Media Release

SkillsFuture Festival @ South West 2025 kicks off first of five district SkillsFuture@CDC events

18 July 2025

South West CDC expands engagement with SSG-supported training partners to bridge skills and career gaps arding this article.

South West Community Development Council (CDC) has kickstarted the first of five SkillsFuture@CDC events across Singapore with the SkillsFuture Festival @ South West 2025, which happened from 16 to 19 July at the Devan Nair Institute of Employment and Employability. As the leading CDC to launch the nationwide SkillsFuture@CDC effort, South West CDC invited participants to discover new opportunities, career paths and skills, take part in workshops and industry talks and foster a proactive approach to their personal and professional development.

2 Themed ‘Explore, Experience and Empower,’ the SkillsFuture Festival @ South West 2025 event is designed to offer residents an interactive hands-on journey into the future of work and upskilling to take the next step in their personal and professional growth. Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Education and Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration attended the event as the Guest-of-Honour on 18 July, together with Ms Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and Mayor of South West District.

3 Showcasing innovations across digital, green and care sectors, the event features immersive, hands-on experiences, preparing residents for workforce growth, demands and developments in the future. Key highlights of the event include:

Mixed Reality simulations that allow participants to explore industrial and advanced machinery scenarios in a safe and immersive environment. This is particularly useful for individuals who are interested to pivot into manufacturing and engineering sectors;
Sustainable urban farming workshops where participants will learn how to transplant seedlings and understand how urban farming contributes to food sustainability. These sessions encourage eco-conscious living and offer ideas for those exploring green jobs or community gardening initiatives;
Smart healthcare training with real-time feedback where participants can learn lifesaving CPR techniques on smart manikins, which provide instant feedback on compression depth and rhythm. This helps participants improve skill accuracy and build confidence, especially for caregivers and family members of vulnerable residents;
A community job fair jointly organised with goodjobs.com.sg (opens in new tab) and e2i, connecting job seekers directly with over 20 employers from diverse industries, including logistics and healthcare, for on-site interviews.

4 To support learners beyond the classroom, the CDC will expand its engagement with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG)-supported training partners, to connect learners with one-on-one consultations led by Skills and Training Ambassadors from Lifelong Learning Singapore (LLSG) and career coaches from employment agencies. These sessions help them clarify their goals, make informed decisions and maximise the long-term impact of their training. This partnership also reflects a growing awareness that course access alone is not enough, as many learners require continued guidance to apply their newly acquired skills effectively for career progression. Beyond the Festival, learners will continue to be informed about community initiatives such as curated workshops, industry talks, local job fairs and learning journeys. Learners will also stay connected to new employment opportunities, including updates on upcoming community job fairs in their district. Currently, 14 training partners are part of this collaborative effort, and the CDC is actively working to expand this partnership to benefit more residents across the district, empowering them with a comprehensive suite of resources and connections needed to thrive in today's evolving job market.

5 “This year, over 50,000 positions from various sectors are being offered at the SkillsFuture Festival @ South West 2025 and South West Community Job Fair. Close to 3,000 participants will benefit from targeted workshops, industry talks, learning journeys and one-to-one advisory sessions at the Festival. Working closely with 14 SSG-supported training partners, we aim to maximise the participants’ learning capacity and career development. By enhancing their skills, knowledge and confidence, we hope to place them in a better position to capture good opportunities in today's dynamic job market and realise their best potential,” said Mayor Low.

6 Please refer to Annex A for the list of 14 training partners collaborating with the CDC, along with details on the interactive activities that were featured during the event.

