Mendaki's training arm has launched a new programme to help Singaporeans develop leadership skills and move up the corporate ladder.
Called the Leadership and People Management WSQ Programme, it is targeted at professionals, managers and executives, as well as low-skilled workers and women who return to the workforce.
The programme - which is also open to permanent residents - equips participants with skills such as team-building and how to foster business relationships and deal with risk.
Created by the Social Enterprise Network Singapore (Sense), it is aligned with the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) framework.
Speaking at the launch yesterday, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim said the programme framework "sets a standard for leadership capabilities and shapes a road map for leadership development for corporates in Singapore".
Dr Yaacob, who is also Minister for Communications and Information, added that workers armed with skills from the programme will be more prepared to assume higher positions at work and "ultimately enjoy higher incomes".
The programme consists of three levels: an advanced certificate, a professional diploma and a specialist diploma. Each level consists of several modules, and each module can be completed in about 24 hours.
The Workforce Development Agency will subsidise the costs for the programme by up to 70per cent, which means that the cheapest module, priced at $408, need only cost $122.40 per participant.
Workers who are still unable to afford the fees can also receive additional subsidies through means-testing schemes under Sense.
The various modules are offered at 12 training centres spread across the island.
To date, 45 workers in the pioneer batch of the programme have completed their first module and will get their advanced certificates in four months.
Among them is mother-of-three Lydianna Rashid, a senior administrative executive with Parkway Health.
The 34-year-old took on her current job after staying home for a decade to look after her children.
"Before the course, I had low confidence, and had problems handling colleagues I was in charge of, but who were older than me," said Madam Lydianna.
"But the programme has broadened the way I see things and taught me problem-solving communication skills."
Since its inception in 2004, at least 104,000 modules have been completed by participants under Sense, which is a subsidiary of Malay-Muslim self-help group Mendaki.
maryamm@sph.com.sg
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