Overview
Corporate training industry plays pivotal role in the Singaporean economy
The Singaporean corporate training industry provides management and leadership training, and tertiary and skills-based training to the labour force. It remains one of the most important indirect service providers in leadership training, upskilling and maintaining the robust economy of Singapore's labour force.
The Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) is the main national credential system that trains, develops, assesses and certifies skills and competencies for the workforce, and was established under the Singapore Continuing Education and Training (CET) system. As of end-2021, there were 29 CET centres to deliver quality adult training. CET Centres are categorised as public training providers that offer a broad range of WSQ courses and additional services, such as employment advisory and placement
Industry supported by robust government institution and overseen by Ministry of Education
The corporate training industry is primarily overseen by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), a statutory board under the Ministry of Education (MOE). SSG leads and manages the national SkillsFuture movement, promoting culture and a comprehensive system of lifelong learning through skill mastery, and strengthening Singapore's ecosystem of quality education and training. It improves the infrastructure for adult education, by assuming all of the current responsibilities of the Committee for Private Education (CPE), and supervising the efforts of the Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) to develop the skills and professionalism of adult educators.
SSG oversees a number of funds noted below, which have the mandate of providing funds for upskilling and continuous professional development of the labour force in Singapore:
- Skills Development Fund (SDF): The SDF was established in Singapore on 1 October 1979 as a Government fund under the Skills Development Levy Act (Cap. 306). It was established for the following purposes:
Promotion, development and upgrading of skills and expertise of persons preparing to join the workforce, persons in the workforce and persons re-joining the workforce;
Retraining of retrenched persons; and
Providing financial assistance by grants, loans or otherwise for the above-mentioned purposes.
- Lifelong Learning Endowment Fund (LLEF): The LLEF was set up by the Singapore Government under the Lifelong Learning Endowment Fund Act, Cap.162A for the acquisition of skills and expertise by persons. Further, the LLEF aims to provide development and upgrading of skills and expertise of persons to enhance their employability.
- SkillsFuture Jubilee Fund (SFJF): The SFJF was established in the Republic of Singapore as part of the SDF established under section 5 of the Skills Development Levy Act (Chapter 306). The Cabinet approved SFJF on 11 February 2015.
Key Trends
Corporate training enables higher firm productivity, with employees planning to obtain digital skills in the coming year
According to a study conducted by SSG and the Ministry of Trade and Industry in 2020, it was revealed that for every 10.0% of the local workforce that companies supported for training, company revenue increased by about 0.7% on average each year, for up to three years after training. The study also notes that the labour productivity of firms was 2.2% higher on average per year, for two years.
Further, according to Labour Force in Singapore 2021, approximately 91.0% of employees recognised the importance of attending job-related structured training, including management and leadership training, mainly owing to the tangible outcomes of training such as improved productivity, providing better delivery services or gaining new job-related skills post-training.
Approximately 75.0% of resident employees reflecting on the rising importance of digital skills in the economy are planning to take up digital technology skills under job-related structured learning in 2022, out of which the majority are opting for learning skills related to Data Analytics (37.1%), Computer Literacy (32.0%), Coding/programming (22.8%) and Digital Marketing (21.7%).
Government budget allocations continue to support employee training, learning and development
In February 2022, the Singapore Ministry of Finance (MOF) presented the budget for the year 2022, which included many initiatives focusing on employee learning, development and training. This is mainly due to refocusing employee skills set in line with global demand for skills, following the COVID-19 pandemic-induced disruption.
Further, approximately SGD 100 million is to be allocated by the government to help the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) to expand Company Training Committees (CTCs). Part of this money will go into a new grant that NTUC will administer to help businesses that have established CTCs carry out their transformation plans, which may include management and leadership training.
In addition to the CTCs, the government aims to expand its reach through other channels, especially to smaller businesses, which entails collaborating with key players in the industry or Queen Bee businesses to teach and counsel smaller businesses. Moreover, the budget further iterates its aims to closely coordinate with trade associations, chambers and the Singapore Business Federation, to achieve intended transformation plans.
