DBS and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) have unveiled an exciting two-year partnership as part of the SkillsFuture Queen Bee initiative, aiming to bolster sustainability knowledge and capabilities.

This collaboration is set to enhance the DBS SME Skills Booster Programme, responding to the rising demand for eco-friendly expertise among small and medium enterprises (SMEs, showing an annual increase of approximately 140% in recent years).

As businesses increasingly integrate sustainable practices into their operations, a new layer of skills is becoming essential. This includes expertise in devising and executing sustainability plans, as well as competencies related to setting, monitoring, and reporting on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance metrics, aligning with ever-evolving compliance and reporting standards.

These courses will be available through the DBS BusinessClass Academy and their partners. In a comprehensive approach to bolster overall business resilience, additional courses on topics like banking and finance, digital transformation, and cyber wellness will also be offered. Additionally, companies will gain access to DBS' ESG Ready initiative, designed to help SMEs progress toward achieving independent assurance in sustainability.

Building upon its successful inaugural year as a SkillsFuture Queen Bee, DBS has already trained more than 130 employees from approximately 80 SMEs in areas such as digitalisation and workplace learning since its appointment in July 2022.

Feedback from these companies has been overwhelmingly positive, with about 97% of survey respondents reporting successful knowledge-building and skill acquisition after completing the courses.

Tan Kok Yam, CEO of SSG, highlighted the increasing need for all enterprises to address ESG considerations, emphasising the demand for new capabilities in ESG accounting and sustainable business practices.

Koh Kar Siong, Group Head of Corporate and SME Banking, Institutional Banking at DBS, underlined the vital role SMEs play in Singapore's sustainable future and expressed DBS's commitment to supporting these companies in their sustainability journey.

One example of the impact of this initiative is Nicole Goh, General Manager of seafood supplier Imperial Premium Seafood, who attended a sustainability masterclass organised by DBS.

She expressed her intention to further enhance her and her team's sustainability knowledge through the DBS SME Skills Booster Programme, recognising the competitive advantage sustainability skills bring to their business and their ability to comply with changing regulations.

For more information about the DBS' SME Skills Booster Programme, you can visit www.dbs.com.sg/sme/businessclass/sme-skills-booster-programme.

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Source: SkillsFuture Singapore