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- The NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHUB) Thinking Academy pioneers a targeted approach to hone the thinking skills of PMEs. Three existing courses are refreshed with Generative AI (GenAI) content, integrating prompt engineering and AI-powered decision-making skills critical for the future workplace.
- The NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy's GenAI principle is supported by AI Singapore, emphasizing the relevance of these skills in an AI-driven economy, while the design thinking programmes are endorsed by Murdoch University, ensuring that its content and delivery meet academic rigour and industry standards.
- Mandai Wildlife Group, alongside small and medium-sized enterprises – Oriental Remedies Incorporated, SG Galvanizing, and Singapore FOZL Group – which are part of NTUC U SME network, are pledging their support to the NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy.
SINGAPORE, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHUB) announces today the launch of the NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy, Singapore's first training academy dedicated to equipping Professionals, Managers and Executives (PMEs) with essential thinking skills for the Generative AI (GenAI) era, including critical thinking, design thinking, and creative thinking. Officially launched by Mr Ng Chee Meng, Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), the NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy pioneers a targeted approach to honing thinking skills, helping PMEs navigate the complex business landscape, make ethical data-driven decisions, and drive innovation in the digital-first world. The launch is part of NTUC's continuous efforts to provide better support for PMEs in their career, especially in adapting to emerging technologies at the workplace.
Mr Ng Chee Meng, NTUC Secretary-General said, "The rise of GenAI brings both challenges and opportunities, making it vital for workers and PMEs to acquire GenAI skills and essential thinking skills to navigate complex business environments and stay competitive. Through the NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy, we hope to equip PMEs with some tools and knowledge needed to adapt and thrive in the digital age. NTUC remains committed to expanding our suite of innovative solutions to better support PMEs in their career progression, ensuring that our workforce is future-ready and resilient."
Refreshed Courses Infused with GenAI to Help PMEs Acquire Essential Thinking Skills
According to NTUC LHUB's Special Report 2024 on Thinking Skills in a Digital Age[1], nearly all business leaders surveyed (47% very important, 49% somewhat important) view thinking skills as crucial for augmenting or supplementing employees' technical skills in the face of emerging technologies like AI. However, more than four in five of them (28% to a large extent, 57% to a moderate extent) acknowledged that there is a gap in thinking skills in their organisation to a certain degree. Despite this, less than half of business leaders (43%) have sent their employees for thinking skills training in 2024.
The NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy addresses this need for training in thinking skills today. By integrating interactive learning experiences and AI-powered tools, the courses under the Academy aim to enhance learners' ability to analyse complex problems and make informed, data-driven decisions. Course participants will utilise GenAI to assess industry trends and evaluate business scenarios, facilitating strategic decision-making that considers cost implications, audience engagement, and competitive dynamics in real-time. The Academy will also emphasize ethical AI application, guiding learners to critically evaluate AI-generated insights for potential biases and ensure that their decisions are aligned with ethical standards.
Under the NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy, three existing thinking skills courses are refreshed with GenAI content, integrating prompt engineering and AI-powered decision-making to equip PMEs with the critical skills needed for the future workforce. The courses are: (1) Design Thinking Fundamentals, which introduces a human-centric approach to innovation and incorporates GenAI to enhance ideation and problem-solving, (2) Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Display Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills Powered by Wiley, enabling professionals to master logical inquiry, stakeholder engagement, and AI-enhanced problem-solving, and (3) Critical Thinking, designed for senior professionals to help them leverage AI tools such as ChatGPT to refine decision-making and mitigate cognitive biases. Refer to Annex A for more information on these courses.
Beyond the three refreshed thinking skills courses, there are also courses in the areas of systems thinking, creative thinking, and strategic thinking being developed and expected to be launched by third quarter of this year.
Support from Industry and Academic Leaders
The GenAI principle by the NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy is supported by AI Singapore (AISG), reinforcing the relevance of these skills in an AI-driven economy, and highlighting the critical role of AI-powered thinking skills for the future of work. The AISG-supported GenAI principle has been instrumental in guiding the curation and enhancement of both existing and new courses under the NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy. Mr Koo Sengmeng, Head of LearnAI of AISG, said, "As AI continues to reshape industries, individuals must learn how to leverage AI tools as their skills multiplier and be more effective. NTUC LearningHub's Thinking Academy's emphasis on AI-enhanced problem-solving and decision-making aligns with our vision of equipping Singapore's workforce with future-ready AI skills. By integrating Prompt Engineering and Generative AI into learning, we can ensure that professionals stay relevant and competitive in an AI-powered world."
