Cheaper than a wine bar: Gho Sze Kee asks if courses like wine appreciation 'appropriate' for SkillsFuture

With the imminent merger of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and Workforce Singapore (WSG), there is "no better time to ask some hard questions", said Member of Parliament Gho Sze Kee.

Speaking in Parliament on May 5, the MP for Mountbatten SMC raised some concerns about SkillsFuture course curation.

In particular, she questioned whether certain courses "truly align with the mission of the SkillsFuture movement", and if public resources are being deployed "efficiently and impactfully".

Wine appreciation

Gho said that since the inception of the SkillsFuture scheme, thousands of courses have emerged.

These include "lifestyle and wellness" courses, including Japanese finger painting, finger knitting, and even wine appreciation.

While she acknowledged that wine appreciation may be relevant for "some professionals", Gho said she was taken aback to learn that such classes are popular "because participants can enjoy wine and snacks" there.

It also costs less than visiting a wine bar, especially since fees are covered by SkillsFuture credits, she said.

"There appears to be an attitude that, since this is public money, one might as well spend it," she added.

Diluted mission?

Moving forward, she noted that it is worth asking if such courses "truly align" with the mission of the SkillsFuture movement, and the broader mission of the new agency.

She hence questioned if they should be funded by SkillsFuture, or if other platforms could be more suitable.

"Do such courses consume credits that could be deployed more impactfully elsewhere?

Do they dilute the mission, and blur our understanding of how successful the scheme really is?"

Gho opined that she would be "very happy" to host such courses at Mountbatten community club.

She added that while she recognises the challenges of course curation, the merger should bring "renewed clarity and focus on higher objectives".

For instance, greater support could be provided to PMETs who take specialised courses, which may be costly but potentially more impactful, she suggested.

Gho also suggested providing more support to those who "demonstrate a commitment" to continuously upskill themselves.

"To me, those who are willing to put in more effort to better themselves deserve more support. We should give it to them."