The future of humanity is digital. And yet, we’re facing a huge problem: the demand for digital skills is accelerating faster than the supply. In Singapore, there is a projected shortage of over 60,000 tech professionals by 2025. This shortage not only threatens Singapore's competitive edge but also risks leaving segments of society behind in the digital revolution.At Temus, we aim to address this digital skills gap in partnership with Singapore’s IMDA and Digital Industry Singapore (DISG) through initiatives like Step IT Up (SIU), a novel career conversion program designed for non-tech professionals with no prior tech training or education. By focusing on inclusivity and talent transformation, Temus seeks to bridge the divide, accelerate digitalization for our clients and in a broader way, Singapore’s digital economy. Through SIU, we are committed to democratizing access to tech roles, ensuring that locals from all walks of life can participate meaningfully in building Singapore's digital future.The Red Ocean of Tech TalentThe reality however, is that Singapore's ambition to lead in digital innovation is hindered by a growing shortage of professionals equipped with the necessary technical expertise. Sectors such as sustainability, healthcare, finance, defense and others are undergoing rapid digitalization, creating a surge in demand for roles like software developers and data analysts. According to a report by KPMG, 73% of tech leaders in Singapore cite skills shortages as their biggest challenge. Yet there are not enough individuals in the workforce with the appropriate skills to fill these roles and keep pace with the need for digital adoption.This digital skills gap is not just a technical issue; it's a societal one. Individuals most impacted by this gap are often from underrepresented groups - those without formal education in IT or whose industries have been disrupted by technology. A study by the World Economic Forum found that 54% of all employees will require significant reskilling by 2022, highlighting the urgent need for company-led training programs in this area.Uplifting Communities with Step IT UpStep IT Up (SIU) is Temus' flagship career conversion initiative aimed at closing the digital skills gap by equipping individuals with the knowledge, tools and social dispositions needed to thrive in the digital tech industry. Unlike conventional training programs, SIU targets Singaporeans and Permanent Residents who may not have prior experience in IT but demonstrate the motivation and aptitude to succeed. As of 2023, SIU has successfully hired, placed and trained 59 individuals into full-time tech roles.The program's structure ensures that participants are not just trained but also guaranteed a promising tech role within Temus and its ecosystem of clients and partners. This approach provides a direct pathway into the digital economy, eliminating many possible hurdles that often prevent individuals from transitioning into new careers. Empowering a Diverse WorkforceA key strength of SIU is openness to mid-careerists who can harness their diversity of experiences, skills, and perspectives as strengths in the career conversion journey. The program actively recruits individuals from varied backgrounds, including fields such as healthcare, education, and hospitality. According to the Ministry of Manpower, mid-career switchers are a significant resource for addressing talent shortages. Participants bring with them a wealth of experience from their previous careers, enhancing problem-solving and innovation in the digital projects they work on.Take, for example, Eileen Tan, a former stay-at-home mother who, after a five-year hiatus from the workforce, joined SIU with no prior IT experience. Eileen was trained as a Digital Business Analyst and is now working on key digital transformation projects at Temus, directly contributing to the improvement of public sector services in her first year of On-the-job training. Another success story is Christopher Tan, a former optometrist who made a career switch through SIU. After completing his training, Christopher was deployed as a software developer at Temus, where his attention to detail and problem-solving skills proved invaluable. His journey reflects how SIU enables individuals from different industries to leverage their existing strengths while acquiring new skills, ultimately enriching the tech landscape.Supporting National Economic GrowthBeyond individual transformation, Step IT Up plays a crucial role in supporting Singapore's broader economic goals. The program helps alleviate the digital skills shortage by consistently producing cohorts of job-ready digital professionals who are immediately deployable in critical sectors. As reported by the Economic Development Board (EDB), such initiatives are essential for sustaining Singapore's position as a global tech hub. By placing and training individuals in key areas such as software development and low-code platforms, SIU ensures that Singapore has a steady supply of talent to meet the evolving needs of both its private enterprises and public sector agencies.Moreover, SIU's impact is not limited to the tech industry. The graduates contribute to digital transformation efforts across a range of sectors, from healthcare to government services, and help to realize Singapore’s Smart Nation aspirations. A study by Deloitte indicates that cross-sector digital transformation can boost Singapore's GDP by up to S$10 billion annually. This cross-sectoral impact amplifies the program's value, ensuring that Singapore's digital growth is holistic, inclusive, and far-reaching.Creating a Sustainable Talent PipelineTemus recognizes that tackling the digital skills gap is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment. To ensure sustainability, Step IT Up is continuously evolving to meet the changing demands of the tech landscape. As new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and blockchain become more prevalent, SIU will explore adapting its curriculum to incorporate these skills. LinkedIn's Emerging Jobs Report notes that AI specialists and data scientists are among the fastest-growing roles in Singapore. Furthermore, Temus intends to build on its network of partners from the industry and government to scale the program and expand its reach. By aligning with national initiatives like SkillsFuture and deepening its collaboration with entities such as IMDA, Temus will strive to ensure that SIU remains relevant and impactful. This nexus contributes to Singapore's long-term digital resilience.ConclusionThrough Step IT Up, Temus is making significant strides in addressing the digital skills gap in Singapore while empowering its clients and ultimately, the home-grown talents who want to help build Singapore’s digital economy. As we continue to evolve the program, we remain committed to fostering a diverse and dynamic pool of home-grown talents that will support and accelerate Singapore's journey to becoming a Smart Nation for years to come.