Key Announcements from COS 2026 on CET and IHL Innovations
In the recent Committee of Supply (COS) 2026 debates, Singapore's Ministry of Education (MOE) highlighted significant strides in fortifying the Continuing Education and Training (CET) ecosystem through Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). Senior Minister of State for Education Janil Puthucheary emphasized building a vibrant CET landscape with over 700 training providers, including IHLs like the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). These efforts aim to deliver high-quality, industry-responsive programs that drive career advancement for adult learners.
The merger of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and Workforce Singapore (WSG) into a new statutory board, jointly overseen by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and MOE, marks a pivotal shift. This unified agency will streamline skills training, career guidance, and job matching, enhancing accessibility and relevance in the CET space.
The Role of Stackable Micro-Credentials in CET
Continuing Education and Training (CET) refers to post-secondary learning opportunities designed for working adults to upskill or reskill amid evolving job markets. IHL micro-credentials are short, focused modules—discrete units of learning with defined outcomes, assessments, and certifications—that earn academic credits. These stack progressively toward full qualifications like diplomas or degrees, offering flexibility without upfront long-term commitments.
Unlike traditional courses, micro-credentials emphasize 'just-in-time' skill acquisition, directly applicable to workplaces. They integrate seamlessly into the Careers and Skills Passport, a digital record showcasing verified competencies to employers. This approach addresses Singapore's need for agile lifelong learning, especially in high-growth sectors like AI, sustainability, and digital engineering.
SIT Leading with Competency-Based Stackable Pathways
The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore's University of Applied Learning, pioneers competency-based stackable micro-credentials (CSM). These pathways target in-employment adults, breaking degrees into industry-designed modules around job-role competencies. For instance, SIT's Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering via CSM allows learners to earn specialist certificates per module, stacking toward the full degree with up to 90% SkillsFuture funding.
SIT collaborates closely with employers like NCS and Singtel for real-world alignment. Applications for the May 2026 CSM intake are open, underscoring momentum post-COS 2026. This model not only boosts employability but also enables fast-tracking based on prior experience.
NTU and SUSS Expanding Modular Micro-Credentials
NTU offers FlexiMasters—stackable postgraduate certificates across disciplines like data science and business analytics. These short-term, credit-bearing courses allow customization toward specialist certificates or master's degrees, catering to professionals seeking targeted upskilling.
SUSS complements this with SkillsFuture Series courses, such as Cognitive Systems Engineering (HFS301), an IHL micro-credential eligible for mid-career funding. Its graduate certificates stack toward higher qualifications, focusing on practical skills in areas like management information systems. These IHL offerings ensure diverse entry points into CET, from bite-sized modules to comprehensive pathways.
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Cross-IHL Pilots and Industry Partnerships
COS 2026 spotlighted cross-IHL micro-credential pathways, piloted for seamless recognition across institutions. A prime example is the Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES) Chartered Engineer (Singapore) in Sustainability certification, combining modules from multiple IHLs with industry input for broad employability.
- Developed with sector leaders to match job competencies.
- Recognized overseas certifications where gaps exist, like cloud solutions via Singapore Computer Society.
- WSQ-accredited courses in healthcare, engineering, and media for immediate workplace impact.
These collaborations leverage IHLs' research prowess and networks, translating frontier knowledge into actionable training. For professionals eyeing higher education career advice, such pathways offer credible ladders to advancement.
Read the full MOE COS speechSkillsFuture Enhancements and Educator Professionalisation
SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme (SFLP) expands from Q4 2026 to ~200 WSQ courses, including specialist diplomas like Workplace Safety and Health. Mid-career enhanced subsidies support over 60,000 learners since 2024.
From April 2026, adult educators must register nationally, pursue Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) certification, and log 40 CPD + 80 practice hours biennially via the Training and Adult Educator Professionalisation Pathway (TAEPP). This elevates CET quality, with pathways for industry experts in legal and healthcare.
MySkillsFuture portal upgrades include AI chatbots and occupation-based recommendations, simplifying navigation.
Proven Impacts: Statistics and Employment Outcomes
CET participation surged: over 600,000 individuals in MOE/SSG training in 2025 (up from 370,000 in 2015); employer-sponsored doubled to 23,000+.
| Metric | 2015/2018 | 2025 | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| SkillsFuture Attendance | 370,000 | 600,000+ | Upskilling growth |
| ITE Work-Study Diploma Trainees | 100 | 1,600 | 90% full-time employed |
| SFLP Users | - | 60,000+ | Mid-career support |
ITE Work-Study Diploma graduates see median salaries rise from $2,000 to $2,975, with 70% retained by employers. IHL micro-credentials mirror this, fostering tangible career progression.
Stakeholder Views: Addressing Challenges Head-On
MPs like Andre Low called for accrediting quality micro-credentials and overseas recognition, while David Hoe highlighted information gaps, suggesting taster sessions. Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities and stronger employer involvement were key concerns, with MOE committing to ecosystem collaboration.
Solutions include SME AI Skills Launchpad (March 2026) for 2,000 employers and enhanced ITE incentives ($20,000 per trainee from April 2026).
Photo by Matthew Waring on Unsplash
Future Directions: AI, Sustainability, and Beyond
Post-COS 2026, expect deeper IHL focus on AI literacy and green skills, aligning with Economic Strategy Review. Cross-IHL pilots will scale, bolstered by the SSG-WSG merger for faster market response. For job seekers, CET via IHLs opens doors to higher ed jobs and beyond.
Professionals can explore Singapore academic opportunities or university jobs enhanced by these credentials.
Getting Started: Actionable Steps for Upskilling
- Visit MySkillsFuture for personalized recommendations.
- Check IHL sites like SIT's CSM or NTU FlexiMasters for 2026 intakes.
- Leverage SkillsFuture Credit for up to 90% funding.
- Consult higher ed career advice resources.
Employers, consider sponsoring via enhanced incentives. Stay ahead in Singapore's dynamic job market—your next credential could be the key. Discover openings at higher-ed-jobs, rate-my-professor, and university-jobs.
