Nurturing future-ready students for the modern workplace
Singapore National Digital Explorer (NDE) is a nationwide digital literacy initiative designed to empower Singapore students to learn real-world skills that enable them to think critically and be more productive learners.
Aligned to the latest Ministry of Education, Singapore’s EdTech Plan, this Student-Initiated Learning (SIL) initiative will focus on equipping students with key skills and knowledge on the effective use of office productivity tools, online collaboration and emerging technologies.
The NDE 2025 programme is targeted at primary, secondary and JC students.
First launched in 2022, over 28,000 students from over 80 Primary and Secondary schools in Singapore participated in this initiative. The strong support we received from Crescent Girls’ School and our NDE partner schools is a testament to the programme’s success and ICDL’s ongoing commitment to nurturing future-ready and digitally-skilled students. To find out more about last year’s project, visit NDE 2024
Schools can sign up for 3 tracks under NDE 2025:
LEARN
Students will engage in one interactive ICDL eLearning module to build their digital skills and knowledge progressively.
Schools can choose one of the following modules:
Upper Primary
- Application Essentials
- Computer & Online Essentials
Secondary / JC
- Documents
- Spreadsheets
- Presentation
- Big Data
- Cloud Computing
CERTIFY
Students will take the ICDL certification test after completing the eLearning module. Upon passing, students will receive the internationally recognised ICDL Profile Certificates and eBadges.
Diagnostic tests will be assigned to each student to prepare for the certification test.
Scores from the certification test will be used to qualify students for the NDE 2025 National Round.
CERTIFY & COMPETE
This is a nationwide student competition which invites students to compete and demonstrate how digital skills can be applied in the new digital economy.
Top students in the CERTIFY & COMPETE category will be invited to participate in the NDE 2025 National Round.
Competition Levels:
- Primary Level
- Secondary & JC Level
Highlight Video and Testimonials
Under the LEARN track, schools can choose one of the following modules:
Upper Primary
- Application Essentials
- Computer & Online Essentials
Secondary / JC
- Documents
- Spreadsheets
- Presentation
- Big Data
- Cloud Computing
Benefits
Develop digitally-fluent students
Through this programme, students gain key knowledge and skills on online collaboration, office productivity tools such as Documents, Presentation and Spreadsheets, as well as emerging technologies such as Big Data and Cloud Computing.
Enrich eLearning experience with interactive content
After learning the concepts, students will be able to apply and practise their skills using the office applications on their devices. There are also ample interactive activities, knowledge check exercises and case studies to reinforce students’ understanding through application and testing.
Flexible implementation for schools
Schools may adopt this programme as a self-directed learning activity or complement it for classroom-based teaching. Schools may choose to implement this programme as a post-exam activity. The expected duration to complete this programme is 8 hours.
NDE Certificate of Completion
At the end of the programme, all students will receive an ICDL certificate of completion. All participating schools should complete the LEARN track by November 2025.
Primary
Application Essentials
The Application Essentials module covers the main concepts and skills needed to start using common office productivity applications — documents, spreadsheets, and presentations — effectively.
| Category | Skill set |
| Office productivity applications | – Overview – Common tasks |
| Word processing | – Getting started – Formatting and alignment – Objects Outputs |
| Spreadsheets | – Getting started – Formatting – Managing worksheets – Formulas – Charts – Outputs |
| Presentation | – Getting started – Text and formatting – Objects and effects – Outputs |
Computer & Online Essentials
The Computer & Online Essentials module covers the main concepts and skills needed for using computers and devices, file and application management, networks, online information, online communication, and safety.
| Category | Skill set |
| Computers and devices | – Hardware – Software |
| Managing files and applications | – Introducing file management – Introducing file management – Storage – Managing applications |
| Networks | – Network concepts – Network access |
| Online information | – Finding information – Managing information – Web browser settings – Outputs |
| Online communication | – Communication tools – Sending email – Receiving email – Email tools and settings – Organising emails – Using calendars |
| Safety | – Computers, devices and data – Wellbeing and accessibility – Environment |
Secondary / JC
Documents
The Documents module covers the main concepts and skills needed for common word processing tasks, such as creating, formatting, and finishing letters and other everyday documents.
| Category | Skill set |
| Using the application | – Working with documents – Enhancing productivity |
| Document creation | – Enter text – Select, edit |
| Formatting | – Text – Paragraphs – Styles |
| Objects | – Table creation – Table formatting – Graphical objects |
| Mail merge | – Preparation – Outputs |
| Prepare outputs | – Setup – Check and print |
Spreadsheets
The Spreadsheets module covers the main concepts and skills needed to use spreadsheets, such as tasks associated with developing, formatting, modifying, and using a spreadsheet.
