The Importance of Micro-Credentials

In today’s fast-changing job market, fresh graduates with certifications or micro-credentials have a competitive edge. These industry-specific credentials enhance resumes and demonstrate skills valued by employers. As highlighted in The Straits Times article “Is it skills that will count in the post-pandemic world of work?” by Sandra Davie (April 20, 2020), employers are increasingly looking beyond degrees to certifications, digital badges, and other skills-based assessments—especially in fields like computing. Many experts believe the future of work will prioritize micro-credentials over traditional degrees.

Start Your Micro-Credentials Journey with CMC

The Centre for Micro-Credentials (CMC) at SIM Global Education provides students and alumni with opportunities to develop industry-relevant skills through bite-sized courses. Upon completion, learners earn digital badges—visual proof of their achievements—that can be showcased on platforms like LinkedIn. Each badge contains metadata detailing the learner’s achievement, the issuer, and the criteria met.

Advance Your Skills with SIM

Whether you’re looking to upskill, reskill, or specialize, SIM offers a range of courses and certifications tailored to industry needs, helping you stay ahead in your career.

We offer two services for CMC:

1. GE Learner: Students engaged in a curriculum that provides foundational skills and knowledge.
2. Alumni: Graduates from our institution looking to upskill or reskill.

1. CMC for GE Learner

Students engaged in a curriculum that provides foundational skills and knowledge.

How are they earned?

Micro-credentials can be earned through a combination of online and in-class learning. To earn a badge, you may be required to:

• Attend workshops or seminars
• Complete assignments
• Pass an assessment or skills test
• Complete a project or give a presentation on the project

How long will it take to earn one badge?

The time required to earn a micro-credential varies. It can take anywhere from 2 days to 6 weeks, or even up to a year, depending on the competency level and the type of credential you’re working toward.

2. CMC for ALUMNI

In celebration of SIM’s 60th Anniversary, SIM Alumni Relations and CMC have curated exclusive micro-credential courses for SIM Alumni.

Available Courses:

1. Core Competencies & Career Readiness

This series includes Career-Readiness modules and the SIM Core Modules series, which provide foundational knowledge in key functional areas for future workforce success. Special Offer: These courses are free for SIM GE Alumni from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025.

• Core Competencies Courses:

1. Data Analytics – Covers basics of data analysis, exploration, visualization, and management.
2. Systems Thinking – Teaches holistic problem-solving techniques.
3. Design Thinking – Introduces the five-phase framework for customer-oriented solutions.
4. Technology for the Future Workforce – Explains digital terminologies and online tools.
5. Project Management Fundamentals – Covers project planning, resource allocation, and execution.
6. Fundamentals of Leadership – Focuses on leadership styles, emotional intelligence, and team building.
7. Problem Solving – Teaches traditional vs. creative problem-solving techniques.
8. Essentials of Sustainability – Explores UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and green practices.
   • Career Readiness Courses:
9. Effective Communication – Covers communication types, processes, and overcoming barriers.
10. How to Ace Your Presentation Skills – Teaches structuring and delivering effective presentations.
11. How to Create an Effective Resume – Guides resume writing, formatting, and cover letter essentials.
12. How to Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile and Build Your Personal Brand – Enhances LinkedIn presence for job searching.
13. How to Ace Your Job Interview – Prepares candidates with strategies for different interview types.
14. How to Evaluate, Accept, Reject, or Negotiate a Job Offer – Provides insights on salary assessment and negotiation.

2. Digital Competence in the Workforce

In partnership with ICDL, a global leader in computer skills certification, SIM GE offers seven modules designed to boost digital competence. Special Offer: Alumni enjoy preferential course fees, with significant discounts for bundles of 3 modules.The document outlines Digital Competence in the Workforce courses, which are highly subsidized for SIM GE Alumni from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.

• ICDL Insights Series Modules (Introduction to Key Technologies):

1. Big Data – Understanding the management and analysis of large datasets for strategic decision-making.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Exploring AI’s role in machine learning and automation for business and society.
3. Blockchain – Understanding distributed ledgers, security, and business applications.
4. Internet of Things (IoT) – Learning how IoT extends internet connectivity to physical devices and automation.
5. Cloud Computing – Covering cloud services, remote data storage, and business benefits.
   • ICDL Professional Series Modules (Advanced Digital Skills):
6. Digital Marketing – Strategies for web presence, SEO, social media, online sales, advertising, and analytics.
7. E-Commerce – Setting up and managing online stores, social media commerce, and marketplace strategies.

3. Specialized Competency Modules

Emerging Technologies for Business Transformation: This series focuses on the latest technologies reshaping businesses and how organizations can leverage them for competitive advantage. These courses equip learners with the knowledge to navigate digital and business transformation.

• Emerging Technologies For Business Transformation

1. Introduction to Emerging Technologies

Learn about digital maturity models and assess an organization’s readiness for emerging technologies.

1. Digital Transformation Fundamentals

Explore case studies on digital transformation using CRM, project management tools, and cloud storage solutions.

1. The Emergence of Connectivity Technologies

Covers Blockchain, IoT, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and their convergence.

1. Introduction to Intelligence Technologies

Focuses on 3D Printing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Drones, and Big Data.

1. Data: Opportunities and Challenges

Examines the role of Big Data in intelligence technologies and business transformation.

1. Essentials of Business Transformation

Covers legacy systems, IT alignment, transformation steps (SOSTAC model), and Business Model Canvas (BMC).

• Elements of Sustainability:

A series on integrating sustainability practices into business operations, focusing on resource efficiency, ethical sourcing, and corporate social responsibility to ensure long-term viability. These courses focus on sustainability strategies, governance, and financial impact.

1. Circular and Sustainable Economies

Learn about lifecycle assessments, circular design, resource loops, and sustainable sourcing.

1. Materiality & Stakeholder Management

Understand stakeholder classification models and financial vs. non-financial sustainability impact.

1. Sustainable Ethics and Governance

Covers corporate governance, ethical decision-making, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

1. Essentials of Green Branding

Learn how CSR, ESG, and sustainability branding influence green rankings and consumer trust.

1. Green Financing for Sustainability

Explore responsible investment, sustainable finance strategies, and industry best practices.

1. Sustainability Reporting: Best Practices

Learn key governance roles and reporting standards in sustainability disclosures.

Alumni can take advantage of these specialized courses to upskill, reskill, and remain competitive in today’s evolving job market.