Singapore is experiencing a decline in literacy proficiency among older adults, with skills diminishing after leaving the formal education system or becoming obsolete in the workplace. Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing highlighted these concerns, emphasizing the need for continuous upskilling and reskilling throughout life to combat this downward trend.
Study Reveals Alarming Trends
A recent study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) unveiled that Singapore lags behind the OECD average in adult literacy proficiency. This assessment, conducted in two cycles from 2014 to 2015 and 2022 to 2023, evaluated the literacy, numeracy, and adaptive problem-solving skills of 5,000 Singaporean and permanent resident participants aged 16 to 65.
Factors Contributing to Decline
Minister Chan attributed the decline in literacy proficiency to the atrophy effect, where skills deteriorate after individuals transition from the education system to the workforce. Additionally, the obsolescence effect plays a role as skills become outdated due to changing market demands and technological advancements. Younger cohorts benefiting from improved educational opportunities compared to earlier generations also contribute to this trend.
Call for Continuous Learning
To address these challenges, Minister Chan emphasized the importance of lifelong learning beyond the first 15 years of formal education. He highlighted the government’s investment in continuous education and training through the SkillsFuture scheme, providing workers with credits for upskilling and reskilling. However, he stressed that individuals must take ownership of their learning journeys to counteract the atrophy effect.
Collaborating for a Reading Culture
In response to queries about improving adult literacy skills, Minister Chan expressed interest in collaborating with local publishers and literacy charities to foster a reading culture. He emphasized the importance of encouraging people to read widely in today’s media-saturated environment to prevent the erosion of essential skills.
As Singapore grapples with declining literacy proficiency among older adults, the government’s commitment to continuous education and training, combined with individual efforts to upskill and reskill, will be crucial in addressing this pressing issue. The call for collaboration with local institutions to promote a reading culture underscores the importance of lifelong learning in maintaining vital skills beyond formal education. Let’s all heed Minister Chan’s advice: “Use it, hone it, or lose it.”