The MOF aims to create institutes for continuous learning through the transformation of Institutes of Higher Learning, which include Autonomous Universities, following the goal of empowering and equipping Singaporeans for their lifelong journey of acquiring new skills and sharpening existing skills, as well as training for future management and leadership positions in organisations.
Key Statistics
- In 2021, training participation in the labour force rose to 49.9%, compared to 49.1% in 2020, with more than half of the training conducted via online or e-learning courses, mainly due to pandemic-induced restrictions for in-person classes.
- The training participation rate for Professionals, Managers, Executives -u0026 Technicians (PMETs) remained stable at 59% of the total PMET labour force during 2021, compared to 2020, while non-PMETs training participation declined from 32% in 2020 to 28% in 2021.
- Training intensity fell to 6.6 days in 2021, marginally above pre-COVID levels of 6.5, primarily due to the decline in average time spent on training with the gradual resumption of business activities in the workplace. Training intensity is measured as the average number of training days per adult in the labour force per year.
- Financial and insurance training participation continues to lead, with training participation of 66.7% in 2021 (compared to 59.3% in 2021), while the professional services industry experienced the biggest leap in training participation to 61.9% (compared to 46.7% in 2021).
Top 10 Corporate Training Sector MNCs in Singapore
ERUDITUS LEARNING SOLUTIONS PTE. LTD.
Repeated as per the client
AVADO ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LTD.
Avado Asia Pacific was founded in Singapore in 2015. It is on the global network of Avado, which is headquartered in the UK. The company designs and delivers transformative learning which includes work-ready programmes, apprenticeships and professional qualifications. Its programmes are designed to provide digital business skills for companies and individuals. It offers marketing, HR, and learning and development programmes, as well as FastFutures, an online programme for school leavers. Avado’s global network also includes a presence in Hong Kong, and its learning programmes are delivered to individuals and businesses worldwide.
GP STRATEGIES SINGAPORE (ASIA) PTE. LTD.
GP Strategies Singapore (Asia) was founded in 1988. The company offers workforce development and employee training courses. These include a range of organizational performance solutions and technical performance solutions. GP Strategies Singapore (Asia) customizes strategies and services to meet individual organizational needs, to enhance their effectiveness. GP Strategies’ global headquarters are located in the United States. The company operates in 30 countries across North America and Latin America, APAC, and EMEA. GP Strategies covers over 16 industries, and its services are made available in 19 languages.
CENTER FOR CREATIVE LEADERSHIP (CCL) PTE LTD
The Center for Creative Leadership was founded in Singapore in 2000. It serves as the headquarters in the APAC region for CCL (USA). The company offers a range of leadership programmes and solutions for individuals, teams and organizations. It accommodates both on-site and online programmes. Additionally, it offers customized leadership development services, lead-it-yourself solutions, turnkey leadership solutions and many others.CCL (USA) operates offices across the Americas, EMEA and APAC regions. Its programmes are conducted in 160 countries in over 50 languages. The company has been on the training industry’s global Top 20 leadership training companies list from 2010 to 2022, and has won numerous awards.
IIL ASIA PTE. LTD.
IIL Asia is a Singapore-based operating company of the International Institute for Learning (IIL), which is headquartered in New York, USA. The company specializes in training, consulting, coaching and customized course development. Its core competencies include project, programme and portfolio management, leadership and interpersonal skills, IT management and others. IIL provides both live virtual learning and on-demand courses. Its clients include global corporations, multinational companies, public sector companies, nonprofits, the learning public, and small and medium enterprises. IIL (USA) has operating companies in more than 10 countries.
IMD SE ASIA PTE. LTD.
IMD SE Asia was founded in Singapore in 2015. It opened its Executive Learning Center in Singapore to extend its services to clients in the Southeast Asian region. The company offers a variety of custom programmes, open programmes and online programmes. Its open programmes include orchestrating winning performance (OWP), high performance leadership, leading business transformation, and digital transformation foundation, among many others. IMD is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. The Financial Times ranked IMD No. 1 worldwide for open programmes, and Top 3 worldwide in executive education.
