This report - Four future scenarios for training and adult education in Singapore - Horizon 2035, is written by Ang, B.J., Huang, M. & Chen, Z., the Institute of Adult Learning, Singapore University of Social Sciences.
The horizon in the report is less than a decade away. For some, a long way off, but with AI, perhaps a shorter window may apply. The report is also deeply integrated into the Singapore training and adult education ecosystem, Therefore, the report needs to be read with the context in mind.
After a preamble section, explaining the approach, philosophies and methodology for the report, the future scenarios are presented. These are:
- the trusted system - very much based on the current system whereby national standards and skilled educators provide and enable completion of qualifications. Currency is the main challenge as technology moves quickly and standards and educators struggle to keep up.
- AI skills network - based in AI being used to provide personalised, continuous and 24/7 available training. Human support and accountability become difficult to built in when required.
- the reputation economy - draws on expertise of trainers but depends on reputation and networks.
- skills market - AI is used to build capability but visibility and trust on credentials is uneven.
The scenarios are of interest as they show how difficult it is to see into the future, given the pace of change and the many challenges related to shifting an embedded credentialling system. Each country will need to undertake similar exercises, to test the efficacy and flexibility of their current training and qualification system and to think through implications, challenges and solutions from within their own contexts.
