A digital skills framework alone is not enough to Forward Singapore
At CreativesAtWork, we are passionate about defining the future of work with our network of freelancers and progressive clients. Chief Businesswoman, Jayce Tham pens a response to an article that was published on 18 August in the Straits Times.
I refer to the article “Different gigs, different digital skills” (Aug 18), which addresses the unmet upskilling needs of white-collar self-employed digital workers. While comprehensive, there are additional factors that should be considered.
The authors have correctly identified a core problem. Singapore’s highly-skilled gig workers are uniquely vulnerable because employers can hire from anywhere in the world. For local workers to remain globally competitive, continuous digital upskilling is necessary.
I am the founder of CreativesAtWork – an agency that has represented a network of Creative freelancers since 2012. We also run training bootcamps for freelancers. We are part of an industry workgroup initiated by NTUC’s Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association (VICPA), and our goal is to improve capabilities within Singapore’s creative industry.
We have also identified key challenges facing freelance creatives, such as insufficient skills to meet client requirements, stiff international competition on readily accessible gig platforms, and the high cost of upskilling.
It is heartening to discover that our findings are aligned with the authors’ own research. We are very much in support of their proposed tiered digital skills framework, which focuses on relevant skills such as using digital tools, seeking work on digital platforms, and sector- specific skills.
However, I would like to caution against potential over-emphasis on immediately relevant skills. Tangible digital skills alone are not enough to truly sustain long-term gig worker careers. Other “soft” and business skills are equally critical. These include creating differentiated revenue streams, building a consistent pipeline of projects, enhancing pitching capabilities, creating an attractive showreel/portfolio, marketing and promotion and keen business forecasting Other administrative skills such as financial planning and knowledge of tax, compliance and law also play a part.
Thus, a truly comprehensive framework should train workers to ask and answer larger questions, such as “What are my business opportunities and threats? Where is my market? What is my value proposition?”
In addition, we must also consider greater structural support. As the gig economy is here to stay, there is a need to set up a Centre of Excellence for digital gig workers, similar to the development support for other industries. Freelancers must not just aim to survive, but also to thrive and build a successful freelancing career.
For our first 10 years, we focused on bringing gigs to freelancers. But we have since realised that it is more impactful to help them build up their own freelance businesses. Thus, we must build an ecosystem that supports freelance digital workers throughout their entire career. To truly hedge against the precariousness of the gig economy, they must be empowered to direct their own career development.
Covid-19 has accelerated the pace of digitalisation as we make strides toward the Future of Work. However, most will agree that“work” is no longer simply just work. It requires meaning and passion. Our goal then, is to help individuals turn their creative passions into paid work. To quote Steve Jobs, "if you love what you do you will never have to work a single day”.
We wish the best to all who are courageous enough to take on self-employment. Our career journeys should not just be about acquiring digital skills. Instead, they should also empower and develop their innate strengths, allowing us to become better people, to provide better value, and to do meaningful and purposeful work.
Jayce Tham
Chief Businesswoman
CreativesAtWork
Resources
ST Article
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/different-gigs-different-digital-skills
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