7 Photos for SkillsFuture Festival @ South West 2025 may be downloaded from the following link (opens in new tab).

Annex A

Training partners and what their booths encapsule

S/N	Training Partner	Display	Description
1	AAT Training Hub Pte Ltd	Mixed Reality (MR) for Enhanced Learning	Step into the future of learning with an immersive MR showcase, where visitors can experience firsthand the transformative power of mixed reality and appreciate the role of a MR software developer. The booth features MR headsets that transport users into simulated environments, offering a rare, up-close look at advanced machinery used by engineering giants.
2	Academy of Design Arts & Media (ADAM)	Urban Farming Practices	Experience the joy of urban farming through an interactive seedling workshop, where participants can discover the art of nurturing young plants. Participants will learn essential transplanting techniques and receive their own seedling to cultivate at home, creating a lasting connection with sustainable living.
3	@ASK Training Pte Ltd	Content Creation for Digital Marketing with AI and Design Tools	Experience the seamless integration of AI and design tools in modern content creation. Through an engaging 10-minute challenge, participants will craft complete social media posts using ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, and Canva. This immersive experience mirrors real-world scenarios where quick thinking and efficient execution are essential, enabling participants to master the art of rapid content creation for digital marketing.
4	BELLS Institute of Higher Learning	AI-driven Presentations with AI platform, Gamma AI	Discover the capabilities of AI-powered platform, Gamma AI at BELLS, where participants can create professional-grade presentations on any topic in minutes. From topics like Net-Zero to Circular Economy, experience firsthand how this innovative AI solution transforms inspiring and impactful presentation creation into an effortless experience.
5	Biz-IQ Academy	Mobile Photography	Step into the world of mobile photography and uncover how everyday devices can become powerful creative tools. Participants will explore various photography styles and experiment with shot sizes and angles to see how subtle changes can transform an image. Beyond technical skills, this hands-on experience fosters visual storytelling and encourages fresh perspectives.
6	Emarsity Pte Ltd	Video Production with AI platform, InVideo	Discover InVideo, the AI-powered platform that transforms video creation into a hassle-free experience. At this interactive booth, bring ideas to life and produce dynamic videos, ranging from slick explainers, promos, to social media videos in minutes - no design skills needed.
7	Flour Power by SeeTeey Pte Ltd	Clay Sculpting with Compassion	Experience 'Sculpt with Compassion', an immersive workshop where art meets empathy. Participants will work in teams to create clay sculptures while navigating simulated disabilities, fostering understanding, adaptability, and compassion. As workplace diversity becomes increasingly important, this hands-on experience allows participants to appreciate the unique perspectives and abilities of each person.
8	J L Institution Pte Ltd	Me-SODA Cognitive Test for Dementia Detection	Discover your brain health profile with the Me-SODA cognitive assessment, a quick screening tool that provides insights into dementia risk levels. Participants will receive personalised recommendations spanning brain training exercises to lifestyle modifications. As preventive healthcare gains importance, this assessment helps individuals take proactive steps towards maintaining optimal brain health through early intervention.
9	Rolling Pineapple Pte Ltd	CPR with Smart Manikins	Master essential lifesaving techniques with smart manikins, where technology meets CPR training. Under the guidance of certified trainers, participants will practise adult CPR while receiving real-time feedback on their technique, from compression depth to rhythm accuracy. This interactive training empowers individuals with the confidence and precision needed to perform CPR effectively.
10	SKILLMASTER Training Centre Pte Ltd	Everyday Sustainability: Food Waste and Storage	Participants will explore how small, everyday actions can lead to meaningful change at this interactive booth. They will test their sorting skills by placing items into General Waste, Reuse, or Recycle bins, then learn proper food storage techniques using a mock-up fridge. From cutting down waste to preventing spoilage and cross-contamination, participants will walk away with practical, sustainable habits they can adopt right in their own kitchens.
11	SSA Culinary Institute	Cookie Making Workshop	Learn basic cookie-making techniques, such as the pinch-and-drop method and temperature control, while practising precise portioning and shaping using ready-made dough. Through this therapeutic session, participants gain hands-on skills that encourage creative expression, stress-relief and sensory engagement, often used in caregiving, therapy, and intergenerational bonding.
12	Tembusu Institute	Thread & Go: Sewing 101 for Absolute Beginners	In a beginner-friendly workshop, participants get familiar with the fundamentals of machine sewing and build confidence with essential machine-handling skills. Individuals will learn threading techniques and stitching speed control, while practising precise stitching using guided paper exercises.
13	Wong Fong Academy	Drone Soccer	Experience the advancement of drone technology and try out Drone Soccer, a sport that combines the physical aspects of soccer with the technical skills of drone piloting, building, and maintenance. Players will control drones within an enclosed arena, attempting to score by manoeuvring their drones through a goal while also defending against the opposing team.
14	Xprienz Pte Ltd	Practical Guidance on Eldercare	Participants will discover essential eldercare and caregiving skills and learn how to monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and body temperature. Individuals will also gain practical guidance on mobility support using canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.