PSB Academy (PSBA), a prominent private education institution in Singapore, has unveiled a S$3.5 million endeavor to aid adult learners in enhancing their skills and adapting to new career demands as part of its 60th Diamond Jubilee celebration. The PSBA Diamond Jubilee Education Grants are designed to address the skills gap by empowering over 1,500 adult learners in Singapore with the necessary knowledge and expertise to excel in today's rapidly evolving job market. Aligned with the national commitment to lifelong learning, this initiative complements the recent Budget 2024 initiatives aimed at encouraging and supporting individuals aged 40 and above to utilize SkillsFuture Credits for upskilling and reskilling endeavors.
"As PSB Academy celebrates our 60-year heritage of making education accessible and inclusive for everyone, we are honoured to extend our support to the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers", Derrick Chang, Chief Executive Officer of PSB Academy, stated.
Elaborating on the S$3.5 million initiative, Derrick expressed, "PSB Academy stands inspired by the visionary initiatives delineated within SG Budget 2024. We have continuously collaborated with governmental directives to bolster higher education accessibility, consistently offering alternative pathways and diverse options through the private education route. As a testament to our dedication, we have chosen to autonomously finance our grants, aligning with the spirit of innovation and inclusivity championed by the government's strategic vision".
Departing from the exclusive focus on individuals aged 40 and above, PSB Academy is extending the Diamond Jubilee Education Grant to encompass all age demographics within the workforce. The results of our recent 2023 Graduate Employment Survey revealed that 7 in 10 of our part-time graduates agreed that PSBA provides them with opportunities to excel academically, personally, and professionally.
"With the Diamond Jubilee Education Grants, we hope to make upskilling even more accessible and empower individuals to pursue new learning opportunities and pick up new skills, thereby enhancing their career prospects in these uncertain times", said Derrick Chang.
Acknowledging the importance of flexibility for working adults in managing both work and studies effectively, PSBA's part-time Bachelor's programs provide adaptable schedules and hands-on curricula that resonate with real-world situations, catering to the professional requirements of adult learners with prior work experience. The grant is available to all students residing in Singapore and encompasses various part-time Certificates, Diplomas, and Bachelor's degree programs offered by PSBA.
This S$3.5 million initiative builds upon the success of PSBA's previous endeavours, including the Future Together Initiative during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the global crisis, PSBA stepped forward with the Future Together Initiative, committing around S$3 million to support almost 3,000 students, ensuring they could continue their academic journey amidst economic uncertainties.
Over the span of sixty years, fueled by unwavering dedication and a steadfast commitment to student achievement, PSBA has persistently championed a path toward a brighter, more inclusive future. The institution has broadened its horizons by incorporating a specialized STEM Wing equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to offer specialized STEM programs. Additionally, PSBA has proactively nurtured partnerships with an expanded array of industry collaborators and strengthened connections with esteemed global university partners, exemplified by a signing ceremony attended by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, marking its affiliation with Massey University.
