Recovery of False SkillsFuture Credit Claims

Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) (a) how much of the $2.2 million false SkillsFuture Credit claims by over 4,400 individuals has been recovered; (b) other than recovering the amounts, whether other actions have been taken against these individuals for making the false claims; and (c) what actions will be taken against the training providers if they had conspired with the individuals in making the false claims.

Mdm Speaker, we take a very serious view of any misuse of the SkillsFuture Credit, especially the recent incident involving some 4,400 individuals who submitted claims without attending the courses. SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) has since issued letters to these individuals to demand for the monies to be repaid. As these individuals have up to early April to make payment, it is premature to look at the monies recovered as of now.

Our investigations show that these individuals acted on their own accord and did not conspire with any training provider. Individuals who provide false information to SSG are in breach of section 58 of the SkillsFuture Singapore Agency Act. This carries a maximum penalty of a $10,000 fine and/or imprisonment of up to 12 months.

It is regrettable that these individuals have abused the user-friendly system offered by SkillsFuture Credit, an initiative to support skills upgrading and training aspirations of Singaporeans. Members can be sure that SSG is tracking the recovery of monies closely and will not hesitate to take necessary actions, including legal measures, against those who fail to return the monies.

I thank the Parliamentary Secretary for the comprehensive answer. Moving forward, what is being done to prevent such false claims?

I thank Mr Zainal Sapari for the supplementary question. Allow me to quickly recap the objectives of SkillsFuture Credit. The aim really is to empower Singaporeans aged 25 and above to leverage the SkillsFuture Credit to reskill or upgrade their skills.

It is in this spirit that the SkillsFuture Credit course directory and the claim processes were designed to be simple, inclusive as well as user-friendly. It is regrettable that some individuals have abused this system and submitted false claims. We have zero tolerance for abusers who misuse this privilege.

We have sent out letters of demand to these individuals and given them time to repay the monies. SSG is closely tracking the recovery of these monies. Legal actions will be taken against those who do not return the monies.

I want to reassure Mr Zainal Sapari and Members in the House that we will leave no stone unturned as we take considered measures to review all processes to ensure a very robust system to detect abuses and making of false claims.

Even as we speak, several measures have been put in place by SSG. Allow me to cite a few. For example, SSG is intensifying its scope and frequency of checks and audits on training providers as well as individual claims. For instance, training providers and individuals who are being audited are required to submit necessary documents, such as attendance list, course enrolment or proof of payment. In addition, a process review committee comprising the SSG board members has been set up. This committee will conduct an in-depth review of all the policies and procedures relating to the processing of all training-related claims and disbursements to training providers, employers as well as individuals. This committee will review and identify how this can be further strengthened.

While we are strengthening the enforcement system, we are also very mindful to minimise the impact that could be caused to the majority of the users who are responsible users of the SkillsFuture system. We hope all Singaporeans will respect this privilege and use it for the right purpose and use it in a responsible way to support their learning journey.