Singapore – NTUC Learning Hub, a continuing education and training provider in Singapore, has recently announced the inauguration of the first training academy in Singapore designed to equip the country’s workforce.
Dedicated to strengthening the thinking capabilities of professionals, managers, and executives in the generative AI era, the academy focuses on areas including critical thinking, design thinking, and creative thinking to enhance problem-solving and innovation skills.
It also pioneers a targeted approach to honing thinking skills, helping PMEs navigate the complex business landscape, make ethical data-driven decisions, and drive innovation in the digital-first world.
According to the firm, the launch aligns with their commitment to support PMEs, which focuses on helping professionals stay competitive by adapting to new and emerging workplace technologies.
It also builds upon addressing the need for training in thinking skills, especially with the currently observed gap in this area of focus. By integrating interactive learning experiences and AI-powered tools, the courses under the Academy are designed to enhance the ability of learners to analyse complex problems and make informed, data-driven decisions.
Through this, participants will further leverage generative AI to analyse industry trends and assess business scenarios, enabling strategic decision-making that accounts for cost factors, audience engagement, and competitive landscapes in real-time.
In addition, the academy will emphasise ethical AI usage, equipping learners with the skills to critically assess AI-generated insights for biases and uphold ethical decision-making standards.
Ng Chee Meng, secretary-general at NTUC, commented, “The rise of GenAI brings both challenges and opportunities, making it vital for workers and PMEs to acquire GenAI skills and essential thinking skills to navigate complex business environments and stay competitive. Through the NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy, we hope to equip PMEs with some tools and knowledge needed to adapt and thrive in the digital age.”
“NTUC remains committed to expanding our suite of innovative solutions to better support PMEs in their career progression, ensuring that our workforce is future-ready and resilient,” he added.
Interestingly, the hub features three existing thinking skills courses that are refreshed with GenAI content, integrating prompt engineering and AI-powered decision-making to equip PMEs with the critical skills needed for the future workforce.
The courses include (1) Design Thinking Fundamentals, which introduces a human-centric approach to innovation and incorporates GenAI to enhance ideation and problem-solving; (2) Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Display Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills Powered by Wiley, enabling professionals to master logical inquiry, stakeholder engagement, and AI-enhanced problem-solving; and (3) Critical Thinking, designed for senior professionals to help them leverage AI tools such as ChatGPT to refine decision-making and mitigate cognitive biases. Refer to Annex A for more information on these courses.
Apart from these refreshed courses, upcoming programmes in systems thinking, creative thinking, and strategic thinking are also being developed, with their launch expected in the third quarter of this year.
With this move, industry and academic industry leaders have also shown their support for the academy’s launch, highlighting its positive impact on their respective fields.
Koo Sengmeng, head of LearnAI at AISG, also stated, “As AI continues to reshape industries, individuals must learn how to leverage AI tools as their skills multiplier and be more effective. NTUC LearningHub’s Thinking Academy’s emphasis on AI-enhanced problem-solving and decision-making aligns with our vision of equipping Singapore’s workforce with future-ready AI skills.”
“By integrating prompt engineering and generative AI into learning, we can ensure that professionals stay relevant and competitive in an AI-powered world,” Koo further shared.
Meanwhile, Professor Peter Waring, pro vice-chancellor of transnational education and Singapore Dean of Murdoch University, said, “At Murdoch University, we recognise the need for lifelong learning and the importance of equipping professionals with robust thinking skills. We are proud to partner with NTUC LearningHub to endorse these courses, ensuring that learners not only gain practical skills but also receive globally recognised credentials that enhance their employability and career advancement.”
Belina Lee, deputy CEO, transformation and growth at Mandai Wildlife Group, said, “Mandai Wildlife Group is leveraging technology and generative AI to transform our operations and boost productivity. Through the Company Training Committee with our union partners, Attractions, Resorts & Entertainment Union (AREU) and Singapore Manual & Mercantile Workers’ Union (SMMWU), we are committed to employee development, providing comprehensive training programmes and ensuring our workforce will be well-equipped for this innovative era.”
Benny Chan, managing director, group channels and digitalisation at UOB, stated, “At UOB, we believe in empowering our people with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate a rapidly evolving banking landscape while offering quality customer service and experience. In particular, critical thinking skills are integral not only in serving the sophisticated needs of customers but also in analysing data and trends to better anticipate their future requirements. The critical thinking programmes offered by the NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy are thus very timely as we look at taking our service to the next level for our customers.”
Jeremy Ong, chief executive officer at NTUC LearningHub, said, “With the rapid adoption of AI, thinking skills are becoming more important than ever. The ability to critically analyse information, solve complex problems, and make informed decisions will define success in the future workplace. The NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy is our bold step towards ensuring that Singapore’s workforce is not only AI-literate but AI-empowered, augmenting GenAI with thinking skills to enhance decision-making and drive innovation.”
“Beyond the launch, we are committed to continuously expanding our suite of thinking courses, with additional courses focusing on systems thinking, design thinking, and strategic decision-making in development. This will ensure that Singapore’s workforce remains adaptable, innovative, and well-equipped for the future,” he concluded.
The event was formally launched by Ng Chee Meng, Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress.
