung outlined three key aspects of Singapore’s approach, namely anticipating workforce needs with structured training programmes, fostering international cooperation in education, and building a well-integrated training ecosystem.

Singapore has consistently anticipated labour market demands and implemented systematic training plans to meet future needs, Tung noted. For example, when the country set its sights on becoming an industrialised and high-tech manufacturing hub in the 1970s, it placed a strong emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education at all levels. This strategy has contributed to Singapore’s consistent ranking among the top nations in global mathematics proficiency assessments.

Another key initiative is SkillsFuture, launched in 2015 to promote lifelong learning and equip workers across all age groups with skills relevant to high-tech industries, digital transformation, and Industry 4.0. By continuously upgrading workforce skills, the initiative helps maintain Singapore’s competitive edge and drives economic growth.

Singapore has always tied its economic development to global integration, making international cooperation in education a priority. One of its strategic decisions early on was adopting English as the official language, giving it a competitive advantage over other countries in the region.

Additionally, Singapore places strong emphasis on recruiting university lecturers with doctoral degrees from top global institutions, often selecting candidates from the world’s most prestigious research groups. This approach ensures that Singaporean universities uphold high academic standards and remain internationally competitive.

Tung highlighted that Singapore places a strong focus on practical, business-oriented education and training. The country actively aligns training programmes with industry needs, and the government encourages close collaboration between universities, colleges, and domestic enterprises.

In fact, most of the courses in Singapore colleges are designed to cater to specific industries and the curriculum is also heavily consulted with businesses.The curricula emphasise hands-on learning, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the workforce. As a result, graduates integrate seamlessly into the job market with minimal need for retraining.

Singapore’s consistently high labour productivity across the region is a testament to the effectiveness of its education and workforce training strategies, Tung said.

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