Most Singaporeans, approximately 70% of those eligible, have not yet taken advantage of the one-time $500 SkillsFuture Credit top-up set to expire at the end of 2025. Since its introduction in October 2020, only 28% of eligible individuals have utilized this benefit, totaling about 721,000 Singaporeans.

The utilization rate has seen a slight increase of 2% since December 2024, with an additional 30,000 users. SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) has confirmed that the top-up will not be extended, and courses must commence and claims be submitted by December 31, 2025.

The one-time credit was provided to all Singaporeans aged 25 and above in 2020 to aid in their training and development during the pandemic. It is separate from the base $500 SkillsFuture credits received upon turning 25, as well as the additional credits for those aged 40 to 60 and 40 and above.

Popular training areas chosen by Singaporeans include information and communications, food and beverage, and sales and marketing. The courses taken reflect an interest in future-relevant skills such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, e-commerce, and digital marketing.

SSG encourages individuals to utilize their remaining credits for career and training purposes, offering free workshops and advisory sessions for guidance. An email reminder was sent on June 12 to notify individuals of the expiring credits, along with the recommendation to use the Careers and Skills passport for personalized training suggestions.

One individual, Mr. Venkataramanan Ganesh Narayanan, utilized his SkillsFuture credit top-up for a course in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to enhance his expertise in cyber security management. He emphasized the importance of upskilling when given the opportunity.

In 2024, approximately 555,000 individuals participated in SSG-supported programs, with 260,000 using their SkillsFuture credits. This increase was driven by efforts to assist mid-career workers, according to SSG chief executive Tan Kok Yam.