Latest news with #WSQ
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
‘Upskilling gives me confidence to thrive in my new career'
Once faced with burnout, this media personality and influencer levelled up her skills to shift gears and build her business, while supporting her family's needs After leaving her corporate job, content creator Charlene Huang upskilled and built new networks before starting her own media company. You may know her as the popular content creator @aizaiaisteady and movie actress. But Ms Charlene Huang spent the bulk of her 20s building up her corporate career. At 31, long working hours led to burnout and insomnia, prompting her to take a break from full-time work. While considering her next step, she hosted roadshows and worked as a speech and drama trainer at preschools. Two years later, she welcomed her son – navigating the uncertainties of new motherhood and a freelance career at the same time. On her career transition, the jovial 40-year-old recalls: 'I enjoyed a lot of freedom but there was definitely guilt. It's not like you can simply decide to quit and become a famous influencer. Thankfully, I had enough savings to last me a few years while I tried out something new. But you can't do this if you can't even cover your family expenses.' More on this topic 'Switching careers just as I became a dad was risky, but I had to do it for my family' Even then, Ms Huang's previous corporate work experience showed her that upskilling was crucial, especially for those pivoting to a new career in novel, ever-evolving industries like content creation and technology. Before her son was born, she had used her SkillsFuture Credit to complete a WSQ Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment. The certification is now known as the WSQ Advanced Certificate in Learning and Performance. 'This really helped a lot professionally as certification helps prove credentials,' she explains, adding that it gave her an edge in the competitive entertainment industry especially when building trust with clients. In 2017, Ms Huang (in striped tee) joined a WSQ course in Training and Assessment – a step that helped shape her career switch. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CHARLENE HUANG Ms Huang shares that attending courses also expanded her networking opportunities – allowing her to build up her portfolio further. Ever the lifelong learner, she also took up an eight-month lyrics writing course funded by the National Arts Council in 2018. With the Capability Development Grant, she only had to pay about 50 per cent of the fees for her weekly classes. This was where she got to know fellow content creator Kelvin Tan, more popularly known as Mayiduo. When they realised that there was a dearth of Mandarin content creation in Singapore besides what was shown on mainstream television, the duo started media company Double Up in 2019. Now a team of 12, the company specialises in video production, screenplay consultancy and talent management. Mr Tan also recently directed his debut movie Follow Aunty La, which stars Ms Huang as a fishball seller-turned-influencer. Although her real-life mid-career switch was not as dramatic as what her character undergoes in the movie, she says that anyone considering one should try to upskill. Says Ms Huang: 'In your 20s and 30s, you may be comfortable with your job and salary but upskilling may make you realise you can do something else, discover what you really want and open your eyes to new ways of working that can make you more productive.' Key support for career switchers From career planning and coaching to training subsidies and job attachments, here's how mid-careerists can make a smoother transition into your next step Beyond individual courses, other avenues available for mid-careerists who hope to explore new careers or need help in their career planning include comprehensive support schemes from Workforce Singapore (WSG). Through Polaris by WSG , employed individuals can create personalised career development plans to inform their next career move and identify opportunities for professional growth. There are also initiatives like the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme which provides support for Singaporeans aged 40 and above through a $4,000 SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career) top-up and subsidies that fund up to 90 per cent of course fees for eligible courses. In addition, they can apply to receive a training allowance for eligible full-time, long-form programmes. For those wishing to reskill and transition into new roles with strong growth potential, the WSG Career Conversion Programmes offer on-the-job training, company attachments and opportunities for full-time placements in about 30 sectors. Behind the laughs of her popular 'aunty' character is Ms Huang's real mission – to build a sustainable media company and upskill further as a certified trainer for budding creators. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA Balancing work, caregiving and future worries Being a business owner also means it takes more effort to maintain work-life balance. So Ms Huang is grateful for her supportive parents whom she lives with, together with her husband Alan Chew, an engineer, and their seven-year old son. Her mum, who is in her 70s, helps care for her son when she is at work or away on business trips. When her son was around five years old, he was diagnosed with a speech delay at KK Women's and Children's Hospital. After several follow-up sessions, the specialist made a referral to enrol him in an Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) centre. This programme helps young children grow and develop better, prevents further disabilities and supports their integration into mainstream school settings. To join EIPIC, a child must first be assessed and referred by a medical professional. Children under seven with developmental needs can get early intervention through government-funded programmes. Families with lower incomes pay as little as $5 a month. To give parents more options, the Early Childhood Development Agency also works with private centres to offer the EIPIC-P programme at subsidised rates. 