Data Literacy Skills Recognition Scheme
The Data Literacy Skills Recognition Scheme (SRS) recognises NUS Executive & Administrative (E&A) staff who go beyond learning to apply advanced data and analytics capabilities in ways that create meaningful organisational impact. Eligible staff who complete designated stackable micro-credentials and fulfil the Scheme’s workplace application and practice requirements may progressively work towards secondary job titles such as Associate Data Scientist and Data Scientist through the NUS MSc in Applied Data Science (ADS) pathway.
The MSc ADS pathway and SRS are closely aligned with Singapore’s national ICT Skills Framework developed by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and SkillsFuture Singapore, ensuring that the competencies associated with the Associate Data Scientist and Data Scientist titles are benchmarked against nationally recognised industry standards. This strengthens the credibility and professional value of the programme while giving participants transferable “skills currency” that enhances their career mobility and employability beyond NUS.
By embedding national digital capability standards into workforce development, NUS also contributes to Singapore’s broader efforts to build a resilient, AI-ready workforce, demonstrating how Institutes of Higher Learning can operationalise lifelong learning and digital transformation at scale.
The Scheme aims to:
- Recognise E&A staff who apply advanced data skills beyond core responsibilities
- Translate learning into visible professional recognition
- Build a sustainable pipeline of in-house data expertise across NUS
- Incentivise meaningful contributions through a Skills Allowance
- Encourage continuous learning, applied practice, and knowledge sharing
Recognised Secondary Job Titles
Eligible staff may be formally conferred one of the following Secondary Job Titles:
Associate Data Scientist (Secondary)
Data Scientist (Secondary)
Learning Pathway to Recognition
The Scheme is aligned with the Applied Data Science learning pathway offered by NUS SCALE:
- Completion of NUS Graduate Diploma in Applied Data Science: Eligible for Associate Data Scientist (Secondary)
- Completion of the NUS Master of Science (MSc) in Applied Data Science: Eligible for Data Scientist (Secondary)
This ensures that recognition is grounded in rigorous, applied, and industry-aligned academic credentials.
Skills Allowance and Professional Opportunities
Staff conferred a Secondary Job Title under the Scheme may receive a monthly Skills Allowance, in recognition of their expanded responsibilities and contributions.
Recognition under the Scheme is not based on qualifications alone. It reflects the ongoing application of data skills through real projects, collaboration, and knowledge sharing that benefit NUS as an organisation. Staff are supported and recognised for sustained contribution, not one-off achievement.
Secondary Job Title and Contributions
Staff are expected to complete a minimum of 200 Practice Hours per year through the application of data and analytics capabilities in approved activities that deliver demonstrable value to the University.
These contributions shall include:
- Applying data and analytics skills to approved workplace or institution-level projects;
- Contributing to DLP activities, such as co-facilitation or peer coaching and;
- Leading or contributing to Communities of Practice and other knowledge-sharing or capability-building initiatives.
A Pathway for Lifelong Learners
For staff who are ready to deepen their capabilities, extend their influence, and contribute to NUS’ data-enabled future, the Scheme provides a clear, credible, and meaningful pathway forward.