09 October 2020
Economic Development Board managing director Chng Kai Fong has said that currently valued skill sets will not be sufficient to see Singaporeans through the coming years.
Digital and technical skills will not be enough. In addition, Singaporeans need to pay attention to opportunities outside the country.
Mr Chng said that soft skills – the ability to tell a story, to have empathy, and create connections with others – will help people to stand out and differentiate themselves. He also said that it will be important to disabuse people, including the future generation, of the notion that “Singapore is enough”.
There are opportunities around the world and in Asia, which is growing, he noted, and Singaporeans will have to make sure they stay relevant.
Mr Chng said that many people here also pride themselves on long-term planning. However, the ability to react and plan in the short term will be very important. He encouraged students to pursue their “obsessions and side hustles”, which will help them to build confidence and find meaning.