Lifelong Learning Policies and Practices

in Singapore
Prepared by Institute for Adult Learning

Executive Summary
Singapore embarked on the SkillsFuture movement in 2015, a national movement to provide
Singaporeans with the opportunities to develop their fullest potential throughout their life,
regardless of their starting points. Through this movement, the skills, passion and contributions of
every individual will drive Singapores next phase of development towards an advanced economy
and inclusive society. In the context of a volatile environment, this movement has placed importance
on continuous learning throughout ones life, bringing tangible and intangible benefits to individuals
as well as in developing Singapore as a learning society. Lifelong learning policies and practices in
Singapore were implemented as early as 1960s since Singapores independence. It was the nation's
key strategy in the past and will continue to be so in future, which is evident from the SkillsFuture
movement.
This report begins with the sharing on the development of effective lifelong learning systems to help
Singapore survive in this globalised and competitive economy. In order to equip our people with the
right skills to stay ahead, three systems were developed since 1960s:
1. The pre-employment training (PET) system provides foundation education for our people.
Our PET system is constantly evolving and undergoing improvements to meet changing
needs and aspirations. The policies and practices implemented can be categorized into three
different era. The introduction of compulsory education act and its impact will also be
discussed.
2. Partnering the PET system is our continuing education and training (CET) system that serve
adults who have left the PET system. It is known that being equipped with only preemployment learning is not sufficient. CET plays a critical role in ensuring that our workforce
is constantly re-skilled and up-skilled to keep up with changing demands at the workplace.
To show the commitment of the government in promoting CET and lifelong learning, a
centralised government body was set up to oversee this important national strategy
including a national CET system.
3. The success of the PET and CET systems is made possible with a corresponding supportive
financing system. The system has to be comprehensive, accessible and inclusive so as to
provide the necessary extensive benefits and impactful outcome for everyone to achieve as
far as their ability allows them.
The second part of the report discusses Singapores journey towards a learning society. Details on
the SkillsFuture movement as well as the policies and practices being implemented to support the
key thrusts of the movement will also be shared. Lifelong learning has to become a mind-set and
culture in our people. Continuous learning and attaining skills mastery to meet the demands of the

economy will be our focus. At the same time, self-actualisation and empowerment of individuals to
achieve their goals and aspirations are just as important in steering our people towards a learning
society.
Finally, the report will identify possible areas that can be further enhanced to help make Singapore a
more inclusive learning society.

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