NUS SCALE and Yayasan MENDAKI partner to advance lifelong learning and workforce readiness
The NUS School of Continuing and Lifelong Education (NUS SCALE) and Yayasan MENDAKI (MENDAKI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen lifelong learning, workforce development and skills upgrading opportunities for Singapore's Malay/Muslim community. The partnership was announced on 11 July 2026 at Wacana Kita, MENDAKI's annual community dialogue platform.
The MOU was signed by Associate Professor Chai Kah Hin, Dean of NUS SCALE, and Mr Feroz Akber, Chief Executive Officer of MENDAKI. Witnessing the signing were Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Senior Minister of State for Defence & Sustainability and the Environment, and Chairman of MENDAKI; and Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to equip individuals and organisations with the knowledge, skills and capabilities needed to navigate a rapidly changing economy. As technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) continue to transform industries and jobs, the collaboration aims to expand access to quality learning opportunities that support career progression, professional growth and social mobility.
Under the three-year agreement, NUS SCALE and MENDAKI will collaborate in two key areas. The first focuses on continuing education and training for workforce development, including programmes for MENDAKI staff and partner organisations, as well as initiatives in entrepreneurship and innovation. The second centres on skills-based learning pathways, encompassing short courses, professional certifications, academic advising and enrichment opportunities to support higher learning and career advancement.
Another feature of the partnership is its emphasis on research and evidence-based workforce development. Both organisations will explore joint studies on workforce trends, employment patterns and emerging skills gaps to ensure that learning opportunities remain aligned with evolving industry and societal needs.
Assoc Prof Chai said the partnership reflects the shared commitment of NUS and MENDAKI to strengthen career and social mobility through lifelong learning, at a time when AI is poised to change how we work, live and learn.
“By combining MENDAKI’s strength in mobilising the community with NUS’ expertise in continuing education, we aim to help learners renew and deepen their capabilities — particularly in critical thinking, judgement and adaptability — so that they remain relevant and confident in a changing world, while contributing to a more resilient and inclusive Singapore.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mr Feroz described the MOU as an important milestone in MENDAKI’s efforts to prepare the community for the future.
“As industries evolve and new technologies reshape the way we live and work, it is critical that our community has access to quality lifelong learning opportunities that enable individuals to continuously upgrade their skills, deepen their expertise and remain relevant. Through this collaboration, we seek to broaden access to skills development and lifelong learning, equipping Malay/Muslim individuals and organisations to navigate change with confidence and seize emerging possibilities.”
Potential areas of collaboration include courses in entrepreneurship, product design and digital marketing; leadership and social impact programmes for non-profit and volunteer sectors; continuing education pathways for healthcare professionals; youth development initiatives; and data analytics projects to better understand community outcomes and programme effectiveness.
By NUS SCALE
