SkillsFuture providers barred from using third-party marketers

Third parties cannot contact learners or access their data.

Registered training providers (RTPs) under SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) will no longer be allowed to use third parties to promote, advertise, or market their courses directly to learners from 1 December 2025.

Under the new regulation, third parties are prohibited from contacting learners or accessing learner data for marketing purposes, or making any representations on behalf of RTPs.

This includes face-to-face outreach to individuals or companies, contacting learners through phone calls, messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram, or running campaigns on social media.

It also covers making representations about courses online, in print, or in person.

SSG said the move addresses reports of misleading marketing practices, including agents offering rewards for sign-ups and encouraging learners to join courses they are not qualified for.

RTPs must now rely on in-house marketing. Working with designated intermediaries, like SkillsFuture Queen Bees or Skills Development Partners, is still allowed.

Any other third-party marketing requires SSG approval.

The new rules take effect on 1 December 2025, giving RTPs time to adjust their marketing arrangements in compliance with the regulation.