As Vietnam and Singapore strengthen their bilateral strategic partnership, a key area of focus is the development of science, technology, and innovation, particularly in training high-quality human resources.
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), highlighted the critical need to prioritize human resources development, especially in the fields of science, technology, and innovation, where Singapore has significant 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.
Singapore also prioritizes recruiting university lecturers with doctoral degrees from leading global institutions, often selecting candidates from the world’s top research groups. This strategy ensures that Singaporean universities maintain high academic standards and stay internationally competitive.
Tung emphasized that Singapore focuses on practical, business-oriented education and training. The country actively tailors training programs to meet industry demands, and the government fosters strong collaboration between universities, colleges, and local businesses.
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.
