SkillsFuture training providers barred from using third-party promoters from Dec 1

Training providers under SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) will be prohibited from using third parties to promote, advertise or market their courses to learners from Dec 1.

- Syarafana Shafeeq and Gabrielle Chan

The prohibition covers approaching individuals or companies and promoting courses to them through face-to-face interactions, phone calls, messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram, and on social media platforms.

The move comes after an increase in public feedback about undesirable marketing practices involving third parties over the past year, SSG said on Oct 8.

Cases include third-party agents offering rewards to incentivise course sign-ups, and persuading prospective trainees to enrol in courses for which they do not meet minimum proficiency requirements, it said in a statement.

An example of such a practice is persuading seniors to sign up for English-medium courses despite their lack of proficiency in the language.

"While not widespread, SSG recognises the heightened risk of the public being subjected to misrepresentation, over-promising or undue influence when third parties are involved," SSG said.

"If left unchecked, these bad practices may proliferate, bring the training sector into disrepute and harm the interests of learners. They may also lead to the compromise of personal data when third-party agents ask for such data to facilitate course sign-ups."