In addition, Murdoch University serves as the skills endorser for the design thinking programmes, including the Design Thinking Fundamentals course, ensuring that the content and delivery meet academic rigour and industry standards. Learners who complete the programme will earn a certification jointly issued by Murdoch University and NTUC LHUB, thus enhancing their career prospects. Professor Peter Waring, Pro Vice Chancellor Transnational Education and Singapore Dean of Murdoch University, said, "At Murdoch University, we recognise the need for lifelong learning and the importance of equipping professionals with robust thinking skills. We are proud to partner with NTUC LearningHub to endorse these courses, ensuring that learners not only gain practical skills but also receive globally recognised credentials that enhance their employability and career advancement."
Mandai Wildlife Group, alongside small and medium-sized enterprises - Oriental Remedies Incorporated, SG Galvanizing, and Singapore FOZL Group - which are part of NTUC U SME network, are pledging their support to the NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy, and will explore opportunities to send their employees to enrol in the programmes under the Academy. Local bank UOB has also expressed interest in the various Thinking Academy programmes focusing on critical thinking skills.
Ms Belina Lee, Deputy CEO, Transformation and Growth, Mandai Wildlife Group said, "Mandai Wildlife Group is leveraging technology and Generative AI to transform our operations and boost productivity. Through the Company Training Committee with our Union partners, Attractions, Resorts & Entertainment Union (AREU) and Singapore Manual & Mercantile Workers' Union (SMMWU), we are committed to employee development, providing comprehensive training programmes and ensuring our workforce will be well-equipped for this innovative era."
Mr Benny Chan, Managing Director, Group Channels and Digitalisation, UOB, said, " At UOB, we believe in empowering our people with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate a rapidly evolving banking landscape, while offering quality customer service and experience. In particular, critical thinking skills are integral not only in serving the sophisticated needs of customers, but also in analysing data and trends to better anticipate their future requirements. The critical thinking programmes offered by the NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy are thus very timely as we look at taking our service to the next level for our customers."
Mr Jeremy Ong, Chief Executive Officer of NTUC LearningHub, said "With the rapid adoption of AI, thinking skills are becoming more important than ever. The ability to critically analyse information, solve complex problems, and make informed decisions will define success in the future workplace. The NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy is our bold step towards ensuring that Singapore's workforce is not only AI-literate, but AI-empowered, augmenting GenAI with thinking skills to enhance decision-making and drive innovation. Beyond the launch, we are committed to continuously expanding our suite of thinking courses, with additional courses focusing on systems thinking, design thinking, and strategic decision-making in development. This will ensure that Singapore's workforce remains adaptable, innovative, and well-equipped for the future."
Annex A - Factsheet on New Courses: https://ntuclhub.sg/ThinkAcadPRAnnex
About NTUC LearningHub
NTUC LearningHub is the leading Continuing Education and Training provider in Singapore which aims to transform the lifelong employability of working people. Since our corporatisation in 2004, we have been working with employers and individual learners to provide learning solutions in areas such as Infocomm Technology, Generative AI & Cloud, Sustainability, Healthcare, Tourism, Retail & Food Services, Employability & Literacy, Business Excellence, Workplace Safety & Health, Security, Human Resources & Coaching and Foreign Workers Training.
To date, NTUC LearningHub has helped over 34,000 organisations and achieved more than 3.2 million training places across more than 3,000 courses with a pool of about 1,000 certified trainers. As a Total Learning Solutions provider to organisations, we also forge partnerships to offer a wide range of relevant end-to-end training. Besides in-person training, we also offer instructor-led virtual live classes (VLCs) and asynchronous online learning. The NTUC LearningHub Learning eXperience Platform (LXP) — a one-stop online learning mobile application — offers timely, bite-sized and quality content for learners to upskill anytime and anywhere. Beyond learning, LXP also serves as a platform for jobs and skills development for both workers and companies.
For more information, visit www.ntuclearninghub.com.
- The NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHUB) Thinking Academy pioneers a targeted approach to hone the thinking skills of PMEs. Three existing courses are refreshed with Generative AI (GenAI) content, integrating prompt engineering and AI-powered decision-making skills critical for the future workplace.
- The NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy's GenAI principle is supported by AI Singapore, emphasizing the relevance of these skills in an AI-driven economy, while the design thinking programmes are endorsed by Murdoch University, ensuring that its content and delivery meet academic rigour and industry standards.