'Without such subsidies, it would be a heavy burden for the average family,' she says. Like many in the sandwiched generation, Ms Huang leans on family support as she raises her son and builds her business. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CHARLENE HUANG Ms Huang signed her son up for the EIPIC-P programme at Sail Playhouse, a centre near their home. With this arrangement, he would attend childcare in the morning before heading to the centre in the afternoon, where play-based learning is focused on interactive and speech-related activities. Her son, who is now in Primary One, made steady progress after enrolling and has since graduated from the programme. Ms Huang also received additional support with the $500 Child LifeSG Credits. The credits, a one-off distribution for each Singaporean child aged 12 and below in 2025, are disbursed directly to the LifeSG Mobile App of the Child Development Account trustee. Still, she admits there's always a niggling worry in the back of her mind: 'My parents are still healthy, but they are ageing. I want to make sure that if anyone in the family falls sick, we have enough to cover medical bills. That's why I try to be careful with spending and ensure insurance coverage, just in case we need it for an emergency.' To ease some of that concern, seniors like her parents may receive support such as MediSave top-ups under the Majulah Package , which is eligible for Singaporeans born in 1973 or earlier. Even as she looks out for her family's future, Ms Huang continues building her own, and is constantly seeking more opportunities to upgrade and future-proof herself. As she and Mr Tan are often invited to give talks at companies, they see potential in offering classes for budding content creators at Double Up to make it sustainable over time. This is why she has her eye on courses that will allow them to provide certified training, such as the WSQ Diploma in Design and Development of Learning for Performance 2.0. She explains: 'Content creation can be authentic, but a lot of people don't know how to manage their accounts and branding. By becoming a certified trainer, I can help them craft their niche and career route as well as train them to pitch to clients and monetise themselves. 'Upskilling is for everyone in every industry. You cannot stop learning.' Discover how Forward Singapore schemes and programmes can help support Singaporeans at every stage of life. In partnership with
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
Time Business News
02-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Why a Singapore Digital Marketing Course is Your Best Career Move in 2025
In today's fast moving world, the demand for skilled digital marketers is skyrocketing. Whether you are a fresh graduate or a working professional looking to upskill, enrolling in a Singapore digital marketing course could be the game-changing move your career needs in 2025 and beyond. Singapore is quickly emerging as Asia's digital marketing hub. With a tech-savvy population and a booming e-commerce sector, businesses are competing fiercely for online visibility. This shift has created a significant demand for digital marketing experts, making it one of the most promising career paths in the region. Government support, smart infrastructure, and widespread internet penetration make Singapore an ideal place to build a digital marketing career. Whether you want to work in-house, for an agency, or as a freelancer, Singapore SkillsFuture Courses offers endless opportunities. Comprehensive Curriculum – From SEO to social media and email marketing, a well-designed course covers all aspects of digital marketing. Industry-Relevant Skills – Get trained in tools like Google Ads, Analytics, Meta Business Suite, and more. Certification and Credibility – A recognized course gives you a strong credential to showcase on your CV. Flexible Learning Options – Many programs offer online and weekend classes to accommodate working professionals. High Employability – Graduates often find roles in top companies or start their own freelance business. Networking Opportunities – Courses often include interaction with industry professionals, guest speakers, and alumni events. Intellisoft Training Singapore offers one of the most respected and popular digital marketing courses in Singapore. Their curriculum is updated regularly to reflect the latest trends, and their trainers are seasoned industry professionals. WSQ Certified – Their courses are aligned with SkillsFuture and recognized by government agencies. – Their courses are aligned with SkillsFuture and recognized by government agencies. Hands-On Projects – Work on live campaigns and real-world case studies. – Work on live campaigns and real-world case studies. Small Batch Size – Enjoy focused attention and personalized guidance. – Enjoy focused attention and personalized guidance. Real Outcomes – Many graduates report job promotions or new job placements within 2–4 months. Mark T., Marketing Executive: 'The course at Intellisoft gave me practical knowledge and boosted my confidence. Within 3 months, I landed a better job with a higher salary.' Sophia L., Freelancer: 'As a stay-at-home mom looking to return to work, this course gave me the flexibility and updated skills to start freelancing.' Digital Marketing Executive SEO