Singapore launches digital 'skills for life' framework to help people better perform daily tasks online
The framework outlines five competencies based on "practical skills" that can make a "real difference" in everyday life, says Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Tan Kiat How.
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SINGAPORE: The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) on Wednesday (Jan 10) launched a new framework that sets out five baseline digital competencies to help Singaporeans strengthen their daily digital literacy skills.
The five competencies under the Digital Skills for Life (DSL) framework are:
- Setting up and using smart devices
- Exploring information online
- Communicating online
- Transacting online
- Being safe, smart and kind online
“Unlike existing frameworks to equip Singaporeans with digital skills for the workplace or for specific sectors, the DSL outlines the digital skills to enable Singaporeans to carry out day-to-day tasks online,” said Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Tan Kiat How in parliament.
Mr Tan introduced the new framework in his response to a parliamentary motion on building an inclusive and safe digital society, tabled by the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Communications and Information.
The committee moved the motion as Singapore has come to “a point in our national trajectory towards digitalisation”, where it must “confront challenges that could erode trust in institutions and individuals pivotal to our nation’s success and cohesion”, said GPC chairperson Tin Pei Ling (PAP-MacPherson) in her speech.
Elaborating on the five competencies, Mr Tan said setting up and using smart devices entails knowing how to operate “the basic functions” in devices.
Acknowledging that the internet grants access to “limitless information and new opportunities”, the second competency on exploring information online underscores the need to know “how to search, view and retrieve this information safely for our use”, he added.
Meanwhile, communicating online covers interacting and connecting with others.
Transacting online for greater convenience touches on access to banking and government services, as well as other goods and service providers, such as booking healthcare appointments.
Being safe, smart and kind online is about “understanding how to keep ourselves safe from scams and false information, and how to build a positive presence online”, added Mr Tan.
“These are all practical skills that can make a real difference to Singaporeans’ day-to-day lives.”
DIGITAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE FROM JANUARY
IMDA has also collaborated with partners under the Digital for Life movement to develop resources in line with the framework, noted Mr Tan.
Interested learners can approach any of the SG Digital community hubs in person, where ambassadors will “walk alongside less-digitally savvy Singaporeans on their journeys”.
Learners can also learn at their own pace by accessing videos and guidebooks on the Digital for Life portal. These resources allow them to teach and help their family and friends pick up digital skills.
Digital resources in English will be rolled out progressively from this month, while resources in Mandarin, Malay and Tamil will be available by the first half of this year, said Mr Tan.
“It is all up to us to keep our digital streets safe,” he concluded, drawing a similarity between conduct in the physical and online space. “Each one of us can play our part to build a safer, more inclusive and kinder digital society.”
