Singapore firms are not investing enough in data literacy
There is a disconnect between decision-makers and rank-and-file workers in Singapore regarding the adequacy and reach of existing data skills training, a recent
Tableau’s study found.
Although 78% of Singapore decision-makers believe their department successfully provides workers with the necessary data skills, only 37% of employees concur. This is worrying as by 2025, 66% of employees are expected to use data heavily in their job, up from 26% in 2018.
One reason for the disconnect is that only 28% of Singapore firms are making data training available to all their employees, with the onus to train people usually falling on department heads or team leads. Moreover, 41% of Singapore decision-makers offer training only for employees in traditional data roles (like analytics or data science).
The study also reveals that data literacy positively correlates with employee retention. More than eight in ten (83%) Singapore employees say they are more likely to stay at a company that sufficiently trains them with the data skills they need. They believe they make better and faster decisions when they can use data effectively.
“The value of data can only be realised when [everyone is] able to draw insights and turn them into action, fast. Businesses today must translate this recognition to commitment by investing in their people through training and development. Only then can they capitalise on the enormous opportunity in our high growth region and drive success,” says JY Pook, senior vice president and general manager of Asia Pacific and Japan for Tableau at Salesforce.