Scams on Claims Investigated since Implementation of SkillsFuture

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) (a) how many scams on claims have been reported and investigated since the implementation of SkillsFuture; and (b) what is the Ministry doing to stop cases of training providers pressuring citizens to sign up for courses by falsely telling them that their SkillsFuture credits will expire soon.

Mr Deputy Speaker, since January 2016, SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) has referred six instances of fraudulent claims to the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) for investigation, of which two were major cases. We have heard Minister Ong Ye Kung elaborating on these two cases two days ago in the House, including the actions that have been taken as well as additional actions that will be taken moving forward.

SSG has set in place specific marketing guidelines for training providers. It has issued advisory, warning and suspension letters to 27 training providers who have breached these guidelines. These errant organisations have been warned some have been suspended. SSG regularly conducts random ground audits to check compliance. The agency welcomes feedback from members of the public who spot or suspect any malpractice.

We want to reiterate that SSG, the Ministry of Education and the Government have zero tolerance for any attempt by individuals, training providers or organisations to abuse its funding schemes that serve the interest of Singaporeans. SSG will not hesitate to act against such errant individuals or organisations.

I would like to the Senior Parliamentary Secretary how many have been suspended.

Out of the 27 training providers, some have been suspended. I can come back to the Member on the details. But we want to assure Er Dr Lee Bee Wah and all Members that we take a very serious view of any abuse and SSG is strengthening its efforts on all fronts to uphold the goals of SkillsFuture for the benefit of many Singaporeans. And training providers who breach  these guidelines like the 27, will be dealt with with a very severe warning and in some cases, suspended, or even heavy actions.