Specialist Social Media Manager Content Strategist PPC Campaign Manager Email Marketing Specialist Digital Analyst E-Commerce Marketing Specialist Many students who complete the course have gone on to work with agencies, startups, and even international brands. Some have even started their own consultancies or digital agencies. Many attended the Web Design course Singapore to expand into website design. Digital Marketing Trends in 2025 As the digital world evolves, staying ahead of the curve is essential. Here are some of the most prominent digital marketing trends in 2025: AI-Powered Marketing – From AI-generated content to automated targeting, artificial intelligence is transforming digital strategy. – From AI-generated content to automated targeting, artificial intelligence is transforming digital strategy. Voice Search Optimization – Businesses are now optimizing for voice searches due to the growing use of smart assistants. – Businesses are now optimizing for voice searches due to the growing use of smart assistants. Short-Form Video Content – TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels dominate user engagement. – TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels dominate user engagement. Hyper-Personalization – Real-time data is being used to deliver highly customized ads and content. – Real-time data is being used to deliver highly customized ads and content. Sustainability Messaging – Ethical and eco-conscious branding is resonating more with modern consumers. Intellisoft's updated curriculum ensures students are trained in these emerging trends, making their skills future-proof. Learn to create own website using WordPress and Elementor and do social media marketing with this practical course. Comparison with Other Training Providers This comparison clearly shows that while many platforms offer convenience, Intellisoft Training provides unmatched depth, credibility, and career support in Singapore. Additional Features Post-Course Support – Access to job placement assistance and networking events. – Access to job placement assistance and networking events. Resource Materials – Lifetime access to recorded sessions, templates, and e-books. – Lifetime access to recorded sessions, templates, and e-books. Affordable Pricing – Eligible for SkillsFuture credit, making it budget-friendly. – Eligible for SkillsFuture credit, making it budget-friendly. Internship & Project Guidance – Some batches include mentorship opportunities with real clients. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: Do I need a background in marketing to join this course? A: No prior experience is needed. The course is beginner-friendly and starts with the basics. Q: Is this course suitable for business owners? A: Absolutely! Many entrepreneurs take this course to grow their business using digital marketing. Q: What is the duration of the course? A: Most programs run for 2 to 3 months with weekend and evening classes. Q: Will I get a certificate after completion? A: Yes, you'll receive a WSQ-recognized certificate from Intellisoft, accepted across Singapore. Q: Are there any group discounts or company-sponsored options? A: Yes, group registrations and corporate packages are available. Q: How much time should I dedicate weekly to succeed? A: About 5–8 hours per week, including lessons, practice, and project work. Q: What kind of salary can I expect after completion? A: Entry-level roles start around SGD $2,800–$3,500/month, with rapid salary growth as you gain experience. Q: Will I learn AI tools like ChatGPT and marketing automation? A: Yes. The course includes training on modern AI tools used in campaign planning and content creation. Q: Can I access course materials after finishing? A: Yes, you get lifetime access to videos, notes, templates, and bonus material. Final Thoughts Choosing the right training program can significantly influence your career. A Singapore digital marketing course from a trusted provider like Intellisoft Training not only gives you cutting-edge knowledge but also the confidence and tools to succeed in today's competitive landscape. Whether you're switching careers, upskilling for a promotion, or launching your own business, this course offers everything you need. Take the first step—enroll today and turn your passion into a profession with Intellisoft Training. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Straits Times
07-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Khoon Kee Tasty Prawn Mee stall in Redhill Food Centre suspended 2 weeks, fined for infestation
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is suspending the licence of Khoon Kee Tasty Prawn Mee two weeks from May 6 to 19. The stall is in Redhill Food Centre at Block 85 Redhill Lane. Khoon Kee Tasty Prawn Mee accumulated 12 demerit points within a 12-month period and was fined a total of $800 for failing to keep its licensed premises free of infestation. The stall has been featured in multiple food blogs over the years as well as The Straits Times. All food handlers working in the suspended premises would be required to re-attend and pass the Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Food Safety Course Level 1 before they can resume work as food handlers. The licensee is also required to ensure that all food hygiene officers working in the suspended premises, if any, re-attend and pass the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 3. SFA added that food business operators should observe good food and personal hygiene practices at all times. This includes engaging only registered food handlers and ensuring upkeep and maintenance of licensed premises, including the toilets within. Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on: Share this article Show Comments
