Singapore has been facing rapid technological changes, and critical global and structural shifts in recent years.
Some industries are losing its presence, and a number of traditional jobs are quickly being transformed by technology.
New industries and markets will eventually emerge to replace the old.
As workers, we need to remain employable and keep our skills current – especially those of us who are in a career transition. To do so, we will require massive support to ride through such a change.
With this new economy comes the demand for more career development practitioners to help workers explore employability, career direction, new skills and career development for the future.
In anticipation of more career development practitioners coming into the industry, it is important to have an association to support and uphold the professionalism of this group.
That was the main reason behind the creation of the Career Development Association of Singapore (CDAS), which was launched on 20 September 2018 at NTU@one-north.
The new association aims to promote the professional development and the status of career development practitioners in Singapore; to serve as a common platform for practitioners to come together; and to be the voice of career development practitioners and represent their interests.
Addressing career development practitioners as the guest of honour at the launch, NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Patrick Tay said: “As our economy moves towards Industry 4.0, our workers too will need to move in this direction to remain employable and successful. The Worker 4.0 must be ready for new jobs, be relevant with new skills and resilient to the changes ahead.
“I am happy to see that the career growth of career practitioners is being looked into so that they, in turn, can better help other working people upgrade and reach greater heights in their careers.”
CDAS founding President Timothy Hsi believes that the creation of the association is timely as there is a rapid growth in the numbers of career practitioners.
“I felt it is time for an association to be set up to encourage the continued professionalisation of career practitioners to maintain high levels of professional practice standards, as they work to support our workers prepare for the ongoing transformation across Singapore’s economy.
“At the same time, the association will seek to draw members from the different sectors in Singapore for continual cross-pollination of career management ideas and skills development.”
For more information, visit the CDAS website.
