Is our education losing its relevance in the new economy?

By Riduwan Suparman

Singapore’s education system is widely recognised as one of the best in the world. Academic excellence has long been a source of national pride, with significant investments made to develop human capital and prepare future generations for success.

However, an important question remains:

Are students truly prepared for the workforce after graduation?

For many years, there has been a common belief that obtaining good grades from reputable institutions guarantees stable employment. Yet, today’s employers are increasingly looking beyond academic qualifications. In a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, technical competencies alone are no longer enough.

Modern workplaces require adaptability, critical thinking, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity for continuous learning.

The Skills Gap

Many employers have reported difficulties in finding local talent with the practical skills required for today’s economy. While graduates possess academic knowledge, there can be a disconnect between what is taught in educational institutions and what industries actually need.

Statistics from the Ministry of Education have also shown that not every graduate secures full-time employment immediately after graduation, with many taking on traineeships or temporary positions to gain practical experience.

This raises an important question:

How can education evolve to remain relevant?

Bridging Education and Industry

Closer collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners is essential. Learning pathways should become more flexible and embrace alternative models such as:

  • Workplace learning
  • Corporate apprenticeships
  • Industry-led professional programmes
  • Workplace mentoring
  • Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
  • Competency-based education


These approaches help learners acquire practical experience while developing skills that are directly aligned with market demands.

Lifelong Learning Starts Early

Workforce preparation should not begin only at the tertiary level. Developing life skills, self-awareness, and problem-solving abilities should start much earlier.

Education should encourage learners to:

  • Discover their interests and strengths
  • Build resilience and adaptability
  • Develop communication and leadership skills
  • Apply knowledge to real-world challenges


Field learning experiences and workplace exposure can complement classroom education and help students better understand future career opportunities.

Looking Ahead

A quality education is no longer measured solely by examination results. It should also equip individuals with the practical skills and mindset required for lifelong learning and career resilience.

As industries continue to evolve, education must evolve alongside them. By strengthening partnerships between educators and employers, promoting flexible learning pathways, and focusing on practical competencies, we can better prepare learners for the opportunities and challenges of the new economy.

Success in the future will not depend only on what we know today, but on our ability to keep learning, adapting, and growing throughout our lives.

Facebook
X
LinkedIn

Dee Deaty

Dr. Dee Deaty Duriati (h.c.) is an entrepreneur, wellness advocate, educator, and community leader whose work reflects a lifelong passion for personal development, communication, and empowering others to reach their full potential. As the Founder of DbodynMind and creator of Maven Touch by Dr. Dee Duriati, she has dedicated her career to promoting holistic well-being, confidence, and lifelong learning. Her contributions to entrepreneurship and community development were recognised with the SMCCI Honorary Entrepreneur Award 2016.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Dee continued to champion education and skills development by serving as an Assessor at Allspice Culinary Institute and supporting the MSGA Singapore Hub through webinars, eBook initiatives, AI literacy programmes, and learning opportunities for seniors. Her commitment to accessible education reflects her belief that learning should remain a lifelong journey for people of all ages.

An active member of the Toastmasters community, Dr. Dee currently serves as Public Relations Manager for Division P (District 80) and Vice President Membership of Awesome Toastmasters Club. She also contributes to the entrepreneurial ecosystem as Vice President, Sponsorship for iKonSG Women Entrepreneurs and Executive Director of DSue.

As Vice President, Programmes & Outcomes at SKILLS Singapore, Dr. Dee is dedicated to developing impactful programmes that promote lifelong learning, leadership, communication excellence, healthy ageing, and community empowerment, helping individuals build the confidence and skills needed to create better futures.

LinkedIn

Riduwan Suparman

Riduwan Suparman is an educator, and community advocate with over 20 years of leadership experience spanning Information Technology, Education, and Community Development. Throughout his career, he has led digital transformation initiatives, built high-performing teams, and championed lifelong learning as a pathway to personal and social advancement.

As President of SKILLS Singapore, Riduwan is committed to the organisation’s mission of empowering lives through knowledge and lifelong learning. He believes that access to education and skills development should not be determined by one’s circumstances, and that knowledge remains one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty, improving employability, and creating sustainable opportunities for underprivileged individuals and families.

Beyond SKILLS Singapore, Riduwan is an active leadership practitioner who has contributed extensively to professional development, adult learning, and community leadership initiatives. He is passionate about helping individuals discover their potential and believes that meaningful change begins when people are empowered with the knowledge, confidence, and opportunities to succeed.

His academic qualifications reflect his commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence:

– Doctorate of Education (Candidate), UCAM University, Spain
– Master of Education, Monash University, Australia
– Master of Business Information Technology, University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom
– Diploma in Adult and Continuing Education (DACE), Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)

Guided by the belief that learning should never stop, Riduwan continues to champion education as a force for social mobility, economic resilience, and community transformation.

LinkedIn

Wardah Md salam

Wardah Mohamed Salam is an entrepreneur, educator, wellness practitioner, and community advocate with over 15 years of international experience across the Food & Beverage and Hospitality industry in Australia, Japan, Singapore, and New York. Her career reflects a strong commitment to personal growth, resilience, and empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Drawing from her experience as a single mother raising a child with ADHD, Wardah transitioned into childcare and education during the COVID-19 pandemic, specialising in supporting children on the ADHD and autism spectrum while incorporating Montessori principles into early childhood development. Her work in education reinforced her belief in the transformative power of learning, support, and opportunity.

Wardah is also the Founder of Moxy Rosy Organic Spa, where she promotes holistic wellness and self-care as foundations for confidence, personal development, and overall well-being.

As Vice President, Partnerships & Ecosystems at SKILLS Singapore, Wardah leads efforts to build meaningful collaborations that connect individuals to education, mentorship, employment pathways, and community support. Having navigated career transitions and personal challenges throughout her own journey, she understands the barriers many face in achieving economic independence.

Wardah believes that while talent is everywhere, opportunity is not. She remains committed to creating partnerships and opportunities that empower individuals and families to build brighter, more sustainable futures.

LinkedIn

ADA AHMAD

Ada Ahmad is a strategist, entrepreneur, and technology advocate with over 15 years of experience in digital transformation, business strategy, governance, operations, and organisational development. She has worked across the private, education, and non-profit sectors, helping organisations strengthen capabilities, improve performance, and achieve sustainable growth.

As the Founder of ADADigital Asia and Co-Founder of The Insurance Collective, Ada has led initiatives that drive innovation, operational excellence, and digital adoption. Her expertise in building systems, managing risk, and creating scalable solutions has earned her recognition as a trusted advisor and leader in business and community development.

As Vice President, Governance, Risk, Finance & Secretariat at SKILLS Singapore, Ada plays a key role in strengthening the organisation’s governance framework, financial stewardship, and operational sustainability. She is committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and strong organisational foundations that enable SKILLS to deliver meaningful and lasting impact for the communities it serves.

Passionate about creating opportunities for growth and advancement, Ada believes that access to skills, mentorship, and support can transform lives. She champions initiatives that connect individuals to learning, employment, entrepreneurship, and community resources, helping them build resilience and achieve long-term success.

Through responsible leadership and a commitment to service, Ada continues to support efforts that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and create sustainable pathways for future generations.

LinkedIn