Creative Skills Essential for Non-Creative Jobs: SkillsFuture Report
SINGAPORE: In a groundbreaking report by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), it has been revealed that creative skills are no longer limited to the creative sector but have become essential for a wide range of non-creative job roles. The report, released on Wednesday (Jan 22), highlights a significant shift in the job market landscape, with seven out of 10 non-creative positions now requiring creative skills.
The Impact of Creative Skills
According to the latest edition of the annual skills report, the demand for creative skills has seen a sharp increase since 2019, with 40 creative skills now considered highly transferable across various industries. For instance, software developers are now expected to have a grasp of design principles to create user-friendly applications, while restaurant managers need branding and customer attraction skills in addition to running their establishments.
Diverse Roles for Creative Professionals
The report also sheds light on the diverse roles of creative professionals in Singapore, with about 150,000 individuals working in creative industries. While one-third of these professionals are employed in companies specifically related to the performing arts, product design, media, architecture, branding, advertising, and marketing, the remaining two-thirds are engaged in creative roles in other sectors.
Challenges and Opportunities
Minister of State for Education Gan Siow Huang emphasized the importance of addressing the impact of artificial intelligence on creative industries during the report launch. While AI tools can enhance creative work, there is a need to ensure ethical usage of these technologies. The report highlighted that 85% of creative professionals have already experienced the impact of generative AI tools, with concerns raised about issues like ethics, intellectual property, and output quality.
Tools and Apps for the Future
In a bid to understand the evolving landscape of job requirements, SSG analyzed data on over 5,000 digital applications and tools from 2019 to 2023. The report identified the top 20 apps and tools essential for various job roles, with a focus on productivity tools, programming languages, and software for data management and project handling. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on AI-related apps and tools like Java, Python, and Google Analytics, indicating the increasing adoption of cloud services in businesses.
Introducing New Dashboards
To provide better access to job and skills-related insights, SSG unveiled a new online portal featuring six dashboards. These dashboards offer valuable information on skills, job mobility, and career transition opportunities based on factors like wage levels, demand growth, and historical transitions. Users can explore the top skills and tools required for specific job roles, enabling them to make informed decisions about their career paths.
As the job market continues to evolve, the integration of creative skills into non-traditional roles presents both challenges and opportunities for professionals across industries. With the right tools, knowledge, and adaptability, individuals can navigate these changes successfully and thrive in a dynamic and competitive environment.