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Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
‘Switching careers just as I became a dad was risky, but I had to do it for my family'
This young father and podcaster turned doubt into drive, leveraging the right support to make a meaningful career pivot to be more present and provide for his growing household As he became a dad, Mr Syed Sharif leaned on upskilling and support that helped him find his footing and be more present at home. For many in their 30s, this season of life is defined by transition – raising young children, supporting ageing parents and carving out a fulfilling career. In 2022, Mr Syed Sharif was in the thick of it. At the time, his wife and him were expecting their first child, and he was working shifts at a bank – while quietly going through a personal crossroads moment. 'I kept wondering – as a new father, am I doing enough? It wasn't just about contributing financially. I wanted to be there emotionally, too,' he shares. 'I knew I had to be there for my wife and son, get my resume done and look for a new job.' The 34-year-old, who has a diploma in mechanical engineering from Singapore Polytechnic, had spent several years in roles that required shift work – a routine he knew was not sustainable for his family priorities in the long run. He also wanted to move into a more strategic role and saw upskilling as the first step. Just before his wife gave birth, he used his SkillsFuture Credit to fund a three-month course in compliance – a field he had long been curious about. With the credit, Mr Sharif did not need to pay out of pocket for his course fees. 'I wanted to maximise the usage of my SkillsFuture Credit to open career pathways for me, like getting a higher-paying job with more responsibilities in an industry that I had always wanted to join,' he says. Within a month of receiving his certificate, he managed to land a new role as a compliance officer at another bank. It came with a significant pay raise, better long-term prospects, and structured working hours which would allow him to spend quality time with his family. Mr Sharif (far right) finds balance through creativity too, such as co-hosting Vada Poche – a podcast conducted in a mix of English and Tamil – with his friends. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SYED SHARIF Balancing fatherhood, work and personal passions He is especially grateful for the support from his wife Shaheena, who left her job in insurance to focus fully on raising their son. She is now pregnant with their second child. Government-paid paternity leave (GPPL) gave him two weeks of protected time to bond with his newborn and be present for his wife during those early, often overwhelming days as a first-time parent. Now, with baby number two on the way, he is planning to use four weeks of GPPL and also tap on the shared parental leave – a scheme that currently offers six weeks of leave and will be extended to 10 weeks for parents of babies born from April 2026. 'Paternity leave was the most crucial part of giving my wife time to rest, while I cared for our son and bonded with him during those precious first days,' he says. 'With our second child coming soon, we now know all about the government support that we can use.' With his second child on the way, Mr Sharif feels more assured, knowing that he can tap additional support such as increased mandatory paternity leave and the new shared parental leave scheme. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA Meanwhile, although his company offers flexible working arrangements, Mr Sharif prefers the routine of being in the office. He gets to plan his day better and reserve the evenings for his family. This structure also gives him time to invest in his passion project, Vada Poche, a podcast he launched in 2020 with three friends. The team spends four to 10 hours a week producing episodes that cover everything from social issues like gender equality, to spirited food debates, all delivered in Tanglish – a mix of English and Tamil. One of Vada Poche's co-founders is Mr Yuvaraj Uthaman, a marketing manager at an international business school, based in Singapore. Like Mr Sharif, the 32-year-old is navigating fatherhood, caregiving duties, career growth and passion-driven pursuits. With an avid interest in personal training (PT) and working out since his polytechnic days, Mr Yuvaraj decided to earn an American Certification in Exercise in 2022 to take on freelance PT jobs. Fellow Vada Poche co-host and new father Yuvaraj Uthaman is also finding his rhythm, as he balances familial duties, career growth and personal ambitions. PHOTO: COURTESY OF YUVARAJ UTHAMAN He used his SkillsFuture Credit to offset over 60 per cent of the fees for the three-month course, forking out only a couple of hundred dollars. Although he paused freelance work when his son was born, he hopes to return to it in the future. 