| Category | Skill set |
| Using the application | – Working with spreadsheets – Enhancing productivity |
| Cells | – Insert, select – Edit, sort – Copy, move, delete |
| Managing worksheets | – Rows and columns – Worksheets |
| Formulas and functions | – Arithmetic functions – Functions |
| Formatting | – Numbers/dates – Contents – Alignment, border effects |
| Charts | – Create – Edit |
| Prepare outputs | – Setup – Check and print |
Presentation
The Presentation module covers the main concepts and skills needed to work with presentation software to create and use presentations.
| Category | Skill set |
| Using the application | – Working with presentations – Enhancing productivity |
| Developing a presentation | – Presentation views – Slides – Master slide |
| Text | – Handling text – Formatting – Tables |
| Charts | – Using charts – Organisation charts |
| Graphical objects | – Insert, manipulate – Drawing |
| Prepare outputs | – Preparation – Check and deliver |
Big Data
This module introduces Big Data, a term which relates to the management and analysis of sets of data that are typically too large for traditional data-processing software.
| Category | Content |
| What is big data? | – Definition of big data – Key stages in the evolution of big data – Key characteristics of big data, like: volume, velocity, variety, variability, veracity, value – Trends driving the expansion of data, like: online, consumer and organisational activity, IoT – Potential of big data for organisations |
| The big data environment | – Common big data storage techniques and approaches to big data analysis – Common approaches to big data visualisation |
| Big data in practice | – Approaches to implementing big data in a variety of sectors |
| Big data adoption | – Investment in resources and competences – Challenges such as data quality and consistency, system compatibility – Potential of providing big data as a service, selling analysis – Ethical considerations such as governance, data protection – Steps for exploiting big data in a given scenario |
Cloud Computing
The Cloud Computing module introduces the use of Internet-connected remote servers to store, manage, and process data, instead of using local servers or computers.
| Category | Content |
| What is Cloud Computing? | – Definition & origins of cloud computing – Key services like: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) |
| Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) | – Components – Common examples – Benefits – Limitations |
| Platform as a Service (PaaS) | – Components – Common examples – Benefits – Limitations |
| Software as a Service (SaaS) | – Components – Common examples – Benefits – Limitations |
| Serverless, Function as a Service (FaaS) | – Features and purpose – Common examples |
| Deployment Models | – Features of private cloud models – Features of public cloud models – Features of community cloud models – Features of hybrid cloud models |
| Adoption | – Key challenges to adoption of cloud computing – Appropriate services and models for a given scenario |
Under the CERTIFY track, students will take the ICDL certification test after completing the eLearning module. Diagnostic tests will be assigned to each student to prepare for the certification test.
Upon passing the module, students will receive the internationally recognised ICDL Profile Certificates and eBadges. Scores from the certification test will also be used to qualify students for the NDE 2025 National Round under the CERTIFY & COMPETE track.
Benefits
Internationally recognised digital skills certificate
Successfully completing an ICDL module is an achievement that is recognised internationally and valued by academic institutions and employers across the globe.
Digital credentials made for sharing
Your digital credentials can be easily viewed, verified, and shared on social media. Adding your digital credentials to your LinkedIn Profile is a great way to showcase your knowledge and professional achievements which helps to boost your personal brand value and stimulate professional networking opportunities.
Under the CERTIFY & COMPETE track, students will participate in a nationwide student competition organised by Crescent Girls School and ICDL Asia which invites primary, secondary and JC students in Singapore to compete and demonstrate how digital skills can be applied in the new digital economy.
Students will compete based on the following three categories:
| Categories | 1. Business Track (PRI) | 2. Business Track (SEC/JC) | 3. Emerging Technologies Track (SEC/JC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certification Round Venue: In respective schools | Application Essentials | 1) Documents 2) Presentation 2) Spreadsheets | 1) Big Data 2) Cloud Computing |
| National Round Venue: Crescent Girls’ School | 1) Documents 2) Presentation | 1) Presentation (Advanced) 2) Management Spreadsheets | 1) Artificial Intelligence 2) Internet of Things |
| DC 2025 Grand Finals Venue: Virtual session by ICDL Asia Top 2 Primary/Secondary/JC winners from each track will represent Singapore in DC 2025 | Presentation Project | Design Project | Emerging Technologies Project |
Participating students will take ICDL certification tests and go through 2 rounds of competition from March to August 2024.
Certification Round
All contestants are required to complete an ICDL certification test based on their competing categories. Top students who emerge from this round will be notified via email to represent their schools in the National Round.
National Round
Hosted by Crescent Girls’ School, contestants are required to complete the ICDL module test based on their respective categories in this round.
Prize Presentation Ceremony
The Primary, Secondary and JC school winners will be announced during the prize presentation ceremony at Crescent Girls’ School.
Top winners in the Primary, Secondary & JC levels will fast track to the Grand Final of the regional ICDL Asia Digital Challenge 2024. They will represent Singapore to compete against students from other countries in the Asia Pacific region.