PRIORITY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
Priority Management Associates (Singapore), which was established in 2008, is part of the global network of Priority Management Associates in Canada. The company specializes in providing training programmes and management consultancy services for individuals and organizations. Its training programme includes courses in time and workload management, project management, communication and information management, leadership and management skills, and customer service and selling skills. Headquartered in British Columbia, Canada, Priority Management Associates operates 55 offices worldwide, extending its services to many Fortune 100 companies and organizations in the public sector.
MIND GYM PERFORMANCE (ASIA) PTE. LTD.
Mind Gym Performance (Asia), which was incorporated in Singapore in 2012, is part of a global network based in the UK. The company offers training programmes focusing on behavioural change, which are based on behavioural science principles. The company offers solutions for performance management, leadership development, diversity, equity and inclusion, onboarding and many others. Headquartered in London, the company also operates an office in New York. Its flagship product Performa is an online platform which offers precision coaching through accredited coaches and delivers company-wide coaching. Additionally, the company conducts webinars across topics such as precision coaching, inclusion, ethics and more.
FITCH LEARNING SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Fitch Learning Singapore, which was established in 2007, is part of the Fitch Group in London. Its training centre delivers learning solutions to interns, graduates and clients from the financial services industry. Fitch Learning offers a range of professional qualifications for both qualifying and advanced levels, tailored learning programmes and open courses. In addition, it offers video-based e-learning facilities, assessment and managed solutions. Through its media hub it conducts webinars, publishes videos and releases articles on various areas of financial services, which are accessible on the company’s website. Fitch Group (UK) also operates training centres in Hong Kong, Dubai and New York.
OWN THE ROOM SOUTH ASIA PTE. LTD.
Own the Room South Asia, which was established in Singapore in 2019, is part of the US-based LifeHikes company. It provides corporate training services and motivational courses. Its professional training programmes include areas such as communication, management, sales, black leadership, female leadership and media preparation. It offers flexible training suitable for any organization and learning styles, and the client is provided options among virtual or in-person sessions or programmes, small or large groups, and tailored programmes for the client’s team. LifeHikes is headquartered in the United States. The LifeHikes Loop is an online platform and mobile application for high-growth professionals across various areas.
Top 10 Corporate Training Sector Large Local Enterprises in Singapore
LITHAN ACADEMY PTE. LTD.
Lithin Academy is an educational institute which was founded in Singapore in 2000. The company leverages innovative technology to provide flexible and affordable professional training and coaching programmes through CLaaS, which is a mentor-led blended learning platform. Lithin Academy provides a range of courses on digital marketing, digital business and more. Additionally, it delivers affordable bachelor’s and master’s degree pathways. The platform’s services have been accessed by over 50,000 learners, more than 2000 enterprises and in over 100 Pan-Asian campuses. Lithin Academy has received numerous awards, including the AsiaPac CIO’s Top 10 Edutech Solutions Provider Award in 2020.
Top 10 Corporate Training Sector SMEs in Singapore
CLARIDEN GLOBAL PTE. LTD.
Clariden Global is based in Singapore and was founded in 2013. It is a global leadership institution, which provides executive education to senior and middle level business leaders across Asia. The executive programmes are conducted by individuals from leading universities including Stanford and Columbia. Clariden Global partners with professional organizations such as ACCA to offer programmes in global finance, strategy and leadership executive programmes to its clients across Asia. It hosts global executive education and conferences in nine countries, providing global knowledge to business leaders worldwide. It operates offices in Australia and the United Kingdom.
SALVO GLOBAL PTE. LTD.
Salvo Global is based in Singapore and was founded in 2005. The company operates a B2B business model and provides a strategic platform for companies to stay up to date with trends and practices. The programmes are conducted by experts, and offer small group training on issues and policies related to business. Salvo Global also offers online courses and face-to-face masterclasses on engineering and maintenance, corporate finance, project management, and HR and management. Additionally, it offers in-house training in management, financial modelling and others. The company operates offices in South Africa and the Philippines, and offers over 325 programmes, which run in 22 countries and have attracted over 6500 clients.
OPUS KINETIC PTE. LTD.
