Bold shift ahead: Singapore plans to merge Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore into a single statutory board governed by both the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Ministry of Education (MOE).
SINGAPORE — Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced on Thursday (Feb 12) that the two agencies will combine to form a new entity, taking over from their current roles. Workforce Singapore (WSG), established in 2016 under MOM, helps workers secure employment through services like career coaching and job matching. SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), created under MOE, drives the SkillsFuture initiative launched in 2015 to promote lifelong learning.
During Budget 2026, Mr Wong noted that the Economic Strategic Review committee recommended examining how the government organizes jobs and skills support for Singaporeans, signaling a strategic realignment of these services.
Describing the merger as a decisive step forward, the finance minister said the new agency would serve as a one-stop shop for skills training, career guidance, and job matching for workers and job seekers. In his words, support will be more seamless—from career planning to skills development, job matching, and transitions. For employers, the merged body will offer integrated support covering workforce planning, job redesign, hiring, and workforce development.
The government aims to better align future skills with future job needs through this new agency and to deliver more seamless career and employment services, the ministries added in a separate press release. A single agency overseeing jobs and skills should also enable faster, more effective responses to a rapidly evolving economy and labor market.
During the transition, both agencies will continue delivering their usual services until the new agency is ready to assume responsibilities, with no service disruptions guaranteed. Officers from Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore will receive support during the transition, including opportunities to reskill and take on suitable roles within the new agency or other agencies if needed.
Further details about the new agency will be disclosed during debates on the ministries’ annual spending.
Mr Wong concluded, emphasizing a continued commitment to lifelong learning and robust career support: a resilient system that helps Singaporeans adapt, grow, and reach their full potential. In a world of constant change, he urged Singapore to remain a society that never stops learning and never stops striving to do better.
Key takeaway: the merger aims to streamline and strengthen how Singapore supports workers’ training, career planning, and employment, with a focus on agility, integration, and lifelong learning.
