Why Singapore is being smart teaching digital literacy

Peter du ToitI'm the founder of FutureWork IQ where I spend my time assisting businesses to design digital workplaces or “offices in the cloud.” These environments enable companies to allow flexible and remote working for their teams. I also teach the digital literacy, fluency, communication and collaboration skills needed to work in these modern technology-rich workplaces.

The skills issues we face as a result of the 4th Industrial Revolution and the rapidly expanding digital economy are real and need urgent attention, at all levels of society.

That is why initiatives like this one in Singapore is so progressive. The truth is if an individual, a company or nation doesn’t urgently address its digital literacy and fluency skills, being left behind becomes a real possibility. (See: The Future of Jobs and Skills in Africa: Preparing the Region for the Fourth Industrial Revolution)

Data is indicating that companies and countries are being tardy with upskilling their workforces and society at large so my suggestion would be to take personal responsibility for your digital literacy and fluency. That is especially the case in South Africa, which unfortunately is already falling behind.

(For those wanting to take personal responsibility, one of the services we offer at FutureWork IQ is an online course entitled Virtual Work Skills for the Modern Workplace this is a live programme where we teach the six elements of digital literacy in the context of a digital workplace. Our last programme for the year is set to start early November. if you would like to find out more reach out to us at team @ futureworkiq.com)