'My challenge is juggling everything, from being a good caregiver to my wife and nine-month-old son to working in a fast-paced job, and finding time for our podcast,' he says. 'The moment I found out we were expecting, I knew I had to earn this much and do this much by the due date.' To help manage his concerns, Mr Yuvaraj tapped on the migrant domestic worker levy concession , which provides a monthly subsidy of $240 for Singaporean families with children under 16, allowing them to pay a concessionary rate of only $60 monthly. This concession also applies if an eligible elderly person or someone with disabilities lives in the same home. He gets to work from home on certain days, and his wife starts her job at a tuition centre only in the late afternoon. With an extra hand to assist with household chores, the couple gets to spend more time with their young son at home. Knowing their parents are taken care of While the two long-time friends, who first got to know each other at their polytechnic gym, do not live with their parents, both are mindful of their responsibilities as sons – a familiar tension for many in the sandwiched generation. Mr Sharif made the decision to purchase a flat in Ubi, close to his parents in MacPherson. His 61-year-old father is in the logistics industry and his 54-year-old mother gives pro-bono tuition in Tamil. 'They are both able-bodied but staying near them lets me run errands for them easily, like buying groceries or their favourite food,' he says. For families opting to buy a resale flat to live with or near their parents or child, there is the HDB Proximity Housing Grant , which offers up to $30,000. Juggling work and fatherhood, Mr Sharif is thankful to live close enough to help out with his father (far right) and mother (centre), and stay connected as a family. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SYED SHARIF His parents also enjoy savings for medical and dental care with their orange Chas cards at neighbourhood clinics, which relieves some of the pressures associated with medical expenses in their senior years. Besides his parents, Mr Sharif also lives just across the road from his in-laws, making it easy for the family to have regular meals with them. His in-laws, in turn, occasionally help with minding Mr Sharif's son when he and his wife need to run errands. Mr Yuvaraj's mother, a 69-year-old retired teacher, lives with his sister but the siblings take turns to bring her for hospital check-ups for her rheumatism. Two years ago, she also had a knee replacement surgery which was partially covered by her MediSave. She also benefited from the one-time MediSave bonus under the Majulah Package , which provides eligible seniors up to $2,000 in their CPF MediSave Account. Although Mr Yuvaraj's mother enjoys cooking, there are days when her rheumatism flares up so badly that she is not able to prepare meals. That is when CDC vouchers come in handy, as she can spend them on hawker food. Says Mr Yuvaraj: 'These help to alleviate rising food costs and are so convenient to use.' Mr Sharif agrees: 'My parents look forward to initiatives like these because they like to know that they are being taken care of. 'I feel a sense of assurance that there's a little extra help on the financial side. I'd like them to lead a comfortable life without having to over-worry about the basic cost of living.' Discover how Forward Singapore schemes and programmes can help support Singaporeans at every stage of life. 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Straits Times
13-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Forum: SkillsFuture and MPA offer funding support for maritime sector courses
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox We thank Mr Sim Eng Cheong for his letter ' Broaden SkillsFuture support for industry-specific training ' (June 27). The SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career) can be used for over 7,000 courses, including courses specific to the maritime sector, such as Nanyang Technological University's Master of Science (Maritime Studies), Singapore Polytechnic's Specialist Diploma in Maritime Superintendency, and Ngee Ann Polytechnic's Diploma in Offshore and Sustainable Engineering. These courses have been identified to deliver strong employability outcomes. