KPMG professionals expected to dedicate 10,000 hours to the initiative
KPMG has announced a new large-scale mentoring program aimed at equipping 10,000 Singaporean youth with creativity, critical thinking, and ethical judgment.
In a statement, KPMG said the programme will connect Singaporeans aged 19 to 28 with professionals across multiple sectors, such as audit, tax, consulting, and deal advisory.
It will cover topics including AI, innovation, sustainability, and workforce transformation, and will equip participants with foundational skills, from leadership capabilities to ethical judgment.
"The initiative is designed to bridge the education-to-industry gap, helping students and young professionals build agility rooted in leadership competencies and multidisciplinary skillsets," KPMG said in its statement.
"It prepares them to thrive in fast-evolving professions, particularly in areas experiencing the fastest job growth such as AI, decarbonisation, sustainability reporting and ESG assurance."
KPMG said its professionals will dedicate 10,000 hours over one calendar year to deliver the programme. It is also carried out in partnership with the National Youth Council.
"The next generation will inherit an economy shaped by AI and the environment. We're equipping tomorrow's changemakers to lead at the nexus of innovation and sustainability, by cultivating versatile skillsets that are valued across industries and essential to shaping a more resilient future," said Shelley Chan, Partner-in-charge, People, Performance & Culture, KPMG in Singapore, in a statement.
Changing job demands
The mentoring program comes as the World Economic Forum (WEF) expects global demand for green and digital jobs to surge by 2030 for a net increase of 78 million jobs.
Technological skills in AI, big data, and cybersecurity are expected to see rapid growth in demand, according to the WEF.
But it also noted that human skills such as creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, and agility will remain critical.
"Trends such as generative AI and rapid technological shifts are upending industries and labour markets, creating both unprecedented opportunities and profound risks," said Till Leopold, Head of Work, Wages and Job Creation at the WEF, in a previous statement.
"The time is now for businesses and governments to work together, invest in skills and build an equitable and resilient global workforce."