Opus Kinetic is based in Singapore and was founded in 2014. The company provides training and consultancy services. It offers professional training courses and in-house training programmes for multiple disciplines, including business management, IT and big data, HR, maritime, ESG, and banking and finance, among others. The company provides online, public and in-house courses to government organizations and global companies. Its in-house solutions include options such as individual onsite training solutions and customization of existing training programmes. In addition, Opus Kinetic offers professional consultancy services, which deliver solutions to companies across industries such as oil and gas, and pharmaceutical, among others.
AVENTIS LEARNING GROUP PTE. LTD.
Aventis Learning Group was established in Singapore in 2008. It is a corporate training solutions provider dedicated to upskilling working professionals in Asia. On average, it conducts over 600 professional courses and seminars, and offers its clients the options of classroom learning, e-learning and virtual learning across multiple disciplines. Its in-house services include blended learning, e-learning, customized training, EAP and wellness, and lunch and learn programmes. In addition, it offers executive education programmes such as career coaching certification, executive certification, virtual trainer certification and workspace learning solutionist, as well as master’s, doctorate and graduate diploma programmes.
HIGHSPARK PTE. LTD.
Highspark is based in Singapore and was established in 2015. The company specializes in providing a range of training and consultancy services to Fortune 500 companies. Its training programmes include presentation skills training, business storytelling, visual presentations, delivery skills, facilitation skills and many others. Through its consultancy services, the company helps B2B sales and market leaders to come up with creative visual stories to sell complex so lutions. Highspark’s training programmes and workshops enable its clients to develop and enhance their skills, such as persuasion and communication.
HUMAN CAPITAL (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
Human Capital is based in Singapore and was established in 2009. The academy is a SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) Approved Training Organization (ATO), and offers a range of HR, leadership and people management competency-based programmes. The company also provides certificate and diploma programmes, thought leadership masterclass and conversation, career workshops, digitalization boot camps, and executive programmes with the option of e-learning on-demand. In addition, HCS offers career advisory services, and career management and transition services, to help increase personal effectiveness and improve employability of clients. To facilitate the placement of trainees, its career services are offered at no-charge to employers and individuals.
CIO ACADEMY PTE. LTD.
CIO Academy Asia (CIOAA) is based in Singapore and was founded in 2014. It provides a platform for technology and business leaders across Asia, to form a community and gain and share insights. CIOAA’s programmes cover areas of technology and business, and provide insights on agility, cyber resilience, innovation and design and data analytics. The programmes include CIO care, ConnectGov, Distinguished leader series, Executive briefing and roundtable, and Experiential learning trips. The academy also conducts workshops, forums, masterclasses and strategic collaborations. CIOAA organized the Inspire Tech Awards 2021, awarding 21 organizations for tech excellence. The ASEAN Digital Transformation Industry Council 2020/21 was chaired by CIOAA.
@ASK TRAINING PTE. LTD.
@ASK Training is based in Singapore and was founded in 2010. It was accredited by the WDA in 2014, as an Approved Training Organization (ATO) to provide WSQ training and assessment. The company provides in-class corporate training which also includes ICDL certification courses. It offers a suite of courses in IT, soft skills and digital marketing to government agencies and corporate clients. Additionally, it provides bespoke solutions such as L-u0026D consulting, team coaching and leadership coaching. It also provides customized training programmes to meet individual client needs. Three Kingdoms Leadership Training, its most recent programme, targets senior management personnel.
INTEGRATED LEARNING SYSTEMS PTE LTD
Integrated Learning Systems (ILS) is based in Singapore and was founded in 1999. The company is a provider of virtual and in-person corporate training in Singapore, which focuses on mindset and behavioural change to improve organizational performance. It offers custom workshops and in-depth programmes which focus on areas such as leadership, culture transformation and individual performance. Its learning solutions include Growth mindset intervention, Agility for growth, Leading change and transformation, Coaching for performance and many others. ILS operates a blog and videos on topics such as Leadership and Growth mindset which are accessible through its website.
