SIM Academy Examines How Working Adults Can Build New Skills for a Changing Workplace

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 October 2026 – Singapore's workforce is undergoing significant change as automation, artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, and changing workplace demands reshape industries. Employers are placing greater emphasis on demonstrated skills and competencies alongside formal qualifications, while working professionals are expected to upgrade their capabilities continually to remain competitive in this environment.

Against this backdrop, many mid-career professionals and adult learners grapple with a practical question: should they focus on building hard skills or soft skills first? For individuals who are still deciding how to begin their learning journey, the following three steps provide a structured approach to building both soft and hard skills in tandem.

Establish and secure a strong soft skills foundation

Soft skills are interpersonal, behavioural, and cognitive capabilities that influence how individuals work with others and respond to change. They include communication, teamwork, adaptability, critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and stakeholder management. The quality of workplace relationships has a direct impact on job performance and overall productivity. Strengthening emotional intelligence and understanding interpersonal dynamics can support more effective teamwork and smoother collaboration with colleagues and clients. Critical thinking is another core capability that differentiates effective professionals. Individuals who can analyse situations clearly, weigh different perspectives, and make sound decisions are often better equipped to handle complex tasks and deliver consistent results. Formal training in reasoning and critical thinking frameworks can provide a structured way to develop these skills and apply them in daily work contexts.

Build at least one role relevant hard skill

Hard skills refer to specific technical knowledge and expertise required to perform defined tasks or roles. They are generally linked to formal qualifications, certifications, or structured training programmes. Examples include data analysis, programming, accounting, engineering competencies, and specialist knowledge in fields such as cybersecurity or advanced manufacturing. Singapore's training and adult education landscape highlights strong demand for hard skills that support mid-career reskilling, applied AI, sustainability-related capabilities, and digital transformation across industries. Employers increasingly seek workers with the technical proficiency to operate new systems, interpret data, and apply knowledge to sector-specific challenges. For individual learners, they can choose a technical module that is closely aligned with their current or target role. Options may include Excel and data analytics, AI, digital marketing or compliance, with a focus on skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace. For professionals who are interested in project management, a course covering essential tools and techniques may also be a suitable choice.

Iterate the learning as the role changes

Employers report that they want professionals who can combine technical proficiency with strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. In practice, this suggests that soft and hard skills are complementary rather than competing priorities. As individuals gain experience and take on new responsibilities, they can continue to refine their soft skills while refreshing or deepening their hard skills. Their knowledge and strengths can then become a clear differentiator, helping them stand out from the crowd. By approaching learning as a continuous cycle, working adults in Singapore can build a robust skills portfolio. This portfolio supports current performance and expands their opportunities for future progression in a skills driven economy.

References

1. Building Relationships with your Emotional Intelligence:
   https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/courses/course-listing/building-relationships-with-your-emotional-intelligence
2. Critical Thinking and Reasoning:
   https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/courses/course-listing/critical-thinking-and-reasoning
3. Project Management – Essential Tools and Techniques
   https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/courses/course-listing/project-management-essential-tools-techniques
4. Developing Workplace Competency By Taking Stock Of Your Skills
   https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/developing-workplace-competency-by-taking-stock-of-your-skills
5. Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: What's the Difference?https://www.coursera.org/articles/hard-skills-vs-soft-skills

Hashtag: #SIMAcademy #SIMA

https://www.sim.edu.sg/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About SIM Academy

SIM Academy provides leading-edge professional development and enterprise solutions. SIM Academy offers over 300 executive and business programmes that help almost 10,000 professionals annually on average hone their competencies to drive business value and achieve peak personal and enterprise performance.

Our programmes encompass a comprehensive range of lifelong learning opportunities designed to empower professionals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to become effective change-makers and leaders in today's volatile and uncertain business landscape.

For more information on SIM Academy, visit sim.edu.sg

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Proposed transaction will strengthen collaboration between WRISE and IFCG across technology, knowledge-sharing and regional connectivity

HONG KONG SAR/SINGAPORE/BANGKOK, THAILAND/BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 October 2026 – WRISE Group ("WRISE"), an independent wealth management group, today announced the acquisition of a 20% stake in IFCG Public Company Limited ("IFCG"), subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

The proposed transaction deepens the existing strategic alliance between the two firms and represents a strategic investment by WRISE in one of Asia's fastest-developing wealth markets. It reflects WRISE's broader strategy of investing in established businesses with strong local expertise and supporting their continued development through technology, knowledge-sharing and regional connectivity.

Thai high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs and families have increasingly sophisticated wealth needs and are seeking more comprehensive solutions and greater connectivity with regional and global markets. IFCG is well positioned to respond to these evolving needs through its established local presence, market expertise and network of more than 400 advisors.

Following completion of the transaction, IFCG intends to explore the progressive adoption of WRISE's technology capabilities, including WAIOS, WRISE's AI operating system for advisors, to support the continued development of its advisor capabilities.

IFCG will continue to lead its advisory and distribution activities in Thailand, supported by its local expertise and established client relationships. WRISE and IFCG will also explore opportunities for deeper technology collaboration, knowledge-sharing and connectivity across regional markets.

Derrick Tan, Group Chief Executive Officer of WRISE Group, said:

"Thailand is a strategically important wealth market in Asia, supported by a growing community of high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs and families with increasingly sophisticated needs. This proposed investment takes our partnership with IFCG to the next level and reflects our confidence in IFCG's local expertise, established advisor network and long-term growth potential.

"Through this deeper relationship, we look forward to supporting IFCG's continued development through technology, knowledge-sharing and greater regional connectivity. It reflects WRISE's approach to technology: Human-led, AI-scaled."

Withoon Lertpanomwan, Chief Executive Officer of IFCG Public Company Limited, said:

"This proposed investment represents an important milestone for IFCG and a further deepening of our strategic relationship with WRISE. WRISE's technology capabilities and regional expertise will support the continued development of our advisor capabilities and strengthen our ability to respond to the evolving needs of clients.

"We see this as a strong foundation for IFCG's next phase of growth and for the continued development of Thailand's wealth management industry."

The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of Q4 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and the fulfilment of other customary closing conditions.

Hashtag: #WRISE

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About WRISE

WRISE is one of Asia's fastest-growing financial firms, driven by strategic acquisitions of companies with deep expertise and solid foundations. With a strong presence across key financial hubs including Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, Tokyo, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Changsha, Chengdu, Wuxi, Taipei and Vancouver, WRISE is home to one of the largest networks of independent qualified advisors. With over 600 employees located globally, supported by an ecosystem of over 200 financial intermediaries and access to eight booking centres worldwide, WRISE ensures unparalleled service and expertise in navigating today's financial landscape.

WRISE Group of companies include WRISE Wealth Management (Singapore), WRISE Wealth Management (Hong Kong), WRISE Wealth Management Middle East Ltd (DIFC, regulated by the DFSA), WRISE Prestige (Hong Kong), WRISE Prestige Securities (Hong Kong), WRISE Prestige Asset Management (Hong Kong), WRISE Capital (Hong Kong), WRISE Financial Services (Hong Kong), and affiliates including WeWrise Services.

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