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In a significant move towards modernising the tourism sector, Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) and NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHUB) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to uplift and upskill around 15,000 workers across Sentosa. This partnership, strongly backed by Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), aims to foster lifelong learning and equip the workforce with essential skills in emerging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).
The rapid advancement of technology, particularly in AI and digital transformation, is reshaping industries worldwide, and tourism is no exception. The integration of AI can significantly enhance customer experiences by providing personalised recommendations, streamlining operations, and enabling efficient resource management.
Digital tools and platforms are essential for analysing vast amounts of data to predict trends, optimise pricing strategies, and improve overall service delivery. By harnessing these technologies, Sentosa is positioning itself at the forefront of the tourism industry, ready to meet the evolving demands of modern travellers.
The three-year collaboration between SDC and NTUC LHUB focuses on the One Sentosa Transformation and Equipping Platform (1-STEP). This platform is a cornerstone initiative designed to accelerate Sentosa’s evolution into a premier tourism destination through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and innovative capabilities. Areas of focus include customer experience enhancement, wellness and regenerative tourism, sustainability, and the integration of data and AI.
1-STEP will introduce a variety of tourism-specific programmes, many of which are new to Singapore. These programmes will be accessible to employees from nearly 200 establishments on the island, including hotels, attractions, and food and beverage outlets. Leveraging the expertise of training providers like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and the World Mode Holdings Group, these programmes are tailored to address key challenges identified by the 1-STEP Advisory Panel, which comprises representatives from SDC and its Island Partners.
The initiative kicked off with the inaugural Sentosa Learning Festival (SLF), running from June 24 to July 5, 2024. With almost 1,000 participants, SLF offered a range of educational and training opportunities, including masterclasses and tours. These sessions are designed to ensure workers are well-equipped to tackle relevant topics in tourism and develop innovative solutions for future challenges. While the courses are open to the public, priority is given to Sentosa workers.
The partnership aims to achieve significant milestones over the next three years:
- Implement 100 transformative projects and initiatives.
- Engage 2,000 participants through three Sentosa Learning Festivals.
- Enable at least 15 Island Partners to attain and retain two tourism-related certifications.
These goals reflect SDC and its partners’ commitment to transforming Sentosa’s workforce to meet future demands. Tan Hee Teck, CEO of RWS, emphasised the importance of continuous learning, stating that the collaboration would enrich various roles across the integrated resort destination, fostering growth among tourism professionals.
As part of the broader effort to future-proof Singapore’s tourism workforce, SDC has been chosen as the pilot partner for STB’s three-year MoU with NTUC LHUB. This agreement focuses on developing and implementing training courses in emerging areas such as sustainability and service excellence for the wider tourism sector.
Jeremy Ong, CEO of NTUC LHUB, highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration in establishing new standards of excellence for Sentosa. By investing in continuous learning and development, the partnership ensures that the tourism sector is not only prepared to offer outstanding visitor experiences but is also resilient and ready for future challenges.
The partnership between SDC and NTUC LHUB represents a forward-thinking approach to workforce development in the tourism sector. By integrating advanced technologies and fostering a culture of continuous learning, Sentosa is poised to remain a leading destination, offering exceptional experiences while ensuring its workforce is equipped for the future.
