SINGAPORE (Oct 1): PwC Singapore announced Tuesday it has pledged close to $10 million over the next two years to develop the digital skills of its over 3,500 employees in Singapore.
This comes hot on the heels of a PwC report released last week, which found that one in three Singaporeans felt that they were not well-equipped for new workplace technologies.
More than half of the 2,000-plus Singaporeans surveyed also said they were nervous or scared that technology would make their roles redundant.
See: Nearly one in five Singaporeans fear impact of tech on their jobs: PwC
“We are kick-starting this with a two-year comprehensive multi-platform programme designed to digitally upskill our people,” says Yeoh Oon Jin, executive chairman at PwC Singapore.
“The programme is intended to drive a culture of innovation where each staff and partner is empowered with the right mindset and capabilities in data and automation to determine the path they want to take, and even play a part in shaping the profession of the future,” he adds.
The programme will include more than 80,000 training hours on the basics of data visualisation, data analytics and automation that are customised to the unique needs of various business units.
It will also enable continuous self-learning outside of the classroom via an easy-to-access internal e-learning platforms and materials, as well as solution-sharing and innovation through a centralised solutions repository and technology collaboration platform.
“The advances in technology also means that there are some who may be left behind. So, as part of our corporate responsibility effort, we are also working with our clients, government agencies and engaging with communities to help close the skills gap in today’s digital world.” Yeoh says.
Globally, PwC has committed US$3 billion ($4.1 billion) over the next four years to upskill its 276,000 employees worldwide, as well as develop and share technologies to support clients and communities.
Bob Moritz, PwC’s global chairman, says PwC firms across the globe are “investing heavily in learning and development”.
“[This is] to ensure our people can build rewarding careers and are prepared for the future world of work,” Moritz says. “Investments in technology are making our services more relevant and enhancing the quality of our work.”
