Forum: SkillsFuture tightening quality checks to ensure effective use of learners’ time and public funds

We thank Mr James Tan for his suggestions (

Tweak SkillsFuture scheme to avoid overconsumption and overpaying of training providers, Dec 31, 2025

).

The SkillsFuture movement encourages lifelong learning for all Singaporeans, to enable them to develop to their fullest potential throughout life. Mr Tan’s feedback highlights a critical challenge in our mission – to encourage lifelong learning while ensuring that every dollar of subsidy delivers real value to learners.  

SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) uses industry benchmarks to prevent overcharging of course fees, but we recognise that “value” is more than a price point. This is why we are tightening our quality checks to look at course duration and curriculum density, ensuring that learners’ time and public funds are used effectively.

Training is also complemented with assessment, to ensure that learners have achieved their learning outcomes. Assessment modes are reviewed by SSG such that they are appropriate to support the learning outcomes the course is intended to deliver. The practice of trainers providing answers to assessments is wrong and contravenes our rules. We have already reached out to Mr Tan to investigate the specific course he attended.

To keep learning accessible to learners, SkillsFuture-supported courses receive course-fee subsidies of up to 90 per cent. Remaining course fees are borne by individuals, either through cash or their own SkillsFuture Credit. 

To ensure learners make the most of this investment, as well as their time and effort, we encourage all learners to look closely at detailed course information and learning outcomes before enrolling to ensure the training aligns with their learning needs and career goals. They can also refer to the Training Quality and Outcomes Measurement (TRAQOM) scores and reviews on MySkillsFuture for insights from past participants.

We will continue to enhance the TRAQOM platform to help learners better identify courses that are relevant for them. Learners can also help enrich the learning ecosystem by providing meaningful and honest feedback on their course experience, either via TRAQOM or elsewhere, as Mr Tan did. We remain committed to supporting meaningful skills development while ensuring responsible use of public resources. We welcome feedback on how to enhance the SkillsFuture ecosystem for all Singaporeans.

Patricia Woo
Director, Corporate Marketing and Communications Division,
SkillsFuture Singapore