Institute for Adult Learning launches first-of-its-kind Collaboratory to co-create innovative solutions for adult learning

• Unveiled at IAL’s inaugural Adult Learning Xchange 2024, the Collaboratory model seeks to bring together different stakeholders to pioneer new approaches to Singapore’s adult education

• ALX 2024 saw over 450 industry experts, professionals and participants gather to delve into the latest in adult learning and innovations 

The Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) has launched Singapore’s first Adult Learning Collaboratory (ALC) to resolve critical challenges in Singapore’s adult education landscape. This initiative was announced by Guest-of-Honour Minister for Education, Mr Chan Chun Sing, at IAL’s Adult Learning Xchange (ALX) 2024. ALX is a SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG)-supported event since 2008 that seeks to foster dialogue and sharing, as well as collective exploration of new frontiers in adult learning.

The ALC, supported by SSG, aims to collaborate with 40 partners to address key challenges in adult learning through the development of innovative approaches that are based on industry insights and research evidence. ALC partners will leverage IAL’s body of research and engage in a dynamic process of testing, experimentation, and iteration to refine solutions for real-world settings. Through its network of stakeholders, the Collaboratory also seeks to promote wider adoption of new approaches that have been proven to work well across the Training and Adult Education (TAE) sector and enterprises to benefit more Singaporeans.

As a start, the ALC will focus on seeking innovative solutions to address these three challenges: (1) digital capability development for mature workers; (2) enabling employees to be co-pilots in enterprise transformation; and (3) integrating future-oriented pedagogies within the TAE sector. For more information on the three projects, please refer to the Annex A.

Associate Professor Yeo Li Pheow, Executive Director of IAL, said, “As MOE-designated National Centre of Excellence for Adult Learning (NCAL), IAL is dedicated to advancing our training and adult education landscape. The ALC epitomises this commitment, uniquely positioned with its user-centric approach to unite societal contributors. Together, we will be delving into the different challenges that each collaborator faces, devising research-informed solutions that will be tailored to address specific evolving challenges across various sectors in Singapore and hold the potential to influence global social issues. The ALC propels us to innovate on complex issues and achieve outcomes that meet the needs of diverse stakeholders while tapping closely into their expertise.”

A 3,500-square-foot physical facility for the ALC will be established in the Lifelong Learning Institute in the second half of 2024. The facility will serve as a space for demonstrations, showcases, and local and international engagements in adult learning.

Mr Tan Kok Yam, Chief Executive of SSG and Chairman of IAL Council, said, “The Forward Singapore report highlights that we will invest more as a nation to support mid-career Singaporeans in their upskilling. It is vital that we support this thrust by continually refreshing and updating our approaches to adult learning to provide Singaporeans with meaningful, effective learning experiences. It is thus timely to launch this Collaboratory, to bring together the best ideas; experiment together to turn them from theory into practice; and work together to proliferate such approaches to achieve impact.”

Mr Jason Zhang, Managing Director at Luce SG and a partner involved in the first and second challenges, said, “Luce SG looks forward to participating as a pioneer member of the ALC to innovate in a data-driven and experimental way with the ecosystem. Accessing new ideas and capabilities is crucial to anchor Luce SG on strong fundamentals to deliver robust business, workforce and social outcomes in the current and future.”

Ms Tan Yen Yen, Senior Director of Business and the Creatives at Singapore Polytechnic and a partner involved in the second challenge, said, “Singapore Polytechnic is honoured to be a pioneer within the ALC. Facilitating businesses in unlocking the full potential of their workforce is pivotal to guarantee that educational programmes and training initiatives have a lasting impact on learners, enterprises, and society. Through our strategic alliance with the ALC, we aspire to actively contribute to and elevate Singapore's training and adult education standards." 

Ms Praise Mok, Deputy Chief Executive of ROHEI Corporation and a partner involved in the third challenge, said, “ROHEI is excited to collaborate and innovate to nurture a thriving, future-fit TAE sector with our partners, a sector that is anchored by sound pedagogies and evidence-driven practices that add value for all in the ecosystem.”  

SSG and IAL would like to invite enterprises, organisations and researchers keen to advance the practice of training and adult education in Singapore to engage with us via the Collaboratory. Those interested may visit www.ial.edu.sg/alc or email alc@ial.edu.sg for more details.

Refer to Annex A.

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