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) also provides funding support of up to 70 per cent for some 170 maritime courses under MPA's Maritime Cluster Fund (MCF). A full list of MCF-approved courses and the applicable funding support can be found on MPA's website. SkillsFuture Singapore and sector agencies, such as the MPA, work closely to continually review and refresh our list of training programmes that support career development. We welcome suggestions from interested individuals on high-quality courses that are relevant to the profession and valued by the industry. Peggy Lim Director, Public Engagement Division SkillsFuture Singapore Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Govt will continue to support families, including growing group of seniors: PM Wong at PCF Family Day Singapore From Normal stream to Parliament: 3 Singapore politicians share their journeys World Deal or no deal? EU faces critical decision in response to Trump's latest tariff salvo Singapore Segregated recycling bins found to lower contamination rate as more spring up Sport Two participants injured after another breached safety protocol during Pesta Sukan archery event Asia Mahathir discharged from hospital after feeling fatigued during birthday gathering Singapore Medics treat 7 after blaze at HDB block lift lobby in Chai Chee Singapore I lost my daughter to Kpod addiction: Father of 19-year-old shares heartbreak and lessons Ng Yi Han Director, Innovation, Technology & Talent Development Division Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
New Paper
22-06-2025
- Business
- New Paper
More than 70% of Singaporeans have yet to use SkillsFuture credit top-up expiring end-2025
Most Singaporeans - about 70 per cent of those eligible - have yet to tap the one-off $500 SkillsFuture Credit top-up that will expire on Dec 31, 2025, with just over six months to go. Since the top-up was introduced in October 2020, about 721,000 Singaporeans, or 28 per cent of those eligible, have used it, said SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) in response to queries from The Straits Times on June 17. The usage rate has gone up by 2 percentage points since December 2024, according to the last check by ST, amounting to about 30,000 additional users. The one-off SkillsFuture Credit top-up will expire at the end of the year and will not be extended, said SSG, adding that to use this top-up, courses must start and claims be submitted by Dec 31, 2025. The one-time credit was issued to all Singaporeans aged 25 and above in 2020 to support their training and development during the pandemic. It is separate from the base $500 in SkillsFuture credits that Singaporeans receive when they turn 25. Another $500 credit was given to those aged 40 to 60 as at Dec 31, 2020, as part of mid-career support. Neither of these credits will expire. Similarly, on May 1, 2024, Singaporeans aged 40 and above were given an additional $4,000 credit. This new credit can be combined with any remaining mid-career credit previously given. Of the courses chosen by Singaporeans, the most popular were in training areas of information and communications, food and beverage, and sales and marketing, said SSG. "Within these areas of training, Singaporeans are taking up courses related to artificial intelligence, digital transformation, e-commerce and digital marketing, reflecting an interest in future-relevant and emerging skills," the agency added. Singaporeans are encouraged to use the remaining credits to "support their career and training objectives", said SSG. It added that those who need help identifying suitable courses or planning their next steps can attend free workshops or sign up for one-to-one advisory sessions. SSG said it sent an e-mail reminder on June 12 to remind Singaporeans of the expiring credits. It also encouraged Singaporeans to use the Careers and Skills passport - a digital tool it launched to showcase verified skills and boost job applications - for personalised training recommendations. SSG did not say how many such mailers it sent out, but noted that this was part of efforts to encourage Singaporean to tap on SSG initiatives. Mr Venkataramanan Ganesh Narayanan, who has been working as a cyber security management consultant for over 20 years, said he used his SkillsFuture credit top-up for an artificial intelligence and cybersecurity course. The 55-year-old currently advises senior technology leaders like chief information security officers and chief information officers. But attending this course was to "future-proof" his expertise, as he saw the impact of AI in the workplace. Mr Ganesh said the course taught him the basics of AI systems, how to secure them, and how to use AI to enhance cyber security. "I brought the cyber security experience I had and combined it with the new information I learnt about AI, and managed to provider better solutions for my clients," Mr Ganesh said. He added that not every country gives its citizens the chance to upskill, so when there is an opportunity to do so, everyone should take the chance to. In 2024, about 555,000 people participated in programmes supported by SSG, said the agency in its yearly update earlier in April. This is up from 520,000 individuals in 2023, said SSG, driven by a push to support mid-career workers, said SSG chief executive Tan Kok Yam. Of the 555,000 participants in 2024, 260,000 Singaporeans used their SkillsFuture credits, up from 192,000 in 2023, SSG said.