KNOWLES TRAINING INSTITUTE PRIVATE LIMITED
Knowles Training Institute is based in Singapore and was founded in 2018. The company is a training and solutions provider that develops, designs and delivers training programmes. Its suite of corporate training courses include career skills, communication skills, conflict resolution and mediation skills, and many more. The institute conducts live talk sessions, and one of its recent topics is based on working from home, enlightening its clients on areas such as self-management, time management, communication, and organizing and planning. The institute’s website provides elaborative information on team building activities including indoor and outdoor activities to improve teamwork. Additionally, it offers Corporate Lunchtime Talks with 100 topics to choose from.
Top 10 Fastest-Growing Corporate Training Sector Companies in Singapore
EQ STRATEGIST PTE. LTD.
EQ Strategist was incorporated in Singapore in 2017. A decade earlier, EQ Strategist was founded in Sydney, Australia. The company provides the necessary tools and strategies for leadership training, to empower and motivate individuals, teams and organizations. Its programmes are conducted live online and in-person. Informative and interactive workshops are conducted for its clients on topics such as Leadership, Management, Empowerment, Deepening collaboration, Culture transformation, Resilience, and more. In addition, it offers executive coaching, which can be customized to 1 to 1 sessions for selected individuals.
AVADO ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LTD.
Avado Asia Pacific was founded in Singapore in 2015. It is on the global network of Avado, which is headquartered in the UK. The company designs and delivers transformative learning which includes work-ready programmes, apprenticeships and professional qualifications. Its programmes are designed to provide digital business skills for companies and individuals. It offers marketing, HR, and learning and development programmes, as well as FastFutures, an online programme for school leavers. Avado’s global network also includes a presence in Hong Kong, and its learning programmes are delivered to individuals and businesses worldwide.
ISF GROUP INTERNATIONAL PTE. LTD.
ISF Group International was established in Singapore in 2015. The company offers solutions for management and consultancy, academic management, technical management, and learning and development. It extends its services to individuals and stakeholders. ISF Group International provides training programmes, e-learning programmes, professional consulting, and technical services in the areas of human resource development and management. In addition it develops customized training programmes to cater to individual client needs. ISF Group International is a group company of India’s ISF Group, which collaborates with large shipowners and ship managers worldwide.
ERUDITUS LEARNING SOLUTIONS PTE. LTD.
Repeat company as per client
MIND GYM PERFORMANCE (ASIA) PTE. LTD.
Mind Gym Performance (Asia), which was incorporated in Singapore in 2012, is part of a global network based in the UK. The company offers training programmes focusing on behavioural change, which are based on behavioural science principles. The company offers solutions for performance management, leadership development, diversity, equity and inclusion, onboarding and many others. Headquartered in London, the company also operates an office in New York. Its flagship product Performa is an online platform which offers precision coaching through accredited coaches and delivers company-wide coaching. Additionally, the company conducts webinars across topics such as precision coaching, inclusion, ethics and more.
LOGICAL OPERATIONS ASIA PTE. LTD.
Logical Operations Asia, which was established in Singapore in 2007, is part of the global network of Logical Operations USA. The company offers professional training courses through its signature curriculum, CHOICE Technology, a digital learning platform. Its courses focus on areas such as design and media, IT systems, and security. It also conducts workplace related programmes on customer service, conflict management, leadership, time management coaching, and interpersonal communication. In addition, the company provides training organizations and instructors with digital learning tools and training materials to conduct instructor-led training. Students are able to access its services through the website and mobile devices.
LITHAN ACADEMY PTE. LTD.
Lithin Academy is an educational institute which was founded in Singapore in 2000. The company leverages innovative technology to provide flexible and affordable professional training and coaching programmes through CLaaS, which is a mentor-led blended learning platform. Lithin Academy provides a range of courses on digital marketing, digital business and more. Additionally, it delivers affordable bachelor’s and master’s degree pathways. The platform’s services have been accessed by over 50,000 learners, more than 2000 enterprises and in over 100 Pan-Asian campuses. Lithin Academy has received numerous awards, including the AsiaPac CIO’s Top 10 Edutech Solutions Provider Award in 2020.