- Mandai Wildlife Group, alongside small and medium-sized enterprises – Oriental Remedies Incorporated, SG Galvanizing, and Singapore FOZL Group – which are part of NTUC U SME network, are pledging their support to the NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy.
SINGAPORE, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHUB) announces today the launch of the NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy, Singapore's first training academy dedicated to equipping Professionals, Managers and Executives (PMEs) with essential thinking skills for the Generative AI (GenAI) era, including critical thinking, design thinking, and creative thinking. Officially launched by Mr Ng Chee Meng, Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), the NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy pioneers a targeted approach to honing thinking skills, helping PMEs navigate the complex business landscape, make ethical data-driven decisions, and drive innovation in the digital-first world. The launch is part of NTUC's continuous efforts to provide better support for PMEs in their career, especially in adapting to emerging technologies at the workplace.
Mr Ng Chee Meng, NTUC Secretary-General said, "The rise of GenAI brings both challenges and opportunities, making it vital for workers and PMEs to acquire GenAI skills and essential thinking skills to navigate complex business environments and stay competitive. Through the NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy, we hope to equip PMEs with some tools and knowledge needed to adapt and thrive in the digital age. NTUC remains committed to expanding our suite of innovative solutions to better support PMEs in their career progression, ensuring that our workforce is future-ready and resilient."
Refreshed Courses Infused with GenAI to Help PMEs Acquire Essential Thinking Skills
According to NTUC LHUB's Special Report 2024 on Thinking Skills in a Digital Age[1], nearly all business leaders surveyed (47% very important, 49% somewhat important) view thinking skills as crucial for augmenting or supplementing employees' technical skills in the face of emerging technologies like AI. However, more than four in five of them (28% to a large extent, 57% to a moderate extent) acknowledged that there is a gap in thinking skills in their organisation to a certain degree. Despite this, less than half of business leaders (43%) have sent their employees for thinking skills training in 2024.
The NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy addresses this need for training in thinking skills today. By integrating interactive learning experiences and AI-powered tools, the courses under the Academy aim to enhance learners' ability to analyse complex problems and make informed, data-driven decisions. Course participants will utilise GenAI to assess industry trends and evaluate business scenarios, facilitating strategic decision-making that considers cost implications, audience engagement, and competitive dynamics in real-time. The Academy will also emphasize ethical AI application, guiding learners to critically evaluate AI-generated insights for potential biases and ensure that their decisions are aligned with ethical standards.
Under the NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy, three existing thinking skills courses are refreshed with GenAI content, integrating prompt engineering and AI-powered decision-making to equip PMEs with the critical skills needed for the future workforce. The courses are: (1) Design Thinking Fundamentals, which introduces a human-centric approach to innovation and incorporates GenAI to enhance ideation and problem-solving, (2) Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Display Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills Powered by Wiley, enabling professionals to master logical inquiry, stakeholder engagement, and AI-enhanced problem-solving, and (3) Critical Thinking, designed for senior professionals to help them leverage AI tools such as ChatGPT to refine decision-making and mitigate cognitive biases. Refer to Annex A for more information on these courses.
Beyond the three refreshed thinking skills courses, there are also courses in the areas of systems thinking, creative thinking, and strategic thinking being developed and expected to be launched by third quarter of this year.
Support from Industry and Academic Leaders
The GenAI principle by the NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy is supported by AI Singapore (AISG), reinforcing the relevance of these skills in an AI-driven economy, and highlighting the critical role of AI-powered thinking skills for the future of work. The AISG-supported GenAI principle has been instrumental in guiding the curation and enhancement of both existing and new courses under the NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy. Mr Koo Sengmeng, Head of LearnAI of AISG, said, "As AI continues to reshape industries, individuals must learn how to leverage AI tools as their skills multiplier and be more effective. NTUC LearningHub's Thinking Academy's emphasis on AI-enhanced problem-solving and decision-making aligns with our vision of equipping Singapore's workforce with future-ready AI skills. By integrating Prompt Engineering and Generative AI into learning, we can ensure that professionals stay relevant and competitive in an AI-powered world."
In addition, Murdoch University serves as the skills endorser for the design thinking programmes, including the Design Thinking Fundamentals course, ensuring that the content and delivery meet academic rigour and industry standards. Learners who complete the programme will earn a certification jointly issued by Murdoch University and NTUC LHUB, thus enhancing their career prospects. Professor Peter Waring, Pro Vice Chancellor Transnational Education and Singapore Dean of Murdoch University, said, "At Murdoch University, we recognise the need for lifelong learning and the importance of equipping professionals with robust thinking skills. We are proud to partner with NTUC LearningHub to endorse these courses, ensuring that learners not only gain practical skills but also receive globally recognised credentials that enhance their employability and career advancement."
