Design Challenge
#3: How might we learn from COVID-19 to reimagine our future for life, work, learning and play?
Project Description
UpgradED.sg is envisioned to be one of the leading education technology platforms in Singapore. We aim to empower young working adults for the future of work and make self-aware education decisions that lead to a better career and life. The online platform enables students to access universities and corporations that provide online courses, fellowships and other learning resources. We will partner with hundreds of educational institutions, corporations and foundations inside and outside Singapore. UpgradED.sg will equip young adults with the information that they need to help them create and shape a better path as they discover more about themselves and the opportunities available to them.
Criteria #1: Value
Disrupting the economic and social order, COVID-19 has forced a vast majority of the population to adapt to the new normal of isolation; work-from-home, home-based-learning, and worsening unemployment. With the economy at a standstill, one thing is certain, we need to refocus our energy towards the new normal. Rebuilding the economy even during the circuit breaker requires new skillset, perspectives and creativity. To this light, equipping the workforce with the skills they need will be critical.
Criteria #2: Inspiration
Our situation pushes us to embrace digital transformation. Access to skills upgrade should also be easily accessible online. Many great short courses are now being delivered virtually by local and international institutions. UpgradEd.sg seeks to connect our young workforce to these resources so they can continue to be educated and upgrade their skills while staying at home, ready to support the nation in rebuilding our economy even in this season. This UpgradEd.sg platform will align with SkillsFuture national movement.
Criteria #3: Impact
We envision two crucial impacts achieved through UpgradED.sg. First, Personal Growth for the User. We seek to build the confidence and skills of our young adults even during economic slowdown helping them pivot their career choices, if needed, by equipping them of the necessary skills for the future of work. Second, Support for nation strengthening and economic rebuilding for Singapore. We seek to partner with different agencies in Singapore, ensuring their career education and workforce upgrade resources are accessed by those who need it the most. In return, this strengthens a generation of works empowered for the new employment landscape.
Criteria #4: Timeliness
This website development will take 3-4 months including research, design and development.
Criteria #5: Systems Thinking
Upgraded.sg will seek to partner with SkillsFuture Singapore – a national career movement target for Singaporeans in partnership with Ministry of Trade and Industries, Ministry of Manpower and Ministry of Education. Our proposed platform will also cover foreign workers in Singapore recognizing the fact that they form a critical part of our workforce and economy.
