The Singapore e-Government Leadership Centre (eGL) at the National University of Singapore's Institute of Systems Science (NUS-ISS) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, government of India, have come together to collaborate with each other over skilling initiatives for India's workforce.
The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the skills in India's workforce during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Singapore from May 31 to June 2, 2018. They will work together to develop and implement skill development programmes across emerging technology areas like Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. They will also cooperate and collaborate further especially in the areas of vocational training on new-age technologies, training of trainers and assessors, and promoting lifelong learning.
The MoU highlights the Indian government’s plan to modernise its administrative infrastructure. India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj yesterday chaired a panel session on the role of the Indian diaspora in developing artificial intelligence for the government, highlighting the importance of their initiatives.
NUS-ISS through its e-Government Leadership Centre will provide advisory to NSDC and industry-driven bodies known as Sector Skill Councils (SSCs), and develop strategies for incorporating emerging technologies into existing skill training programmes in India. For job roles in the area of emerging technologies where national occupational standards and courses have yet to be developed, eGL will guide NSDC and SSCs to develop standards, courses and certification opportunities for these job roles. The aim is to equip Indian workforce with Future Skills and secure employment in these emerging areas.
Speaking on the partnership, Manish Kumar, MD & CEO, NSDC said, "Currently, there is a large demand for new age skills, which serves as a huge opportunity for our youth. I am sure that through this collaboration with NUS-ISS, we would create training opportunities that could fulfill the aspirations of our youth and help us keep pace with the technological changes in the world."
Championing the Skill India mission is the Government of India through the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship formed in November 2014. Over the next three years, it is estimated that more than 25 million youths will be skilled and certified through various programmes under the Ministry, training Indian youths and professionals on International Standards and develop quality assurance framework.