Mandai Wildlife Group, alongside small and medium-sized enterprises - Oriental Remedies Incorporated, SG Galvanizing, and Singapore FOZL Group - which are part of NTUC U SME network, are pledging their support to the NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy, and will explore opportunities to send their employees to enrol in the programmes under the Academy. Local bank UOB has also expressed interest in the various Thinking Academy programmes focusing on critical thinking skills.
Ms Belina Lee, Deputy CEO, Transformation and Growth, Mandai Wildlife Group said, "Mandai Wildlife Group is leveraging technology and Generative AI to transform our operations and boost productivity. Through the Company Training Committee with our Union partners, Attractions, Resorts & Entertainment Union (AREU) and Singapore Manual & Mercantile Workers' Union (SMMWU), we are committed to employee development, providing comprehensive training programmes and ensuring our workforce will be well-equipped for this innovative era."
Mr Benny Chan, Managing Director, Group Channels and Digitalisation, UOB, said, " At UOB, we believe in empowering our people with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate a rapidly evolving banking landscape, while offering quality customer service and experience. In particular, critical thinking skills are integral not only in serving the sophisticated needs of customers, but also in analysing data and trends to better anticipate their future requirements. The critical thinking programmes offered by the NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy are thus very timely as we look at taking our service to the next level for our customers."
Mr Jeremy Ong, Chief Executive Officer of NTUC LearningHub, said "With the rapid adoption of AI, thinking skills are becoming more important than ever. The ability to critically analyse information, solve complex problems, and make informed decisions will define success in the future workplace. The NTUC LHUB Thinking Academy is our bold step towards ensuring that Singapore's workforce is not only AI-literate, but AI-empowered, augmenting GenAI with thinking skills to enhance decision-making and drive innovation. Beyond the launch, we are committed to continuously expanding our suite of thinking courses, with additional courses focusing on systems thinking, design thinking, and strategic decision-making in development. This will ensure that Singapore's workforce remains adaptable, innovative, and well-equipped for the future."
[1] NTUC LearningHub Special Report 2024 on Thinking Skills in a Digital Age: www.ntuclearninghub.com/media/research-reports/2024/Thinking-Skills
Annex A - Factsheet on New Courses: https://ntuclhub.sg/ThinkAcadPRAnnex
About NTUC LearningHub
NTUC LearningHub is the leading Continuing Education and Training provider in Singapore which aims to transform the lifelong employability of working people. Since our corporatisation in 2004, we have been working with employers and individual learners to provide learning solutions in areas such as Infocomm Technology, Generative AI & Cloud, Sustainability, Healthcare, Tourism, Retail & Food Services, Employability & Literacy, Business Excellence, Workplace Safety & Health, Security, Human Resources & Coaching and Foreign Workers Training.
To date, NTUC LearningHub has helped over 34,000 organisations and achieved more than 3.2 million training places across more than 3,000 courses with a pool of about 1,000 certified trainers. As a Total Learning Solutions provider to organisations, we also forge partnerships to offer a wide range of relevant end-to-end training. Besides in-person training, we also offer instructor-led virtual live classes (VLCs) and asynchronous online learning. The NTUC LearningHub Learning eXperience Platform (LXP) — a one-stop online learning mobile application — offers timely, bite-sized and quality content for learners to upskill anytime and anywhere. Beyond learning, LXP also serves as a platform for jobs and skills development for both workers and companies.
For more information, visit www.ntuclearninghub.com.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
NTUC LearningHub Launches Singapore's First Thinking Academy to Upskill PMEs for the GenAI Era
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HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular year-end travel choice for families in the region and beyond. Based on searches made between September and November 2025 for stays during December 2025 and January 2026, Agoda recorded a 30% increase in family travel interest to Vietnam compared with the same period the previous year.
Agoda data shows that Vietnam is attracting more international families than ever this winter holiday season. South Koreans take the lead as the top market interested in traveling to Vietnam in December and January, with families from India, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia rounding out the top five. Notably, Agoda reported that Indian families showcased the highest growth in travel interest to Vietnam during this period, with a 186% increase in searches. Malaysians also, are expressing strong growth in interest, with a 74% increase in searches, highlighting Vietnam's appeal as a family destination in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Families are choosing Vietnam for its storied culture and cuisine, diverse landscapes, and abundance of family-friendly resorts and attractions.
