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 skills, 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) 2026 Grant Call
The WDARF 2026 Grant Call will be opened for Expression of Interest (EOI) submission from 02 June 2026 to 13 July 2026.
Previous Result
Grant Call 2017
An Investigation of Pedagogical Approaches in the Acquisition of Language for Low-Waged, Low-Skilled Adult Learners of English
Professor Annabel SH Chen, Nanyang Technological University
The research seeks to inform professional development of clinical nurses who are critical in facilitating nursing students’ learning at work in the clinical setting. The study will explore the experiences of clinical nurses and academic educators in supporting workplace clinical teaching and learning, and examine the effects of a blended learning course to enhance workplace clinical teaching and learning. The outcomes can therefore contribute to developing a successful partnership model of best practices between healthcare workplace and academic institutions.
Grant Call 2019
Empowering Singaporean Workers to Transition, and Map Careers Better in the Future of Work through Open Loop Careers
Mr Poon King Wang, Singapore University of Technology and Design
The project is aimed at measuring changes in career circumstances and attitudes over time (12 months), as well as qualitative interviews which glean deeper insights on Singaporean workers' personal experiences.
Grant Call 2021
Examining the Implementation of Practice-based Work Approach for the Professional Learning of Associate Faculty
Associate Professor Jennifer Yeo, Singapore University of Social Sciences
This study aims to examine the design of a practice-based learning approach in two graduate certificate courses aimed at building up the teaching and learning capacity of Associate Faculty (AF).
Grant Call 2021
Battling Ageism, Myths, Misperceptions of Mature and Older Workers and Learners: Breaking Barriers, Mitigating Precarity, and Finding Fulfilment in Late Adulthood
Mr Poon King Wang, Singapore University of Technology and Design
This research study adopts an ecosystem/whole of society lens to understand ageist beliefs and proposes ways to breakdown these perceptions. Additional aims are to understand how mature/older workers plan for and transit into different phases of learning, work, and retirement as they experience change in priorities, health conditions, financial circumstances, and life aspirations, and how lifelong learning enriches them so that they continue contributing to the economy and positively influence society.
Grant Call 2019
Challenge-Learn: Developing and Assessing an Andragogical Programme and System based on Co-Skilling to Enhance Employability and Learning
Asst Prof Pee Loo Geok, Nanyang Technological University
Co-Skilling is a practical approach to adult learning by co-creating ideas and solutions with relevant career stakeholders. It offers systematic guidance to connecting learning to current or future career advancement, as well as demonstrating usable learning outcomes. This research project develops an online system that implements Co-Skilling principles in institutes of adult education. The impacts of Co-Skilling on employability and learning are also assessed.
