Summary
Over four years, DigiLABS will build a strong network of 2,400 digitally skilled youths in Asia effective in using technology for good
The launch event included a fireside chat on “Digital Skills for a Better World”, featuring industry experts and social entrepreneurs in the tech-for-good field
The Singapore International Foundation (SIF) has launched a virtual volunteering programme called DigiLABS to prepare youth in Asia for a digital economy and help drive social innovation and change in their community through digital solutions.
Tan Kiat How, minister of state, ministry of communications and information, Singapore, officiated the launch of DigiLABS and reiterated the need for such an initiative.
“Southeast Asia is undergoing rapid and unprecedented digital transformation, driven by the rising number of digital start-ups, changing lifestyles and aspirations, and a young population that embraces technology. We must continue to equip our people with the necessary skills and digital access to thrive in the digital world. Through DigiLABS, the SIF will support the building of digital capabilities of our youths in the region through its strong network of volunteers, and industry partners. Together, we will build societies that are digitally inclusive, and better prepared for a shared digital future,” he said.
The launch event included a fireside chat on “Digital Skills for a Better World”, featuring industry experts and social entrepreneurs in the tech-for-good field. During the dialogue, panellists shared the potential of digital skills as a force for good. For instance, digital technology allows for radically different and scalable approaches to tackle global social challenges in various areas including environment, healthcare, and education. It also creates opportunities for cross-border connections and collaborations to address these challenges.
The speakers also discussed the importance of diversity and inclusion in digital skilling that enables everyone to be part of the tech-for-good movement. This also helps to cultivate a culture of constant learning, to remain relevant in a fast-changing world and ensure that no one is left behind.
With restrictions to international volunteering in the current pandemic, the SIF has designed virtual volunteering opportunities to allow it to continue to bring world communities together to do good.
DigiLABS is a skill-based e-volunteering initiative that will see SIF volunteers use their professional experience and expertise to train youths in the region in digital skills, such as data science and digital marketing.
The programme will run annually for the next four years and each year, 600 participants get to choose from four learning paths Data Science, Digital Marketing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity and undergo an eight-week foundational and a six-week accelerator course to equip them with desired digital skills.
At the end of each learning path, participants adept in a particular field will be identified as Digital Champions (DCs). DCs will have the opportunity to take industry certified digital skill courses, with up to 75% of the fees subsidised by the SIF.
Mentored by Singaporean and Singapore-based volunteers, they will be encouraged to develop their passion project using tech-driven solutions and be equipped to validate these solutions for market adoption.
DigiLABS is open to youths with social impact projects in the region as participants and skilled professionals in the digital sector as volunteers.
SIF executive director Jean Tan said, “DigiLABS was designed to raise the level of digital literacy among youths and cultivate a greater sense of responsibility for and ownership of the future. The programme also marks the SIF's second foray into e-volunteering as we navigate the new normal in international cooperation for development.”
DigiLABS is organised in partnership with Singapore-based social enterprises Code for Asia and Hatch. Both social enterprises are champions of digital inclusion by providing opportunities to equip learners from all walks of life with relevant digital skills.
Applications for DigiLABS are open until April 18, 2022. This year, the Data Science and Digital Marketing learning paths will start in April and run until July, while AI and Cyber Security will start in August and run until November. Find out more at the programme website - https://www.sif.org.sg/Our-Work/Volunteer-Cooperation/E-volunteering-Programmes/DigiLABS.
Last updated on 29 Mar 2022
