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Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills have long been recognised as fundamental for technical fields. But, in a world driven by rapid technological advancements, proficiency in STEM subjects will extend beyond traditional technical roles. As industries evolve, new opportunities arise, and one area that holds immense potential for shaping tomorrow’s workforce is space.
With industries becoming more interconnected and reliant on advancement of space and deep tech, recognising the key skillsets driving innovation in space will equip professionals across various sectors with the capability to leverage these technologies more effectively.
Space Drives Cross-Industry Innovation
· Robotics and automation – The development of autonomous robotics and intelligent automation technologies for space applications has paved the way for advancements in areas such as self-driving vehicles, drones, industrial automation, and smart manufacturing.
· Additive manufacturing – Rapid prototyping (i.e., 3D printing) has accelerated the development and iteration of spacecraft components, instruments, and systems. This ability to produce customised parts on-demand has applications in industries such as healthcare, consumer products, and architecture.
· Data science and analytics – The advancements in data science techniques gained in processing and analysing large datasets in space research transfers to other industries grappling with their own ‘big data’ challenges, such as finance, healthcare, marketing, and logistics.
Professionals with proficiency in these skillsets will be poised to better handle and adapt to emerging technologies, potentially positioning themselves as leaders in their respective fields.
Early exposure is the first step in preparing the next generation for resilience in the face of technological advancements, hence the importance of ensuring that skills training and education systems align with the industry needs of tomorrow. Avenues for proper career guidance can also go a long way in encouraging skills development in these crucial areas.
Cultivating a Future-Ready Workforce with WorldSkills ASEAN 2023
A prime example of these principles in action would be WorldSkills, a biennial competition that brings together participants from over 80 member countries and regions to compete in a wide array of skills categories.
Represented categories include vital skills in space-related fields such as robotics, additive manufacturing, machine learning, and big data. Their inclusion reflects WorldSkills’ commitment to promoting and recognising skills that are relevant, innovative, and in-demand in today’s rapidly evolving industries.
This year, the regional leg of the competition, WorldSkills ASEAN (WSA), was held in Singapore, and Space Faculty was invited to host a booth in the Education and Career Guidance (ECG) exhibition at WSA 2023 as part of WorldSkills’ initiative to promote skills development and exchange knowledge globally.
The event was a great opportunity for us to engage with youths and empower them
with knowledge about the diverse skillsets that can lead to a future in the space industry. We showcased how space-related skills will push the boundaries of technological advancement and be a driving force for interdisciplinary collaboration.
As the skills developed within the sector continue to grow in relevance across industries, Space Faculty is committed to supporting talent development initiatives like WorldSkills in shaping the next generation of skilled professionals.