Microsoft invests in local programs that benefit people of all ages. In Singapore, our collaborations are organized by our focus areas of Skills for Jobs, Enabling Sustainability, and Empowering Communities.
The following program list contains a sample of the investments Microsoft makes on an annual basis.
Skills for jobs
Microsoft believes everyone should have access to the skills, technology, and opportunity they need to succeed in a changing economy.
Generation: You Employed transforms education to employment systems to prepare, place, and support people into life-changing careers that would otherwise be inaccessible.
- Generation Singapore: Technical Skilling Scholarships for Underrepresented Groups created a bursary fund that can support up to 40 women, mid-careerists, and other needful learner profiles to get into its tech programmes. Specific parameters of eligibility ensure the funds support beneficiaries who are most in need. The grant provides these individuals with the financial support so they can take the time to get reskilled and be better positioned to take advantage of job opportunities in the digital economy.
Institute of Technical Education (ITE) was established as a post-secondary institution in 1992, under the Ministry of Education. ITE is a principal provider of career and technical education and a key developer of national skills certification and standards, skilling Singapore for the future economy. It offers three key programmes: Pre-Employment Training for youths after secondary education, Continuing Education and Training for adult learners, and Workplace Learning and Work-Study Programmes with employers.
- Datacenter Academy Learning Lab outfitting is part of the Microsoft partnership with Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education to help non-degreed Singaporeans access training and jobs in the tech sector by opening Microsoft’s first Datacentre Academy in Asia. Microsoft is donating decommissioned and refurbished datacentre equipment to build a learning lab at ITE College East Campus, replicating the high security environments that students pursuing a career in the datacenter industry will work within. This grant supports the school in setting up the lab and also covering the tuition cost of four apprentices hired into the Singapore datacenter.
The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. Informed by 70 years of experience and deep local knowledge, its work is focused on governance, climate action, gender equality, education and leadership, inclusive growth, and international cooperation.
- The STEMConnectHer initiative, developed by the Asia Foundation, is a regional network of networks that brings together in-country STEM networks, associations, educational organizations, and the private sector to enable cross-region connection and collaboration. Partners collectively support young women in STEM to grow professionally and succeed in their chosen STEM fields. The SCH program features engaging workshops, trainings, and activities to support participants, including the Speaker Series, the Cross-Region Mentoring platform, a curated library of professional development resources, the EvolveCareers Job Readiness Accelerator, and workplace experiences.
Enabling sustainability
Climate change requires swift, collective action and technological innovation. We are committed to meeting our own goals while helping communities to do the same.
Garden City Fund provides, through partnerships with organizations and individuals, a platform for the community to be involved in conservation, research, outreach, and education initiatives. By engaging the community, it hopes to cultivate a love for the environment and promote a sense of ownership in Singapore’s natural heritage.
- The Plant-A-Tree Programme is part of Singapore’s One Million Trees movement to plant 1 million more trees by 2030, which allows organizations and individuals to fulfil this responsibility and take part in the greening of the City in Nature. Since 2022, Microsoft has sponsored public and private (Microsoft employee) planting events, planting over 800 trees total, with financial and people power support.
- The Give to the Gardens programme supports the 160-year legacy and valuable work of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Microsoft contributions have helped the Gardens with their landscape and digitization of library collection. Microsoft employees or non-profit partners have been involved to upcycle materials and decorate native trees that will eventually be planted along Singapore streets under this project.
- The Green Wave global campaign gave children the opportunity to make a difference in 2023 by planting native trees and shrubs on May 22, the International Day for Biological Diversity. Microsoft sponsored some 1,200 plants for participating schools, along with an e-info kit which highlighted the importance of the native species and the significance of their conservation.
Empowering communities
Microsoft is committed to strengthening communities and empowering the organizations that help them thrive. Whether affected by a recent emergency or decades of challenges, we use data, technology, and strategic investments to restore and support them for future generations.
National Council of Social Service provides leadership and direction in enhancing the capabilities and capacity of its members, advocating for social service needs, and strengthening strategic partnerships for an effective social service ecosystem.
- The Digital for Life Fund Senior Citizen Cybersafety program, instituted by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), addresses seniors on cyber safety. Microsoft supported IMDA volunteer events in Sembawang West, Canberra, Marsiling, and Woodlands libraries and community centres to train seniors on cyber safety and fulfill IMDA’s commitment to be a responsible technology leader.