Over 200,000 Singaporeans gained digital skills during COVID-19: Microsoft

The software company's training initiative aims to set a new foundation for a skills-based economy.

Microsoft has helped over 200,000 Singaporeans acquire digital skills during the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst also extending its goal to help 250,000 companies worldwide make more skills-based hires in 2021.

The people who have gained access to digital skills, from laid-off factory workers to retail associates and truck drivers, turned to online learning courses from GitHub, LinkedIn and Microsoft during the pandemic to help prepare for and secure the most in-demand roles, including customer service, project management and data analysis.

The initiative aims to set a new foundation for a skills-based economy through a suite of new tools and platforms designed to connect skilled job seekers with employers.

“For us to emerge stronger from the pandemic, reskilling needs to be at the center of our economic reset,” Microsoft Singapore managing director Kevin Wo said.

Through government and industry-leading partnerships, Microsoft Singapore is also further closing the skills gap and enhancing employability through its national skilling initiatives.