Jointly organised by Crescent Girls’ School and ICDL Asia, the National Digital Explorer (NDE) 2024 is a nationwide digital literacy initiative that aims to empower Singapore students aged 9 to 18 with real-world digital skills, fostering critical thinking and enhancing their productivity as learners in the digital realm. 

Since its inception, NDE has garnered significant support from schools and parents across Singapore, with over 27,300 students registered in the programme to date. This year, 70 schools from primary, secondary, and junior colleges in Singapore also signed up for NDE 2024. This initiative closely aligns with how schools may better leverage technology to enhance teaching and learning and strengthen the development of students’ digital literacy and technological skills, as outlined in the digital competencies of the “Transforming Education through Technology” Masterplan 2030 introduced by the Singapore MOE. 

A notable highlight of NDE 2024 is the substantial increase in the certification track participation, with over 2,300 students enrolled, up from 1,400 in the previous year. This surge underscores the growing recognition among students in Singapore towards the importance of acquiring internationally recognised digital skills certification in today’s digital landscape. 

NDE 2024 Participating Schools 

At ICDL Asia, we have always been at the forefront of digital literacy and skills development. We are delighted to receive such strong support from schools for the NDE project, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that ICDL programmes are accessible to all students in Singapore. 

Through the NDE Learn Track, Singapore students will get the opportunity to acquire essential digital knowledge and skills. With our interactive ICDL eLearning modules, students will be able to progressively develop their digital competencies. 

In addition to the Learn Track, ICDL Asia also encourages students to undergo ICDL certification tests through the Certify Track upon completing each eLearning module. Students who successfully pass their certification tests will be awarded the internationally recognised ICDL Profile Certificates and eBadges. These certifications will serve as tangible evidence of their digital proficiency and competence, bolstering their resumes and increasing their future job prospects. 

Moreover, students who pass the certification exams will also be eligible to participate in the NDE 2024 National Round competition under the Certified and Compete Track, organised by Crescent Girls’ School and ICDL Asia. The competition will provide students with an opportunity to showcase their digital skills and knowledge and earn additional Gold/Silver/Bronze medals during the prize presentation ceremony at Crescent Girls’ School.  

Outstanding winners in Primary, Secondary, and JC Level categories emerging from the national competition will also get the chance to fast-track to represent Singapore to compete against students from other countries in Asia Pacific in the Grand Final of ICDL Asia Digital Challenge 2024. We firmly believe that this competition will offer an excellent platform for the students to gain valuable experience and exposure, network with other students, and showcase their digital skills on an international stage. 

In conclusion, we are thrilled to see more schools and students sign up for NDE 2024, and we believe that this programme will equip students with the digital skills they need to succeed in the 21st century. We encourage more students to participate in this exciting initiative and firmly believe that this programme will provide Singapore students with indispensable digital skills and knowledge, enabling them to thrive in the digital era.  

For more information regarding NDE 2024, please visit https://icdl.org/events/national-digital-explorer-2024/.   

ICDL – The Digital Skills Standard