The Workforce Development Applied Research Fund (WDARF), a national-level research fund offered by the SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), aims to foster high quality and rigorous applied research in workforce development and lifelong learning to support the SkillsFuture Singapore's key thrusts and national-level policies. It encourages inter-disciplinary research and seeks to strengthen research capabilities, through leveraging both local and international expertise. The WDARF Grant Call is administered by the Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) on behalf of the SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). The grant is awarded through an open, competitive bidding approach, where submitted proposals go through a technical expert review and evaluation, before they are presented to a Research Committee for approval.
Workforce Development Applied Research Fund (WDARF) 2025 Grant Call
The WDARF 2025 Grant Call is now open. We are now accepting submission for Expression of Interest (EOI) from now till 18 July.
Previous Result
Purposeful Longevity: Fostering Better Work and Life of Ageing Individuals
Dr Lee Zee Wan, National University of Singapore
This study examines ways to improve the employability of older adults and promote purposeful longevity; and evaluate which continuing education and training (CET) can effectively increase their labour market outcomes, given the rapidly-changing labour market.
The Effectiveness of Coaching to Support ICT Workplace Learners’ Transition between Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and Workplace
Associate Professor Lim Sok Mui May, Singapore Institute of Technology
This project focuses on understanding the effects of coaching in helping ICT workplace learners achieve deep-level changes and transformed learning, for a more positive experience transitioning between their student-employee roles. Through this research, we would better understand the academic trajectory (e.g., whether coaching had a long-term impact on how well students maintain their grades) of workplace learners who received coaching, and motivational trajectory over their course of study (e.g., assessed/indexed by a myriad of measures such as dropout rates, resilience, confidence, and stress levels).
Purposeful Longevity: Fostering Better Work and Life of Ageing Individuals
Dr Lee Zee Wan, National University of Singapore
This study examines ways to improve the employability of older adults and promote purposeful longevity; and evaluate which continuing education and training (CET) can effectively increase their labour market outcomes, given the rapidly-changing labour market.
The Effectiveness of Coaching to Support ICT Workplace Learners’ Transition between Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and Workplace
Associate Professor Lim Sok Mui May, Singapore Institute of Technology
This project focuses on understanding the effects of coaching in helping ICT workplace learners achieve deep-level changes and transformed learning, for a more positive experience transitioning between their student-employee roles. Through this research, we would better understand the academic trajectory (e.g., whether coaching had a long-term impact on how well students maintain their grades) of workplace learners who received coaching, and motivational trajectory over their course of study (e.g., assessed/indexed by a myriad of measures such as dropout rates, resilience, confidence, and stress levels).
Microlearning, Gamification and Chatbot for Collaborative and Personalized Adult Learning (MaGiC²PAL )
Dr Miao Huang, Temasek Polytechnic
MaGiC²PAL project harnesses the promises of three modes of digital learning: microlearning courses (MLC), gamification, and Chatbot tutoring, to create a blend of online learning and blended learning (OBL) that enhances collaborative and personalized blended learning experiences. By combining these innovative approaches, we can provide diverse and tailored learning opportunities that support the needs of adult learners.