Phu Quoc Island leads as the most sought-after destination among international family travelers with a 47% increase in searches, popular for its sandy beaches, calm waters, and nature parks ideal for multi-generation vacations. Da Nang follows with 42% growth in travel interest, noted for its beaches, soft adventure activities, and access to Ba Na Hills theme park. Nha Trang comes in third place, remaining a favorite for its long coastline, family-oriented resorts, and island experiences. In fourth place, Ho Chi Minh City appeals with its vibrant food scene, entertainment complexes, and day trips to the Mekong Delta. In the north, Hanoi continues to draw families with its cultural landmarks, museums, and festive atmosphere, rounding out the top five most family-friendly year-end destinations in Vietnam.
Meanwhile, although Vietnamese families traditionally travel less internationally at the end of the year – typically preferring to wait for the Lunar New Year - China is becoming a noticeable exception. Among the top 20 outbound destinations preferred by Vietnamese families during the December-January period, searches for Shanghai increased 58%, while Beijing increased 59%. This shift is supported by the launch of new direct routes between Hanoi and selected Chinese cities earlier this year, making end-of-year overseas trips more accessible than ever.
Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director at Agoda, said: "It is wonderful to see Vietnam increasingly chosen as an end-of-year holiday destination for families from across Asia and beyond. Agoda's data shows that travelers are recognizing Vietnam's family-friendly appeal, which further strengthen its position on the global travel map. As more families plan their festive-season or year-end getaways, we are delighted to support them through Agoda's simple, intuitive platform and our wide range of stays, flights, and activities."
With over 6 million properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, all bookable in one seamless itinerary, Agoda helps families plan memorable year-end holidays, whether they choose a peaceful beach break, a cultural city escape, or an international exploration to mark the close of the year.
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular year-end travel choice for families in the region and beyond. Based on searches made between September and November 2025 for stays during December 2025 and January 2026, Agoda recorded a 30% increase in family travel interest to Vietnam compared with the same period the previous year.
Agoda data shows that Vietnam is attracting more international families than ever this winter holiday season. South Koreans take the lead as the top market interested in traveling to Vietnam in December and January, with families from India, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia rounding out the top five. Notably, Agoda reported that Indian families showcased the highest growth in travel interest to Vietnam during this period, with a 186% increase in searches. Malaysians also, are expressing strong growth in interest, with a 74% increase in searches, highlighting Vietnam's appeal as a family destination in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Families are choosing Vietnam for its storied culture and cuisine, diverse landscapes, and abundance of family-friendly resorts and attractions.
Phu Quoc Island leads as the most sought-after destination among international family travelers with a 47% increase in searches, popular for its sandy beaches, calm waters, and nature parks ideal for multi-generation vacations. Da Nang follows with 42% growth in travel interest, noted for its beaches, soft adventure activities, and access to Ba Na Hills theme park. Nha Trang comes in third place, remaining a favorite for its long coastline, family-oriented resorts, and island experiences. In fourth place, Ho Chi Minh City appeals with its vibrant food scene, entertainment complexes, and day trips to the Mekong Delta. In the north, Hanoi continues to draw families with its cultural landmarks, museums, and festive atmosphere, rounding out the top five most family-friendly year-end destinations in Vietnam.
Meanwhile, although Vietnamese families traditionally travel less internationally at the end of the year – typically preferring to wait for the Lunar New Year - China is becoming a noticeable exception. Among the top 20 outbound destinations preferred by Vietnamese families during the December-January period, searches for Shanghai increased 58%, while Beijing increased 59%. This shift is supported by the launch of new direct routes between Hanoi and selected Chinese cities earlier this year, making end-of-year overseas trips more accessible than ever.
Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director at Agoda, said: "It is wonderful to see Vietnam increasingly chosen as an end-of-year holiday destination for families from across Asia and beyond. Agoda's data shows that travelers are recognizing Vietnam's family-friendly appeal, which further strengthen its position on the global travel map. As more families plan their festive-season or year-end getaways, we are delighted to support them through Agoda's simple, intuitive platform and our wide range of stays, flights, and activities."
With over 6 million properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, all bookable in one seamless itinerary, Agoda helps families plan memorable year-end holidays, whether they choose a peaceful beach break, a cultural city escape, or an international exploration to mark the close of the year.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Agoda Data Shows Vietnam Rising as a Favorite End-of-Year Destination for Families Across Asia and Beyond