Students who passed the ICDL certification tests will receive the corresponding ICDL Profile Certificates and eBadges.
Winners will receive an additional Gold / Silver / Bronze medals.
2025 Participating Schools
School list as per alphabetical order.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
JUNIOR COLLEGES
- Admiralty Primary School
- Alexandra Primary School
- Anchor Green Primary School
- Bedeck Green Primary School
- Catholic High School (Primary)
- CHIJ (Katong) Primary
- CHIJ (Our Lady of Good Counsel)
- Chongzheng Primary School
- Elias Park Primary School
- Greenridge Primary School
- Kong Hwa School
- Kranji Primary School
- Marymount Convent School
- Monfort Junior School
- Nanyang Primary School
- Ngee Ann Primary School
- Northshore Primary School
- Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (Primary)
- Pei Chun Public School
- Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School
- Princess Elizabeth Primary School
- Punggol Cove Primary School
- Rivervale Primary School
- Rosyth School
- Shuqun Primary School
- Waterway Primary School
- West Grove Primary School
- Woodgrove Primary School
- Xishan Primary School
- Yu Neng Primary School
- Zhangde Primary School
- Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School
- Anglican High School
- Bendemeer Secondary School
- Boon Lay Secondary School
- Bukit Batok Secondary School
- Bukit Merah Secondary School
- Canberra Secondary School
- Cedar Girls’ Secondary School
- CHIJ St Joseph’s Convent
- Chung Cheng High School (Main)
- Compassvale Secondary School
- Crescent Girls’ School
- Evergreen Secondary School
- Geylang Methodist School (Secondary)
- Greenridge Secondary School
- Junyuan Secondary School
- Kent Ridge Secondary School
- Naval Base Secondary School
- New Town Secondary School
- Northbrooks Secondary School
- Queenstown Secondary School
- School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA)
- Serangoon Secondary School
- St Gabriel’s Secondary School
- St Patrick’s School
- West Spring Secondary School
- Westwood Secondary School
- Yio Chu Kang Secondary School
- Yishun Secondary School
- Yuan Ching Secondary School
- Yuhua Secondary School
- Anderson Serangoon JC
- St Andrew’s JC
- Yishun Innova JC
Registration
Interested schools in Singapore may register now via NDE 2025 Registration Form. Registration closes on February 2025.
Access eLearning Content on Moodle
Student’s Guide
Teachers’ Guide
1. How does this programme benefit my school?
Through participation in NDE 2025, students will be equipped with essential skills and knowledge to use office productivity tools effectively and develop an understanding of emerging technologies. The self-directed/self-initiated aspect of the programme empowers students to build on their knowledge progressively at their own pace. In addition to this, the programme develops future-ready learners and allows students to apply what they have learned and connect with students beyond their community when they participate in national and regional competitions.
2. What if students do not complete the entire programme?
Learn
The digital NDE Certificate of Completion will only be awarded to students who completed all the lessons in the programme.
Certify
Students will need to take the ICDL certification test after completing the e-Learning module. The ICDL Profile Certificate and eBadges will only be awarded to students who passed.
Certify & Compete
ICDL Asia will be coordinating with participating schools on the certification round to be held in respective schools. Selected students will be invited to participate in the National Round which will be held in Crescent Girls’ School in July 2025. Only the NDE finalists and winners of the competition will receive their prizes.
3. Can I take a look at the contents before I sign my students up?
Please refer to the information provided in Learn, Certify and Compete tab in this webpage. Please contact us at nde@icdlasia.org if you need more information.
4. Who will be monitoring the progress of students?
The teacher-in-charge of participating schools will be provided log-in access to the admin portal where he / she will be provided with an overview of their students’ progress for the e-Learning modules. Teachers-in-charge are encouraged to have milestone check-ins with students to ensure students are on-task and complete the modules within the timeframe provided.
5. How will I know if my students qualify for the digital certificates?
The online portal will be generating the digital certificates for students upon their completion of all the eLearning modules.
6. Do students need Windows-based devices to access the content?
Learn
Students will need an internet-enabled device (laptop, iPad, chrome book etc.) with internet browser to access the eLearning portal to complete the eLearning modules.
Certify & Compete
Students will need an internet-enabled device (laptop, iPad, Chrome Book etc.) with internet browser to access the e-Learning portal to complete the eLearning modules.
Students will need a Windows-based device for the certification round held in respective schools. It is recommended for schools to use ACAD devices for the certification round. Crescent Girls’ School will be preparing the Windows-based device for the National Round in July 2025.
NDE 2025 Registration
Interested schools in Singapore may register now via NDE 2025 Registration Form.
Contact Us
Interested schools in Singapore may contact us at nde@icdlasia.org for more details!