Straits Times
21-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
More than 70% of Singaporeans have yet to use SkillsFuture credit top-up expiring end-2025
Only 28 per cent of eligible Singaporeans have tapped the one-off $500 SkillsFuture Credit top-up. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI More than 70% of Singaporeans have yet to use SkillsFuture credit top-up expiring end-2025 SINGAPORE – Most Singaporeans – about 70 per cent of those eligible – have yet to tap the one-off $500 SkillsFuture Credit top-up that will expire on Dec 31, 2025, with just over six months to go. Since the top-up was introduced in October 2020, about 721,000 Singaporeans, or 28 per cent of those eligible, have used it, said SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) in response to queries from The Straits Times on June 17. The usage rate has gone up by 2 percentage points since December 2024, according to the last check by ST, amounting to about 30,000 additional users. The one-off SkillsFuture Credit top-up will expire at the end of the year and will not be extended, said SSG, adding that to use this top-up, courses must start and claims be submitted by Dec 31, 2025. The one-time credit was issued to all Singaporeans aged 25 and above in 2020 to support their training and development during the pandemic. It is separate from the base $500 in SkillsFuture credits that Singaporeans receive when they turn 25. Another $500 credit was given to those aged 40 to 60 as at Dec 31, 2020, as part of mid-career support. Neither of these credits will expire. Similarly, on May 1, 2024, Singaporeans aged 40 and above were given an additional $4,000 credit. This new credit can be combined with any remaining mid-career credit previously given. Of the courses chosen by Singaporeans, the most popular were in training areas of information and communications, food and beverage, and sales and marketing, said SSG. 'Within these areas of training, Singaporeans are taking up courses related to artificial intelligence, digital transformation, e-commerce and digital marketing, reflecting an interest in future-relevant and emerging skills,' the agency added. Singaporeans are encouraged to use the remaining credits to 'support their career and training objectives', said SSG. It added that those who need help identifying suitable courses or planning their next steps can attend free workshops or sign up for one-to-one advisory sessions. SSG said it sent an e-mail reminder on June 12 to remind Singaporeans of the expiring credits. It also encouraged Singaporeans to use the Careers and Skills passport – a digital tool it launched to showcase verified skills and boost job applications – for personalised training recommendations. SSG did not say how many such mailers it sent out, but noted that this was part of efforts to encourage Singaporean to tap on SSG initiatives. Mr Venkataramanan Ganesh Narayanan, who has been working as a cyber security management consultant for over 20 years, said he used his SkillsFuture credit top-up for an artificial intelligence and cybersecurity course. The 55-year-old currently advises senior technology leaders like chief information security officers and chief information officers. But attending this course was to 'future-proof' his expertise, as he saw the impact of AI in the workplace. Mr Ganesh said the course taught him the basics of AI systems, how to secure them, and how to use AI to enhance cyber security. 'I brought the cyber security experience I had and combined it with the new information I learnt about AI, and managed to provider better solutions for my clients,' Mr Ganesh said. He added that not every country gives its citizens the chance to upskill, so when there is an opportunity to do so, everyone should take the chance to. In 2024, about 555,000 people participated in programmes supported by SSG, said the agency in its yearly update earlier in April. This is up from 520,000 individuals in 2023, said SSG, driven by a push to support mid-career workers, said SSG chief executive Tan Kok Yam. Of the 555,000 participants in 2024, 260,000 Singaporeans used their SkillsFuture credits, up from 192,000 in 2023, SSG said. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Time Business News
04-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Wsq Advanced Excel Course SkillsFuture Approved: What You Need to Know
In today's competitive job market, mastering data skills is more important than ever. Whether you are an analyst, finance professional, project manager, or data enthusiast, Excel remains the backbone of data analysis and reporting in organizations worldwide. However, basic Excel skills no longer suffice — employers are now seeking professionals proficient in advanced Excel functions, automation, and data visualization. For Singaporeans looking to upskill affordably, the WSQ advanced Excel course SkillsFuture approved by the government provides a golden opportunity. