Written reply to PQ on initiatives to facilitate mid-career transitions from adjacent fields to accelerate growth of local space sector

Question:

Mr Lee Hong Chuang: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry what initiatives will the National Space Agency of Singapore implement to facilitate mid-career transitions and leverage existing expertise in adjacent fields such as aviation, data science and software engineering to accelerate the growth of the local space sector. 

Written Answer by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1.                  The space sector offers multiple pathways for Singaporeans to build meaningful careers, and welcomes graduates trained in different disciplines such as electrical and mechanical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, and data science.

2.                  Mid-career professionals with experience in adjacent industries such as aerospace, microelectronics, precision engineering, and artificial intelligence can contribute significantly to the space sector. They can reskill or upskill through existing Continuing Education and Training (CET) courses such as in satellite technologies, space mission design and space environment testing offered by our Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and supported by SkillsFuture Singapore. They can also access skills and career advisory services offered by Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore. In addition, companies can tap on existing training grants and subsidies to reskill mid-career hires into new job roles.

3.                  The National Space Agency of Singapore will continue to work with Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore, our IHLs and industry partners to explore how we can further support the mid-career transition of individuals and build relevant capabilities for the sector.