Title: The future is now: a comparative case study of three innovative adult education approaches in Singapore

Authors: Zinette Bergman; Zan Chen; Helen Bound; Manfred Max Bergman

Addresses: University of Basel, Rheinsprung 24, 4051, Switzerland ' Institute for Adult Learning, Singapore University of Social Sciences, 11 Eunos Road 8 #07-04 Lifelong Learning Institute, 408601, Singapore ' Institute for Adult Learning, Singapore University of Social Sciences, 11 Eunos Road 8 #07-04 Lifelong Learning Institute, 408601, Singapore ' University of Basel, Rheinsprung 24, 4051, Switzerland; SUSS, Institute for Adult Learning, 11 Eunos Road 8 #07-04 Lifelong Learning Institute, 408601, Singapore

Abstract: Digital technologies and worldwide connectivity are rapidly transforming education and employment sectors globally, generating innovative approaches to skills and knowledge development that serve as the backbone of such transformations. Driven by public-private partnerships between industry, educators, and policymakers, Singapore's adult education sector offers insights into how the future of education could look like. In this paper, we present three pioneering training and adult education providers - Tech Tree, ROHEI, and NTUC LHUB - to illustrate how they embrace in different ways a future-oriented learning ecosystem. To examine their innovative approaches, we assess them in relation to seven education shifts associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution as outlined by Peter Fisk (2017a). We furthermore identify ecosystem characteristics that facilitate their success. We conclude by tracing potential pathways for innovation and adaptation in response to a changing education and employment environment.

Keywords: adult education; adult learning; Singapore; qualitative comparative case study.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2025.143534

International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies, 2025 Vol.15 No.1, pp.1 - 16

Received: 14 Dec 2023
Accepted: 15 Jan 2024
Published online: 30 Dec 2024 *

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