Overview: A ban on third-party promoters
Singapore’s SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) has announced a sweeping policy change: starting December 1, registered training providers will be prohibited from using third-party promoters to market or enroll learners in SkillsFuture courses. The move comes after feedback from the public that some promoters employed marketing practices that could mislead or pressure potential learners.
Why this change is happening
Since its launch in 2015, SkillsFuture has encouraged lifelong learning and upskilling by offering credits to eligible Singaporeans aged 25 and above. SSG says the policy aims to curb practices that undermine public trust, including rewards offered for course sign-ups and attempts to enroll individuals in courses for which they do not meet the minimum proficiency requirements. In some cases, seniors with limited English proficiency were persuaded to take English-medium courses, which raised concerns about suitability and fairness.
What the ban entails
From December 1, no training provider may engage third-party agents to directly promote, advertise, or market SkillsFuture courses to learners. These agents are prohibited from contacting learners or handling their data for marketing or sign-up purposes. They may not make representations about courses online, in print, or in person, and they must avoid face-to-face interactions, phone calls, or digital outreach that could influence enrollment decisions.
Exceptions and permissible activities
SSG clarified that the prohibition does not extend to all outreach. Certain intermediaries designated by SSG or another government agency—such as SkillsFuture Queen Bees or Skills Development Partners—may still work with training providers to reach specific demographic groups. These intermediaries are expected to curate relevant training and aggregate demand for participating Registered Training Providers (RTPs). While marketing activities may continue in this framework, they must comply with strict guidelines that safeguard learner interests and protect personal data.
What this means for learners
For learners, the policy is intended to reduce the risk of misrepresentation or undue influence during course selection. The emphasis is on ensuring that enrollments are appropriate, voluntary, and informed rather than driven by aggressive or inappropriate marketing tactics. The change also aligns with broader data privacy expectations, as third-party promoters previously raised concerns about how learner information was collected and used.
Implications for training providers
Training providers will need to adapt their marketing strategies. They will rely on approved intermediaries who operate within SSG guidelines and maintain clear standards for accuracy and transparency. Providers may also invest in direct, compliant outreach efforts that emphasize course relevance, prerequisites, and expected outcomes, without resorting to third-party recruitment tactics that could mislead potential learners.
Enforcement and next steps
SSG has signaled a firm stance on this issue, with non-compliance potentially affecting a provider’s eligibility to offer SkillsFuture courses or access to credit eligibility. The agency’s decision reflects ongoing efforts to uphold the integrity of SkillsFuture and to safeguard the interests of learners who benefit from government-supported upskilling opportunities.
Looking ahead
As Singapore continues prioritizing lifelong learning and workforce adaptability, the focus is likely to remain on transparent, high-quality training experiences. Stakeholders should stay informed about any further guidance from SSG regarding permissible marketing practices and the roles of designated intermediaries, ensuring that learners remain at the center of SkillsFuture initiatives.