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about this course, how it can boost your career, what to expect from the curriculum, and how to enroll. WSQ stands for Workforce Skills Qualifications — a nationally recognized certification system designed by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) to ensure high-quality workforce training. The WSQ advanced Excel course SkillsFuture approved means that this course meets government standards and is eligible for SkillsFuture Credit subsidies. Offered by trusted providers like Intellisoft Training, this course goes beyond basic Excel skills to teach advanced functions such as: Power Query for data transformation and automation Advanced formulas including array formulas and nested IF statements PivotTables and Power Pivot for multidimensional data analysis Macros and VBA programming to automate repetitive tasks Building interactive dashboards and infographics This training is designed for professionals who want to harness Excel's full potential and stand out in their roles. Singaporean citizens and permanent residents can use their SkillsFuture Credits to offset part or all of the course fee, making it a cost-effective way to gain advanced Excel skills without financial strain. Completing this course awards you a WSQ-certified credential, recognized by employers across industries in Singapore. It serves as proof of your expertise and commitment to professional development. Unlike generic online tutorials, this course offers practical, real-world projects designed to solve actual workplace challenges. You will learn how to automate reporting processes, build dashboards, and handle complex datasets. Learn from Microsoft-certified trainers who bring years of corporate and teaching experience. Personalized support ensures you grasp even the most complex topics. Whether you prefer weekday classes, weekends, or online learning, Intellisoft Training provides flexible options to fit your schedule. The WSQ advanced Excel course SkillsFuture curriculum is structured to build your expertise systematically. Here's a detailed breakdown of what you will learn: Deep dive into nested IF statements, IFS, SUMIFS, COUNTIFS INDEX-MATCH combination vs VLOOKUP — best practices Text functions for dynamic data manipulation Date and time functions for scheduling and timelines Introduction to array formulas and Excel's new dynamic arrays Extract, clean, and reshape data from multiple sources Automate repetitive data cleaning tasks Create reusable data import pipelines for efficiency Building complex PivotTables with calculated fields Use Power Pivot to analyze millions of rows Create KPIs and interactive reports Record and edit macros to automate tasks Write VBA scripts to customize Excel functionalities Develop user forms and interactive controls Principles of effective data visualization Create interactive dashboards with slicers and timelines Use charts creatively for impactful presentations Learn from the specialized Infographics & Data Visualization Excel Course This course is ideal for: Financial analysts handling budgeting and forecasting Data analysts and scientists managing large datasets Project managers tracking progress and resources Marketing professionals analyzing campaign data HR executives managing payroll and attendance reports Anyone looking to boost productivity and data skills with Excel 'Joining the WSQ advanced Excel course was the best decision for my career. The SkillsFuture subsidy made it affordable, and the hands-on training helped me automate monthly reports that used to take days.' — Jessica L., Business Analyst 'I moved from an entry-level role to a data executive position after completing this course. The practical assignments prepared me for real challenges at work.' — Kelvin T., Data Executive When you enroll in this course, you also gain access to: Downloadable Excel templates for finance, marketing, and HR Cheat Sheets for advanced formulas and keyboard shortcuts Video tutorials for revision and advanced tips E-books focused on Excel dashboards, automation, and reporting These materials support continuous learning even after the course ends. SkillsFuture is a government initiative to support lifelong learning for Singaporeans. You can use your SkillsFuture credits to pay for this WSQ advanced Excel course, making upskilling affordable. Singapore citizens and permanent residents with SkillsFuture credits in their account can apply for the subsidy when registering for this course. Yes, Intellisoft Training offers both in-person and online modes for this advanced Excel course to suit different learning preferences. The course typically runs for 2-3 days, with flexible schedules on weekdays or weekends. Upon successful completion, you receive a WSQ-certified credential recognized by employers and training institutions. No, the course is designed for learners with intermediate Excel knowledge who want to advance to higher-level skills. Enrolling is easy: Visit the Intellisoft Training homepage Browse through Excel Courses in Singapore Select the WSQ advanced Excel course SkillsFuture approved Register online and apply your SkillsFuture credits during payment Choose your preferred training mode and schedule Completing this advanced Excel course can lead to tangible career growth, including: Increased efficiency in data processing and reporting Enhanced ability to analyze and visualize complex datasets Higher chances of promotion to roles like data analyst, financial analyst, or operations manager Competitive edge in job applications and interviews Recognition through a government-accredited certification With data becoming central to every business decision, advanced Excel skills are no longer optional—they are essential. By enrolling in the WSQ advanced Excel course SkillsFuture approved by Intellisoft Training, you invest in your professional growth with affordable, high-quality education. Gain confidence with powerful Excel tools, automate repetitive work, build impactful dashboards, and showcase your expertise with a respected certification. Whether you're aiming for career advancement or personal skill enhancement, this course is your gateway to data proficiency. Don't wait — empower your career today! TIME BUSINESS NEWS
