The Workforce Development Applied Research Fund (WDARF), a national-level research fund offered by the SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), aims to foster high quality and rigorous applied research in workforce development and lifelong learning to support the SkillsFuture Singapore's key thrusts and national-level policies. It encourages inter-disciplinary research and seeks to strengthen research capabilities, through leveraging both local and international expertise. The WDARF Grant Call is administered by the Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) on behalf of the SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). The grant is awarded through an open, competitive bidding approach, where submitted proposals go through a technical expert review and evaluation, before they are presented to a Research Committee for approval.
Workforce Development Applied Research Fund (WDARF) 2025 Grant Call
The WDARF 2025 Grant Call is now open. We are now accepting submission for Expression of Interest (EOI) from now till 18 July.
Previous Result
Grant Call 2023
Understanding the experience of low-wage workers: Challenges in lifelong learning participation
Assoc Prof. HO Moon-Ho, Nanyang Technological University
This project aims to understand the impact of psychosocial and institutional factors on the pursuit of lifelong learning among low-wage workers. Furthermore, our aim is to investigate the challenges low-wage workers face in developing and applying transferrable skills in both work and life. The results can be used to refine and develop policy, scheme, or pedagogy that caters to the needs of the low-wage working population and helps them engage better in learning, particularly the transferable skills.
Grant Call 2023
Modelling Self-Regulated Online Learning: Video- and Game-Based Learning
Associate Professor Goh Yang Miang, National University of Singapore
This project aims to answer the following research questions:
1. How can learning analytics be used to identify online learners’ SRL subprocesses during video-based learning (VBL) and DGBL?
2. What patterns of SRL subprocesses do online learners undergo during VBL and DGBL?
3. How do the patterns of SRL subprocesses differ between high- and low-performers?
Deliverables:
a. Open-source dataset and machine learning model
b. Intervention strategies for low performers
Grant Call 2022
Purposeful Longevity: Fostering Better Work and Life of Ageing Individuals
Dr Lee Zee Wan, National University of Singapore
This study examines ways to improve the employability of older adults and promote purposeful longevity; and evaluate which continuing education and training (CET) can effectively increase their labour market outcomes, given the rapidly-changing labour market.
Grant Call 2022
Microlearning, Gamification and Chatbot for Collaborative and Personalized Adult Learning (MaGiC²PAL )
Dr Miao Huang, Temasek Polytechnic
MaGiC²PAL project harnesses the promises of three modes of digital learning: microlearning courses (MLC), gamification, and Chatbot tutoring, to create a blend of online learning and blended learning (OBL) that enhances collaborative and personalized blended learning experiences. By combining these innovative approaches, we can provide diverse and tailored learning opportunities that support the needs of adult learners.
Grant Call 2022
The Effectiveness of Coaching to Support ICT Workplace Learners’ Transition between Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and Workplace
Associate Professor Lim Sok Mui May, Singapore Institute of Technology
This project focuses on understanding the effects of coaching in helping ICT workplace learners achieve deep-level changes and transformed learning, for a more positive experience transitioning between their student-employee roles. Through this research, we would better understand the academic trajectory (e.g., whether coaching had a long-term impact on how well students maintain their grades) of workplace learners who received coaching, and motivational trajectory over their course of study (e.g., assessed/indexed by a myriad of measures such as dropout rates, resilience, confidence, and stress levels).
