In an era of digital landscape evolving rapidly, preparing students with essential digital skills has become more vital than ever for their academic and future career success. Jointly organised by Crescent Girls’ School and ICDL Asia, the National Digital Explorer (NDE) 2025 is a nationwide digital literacy initiative to equip Singapore students aged 9 to 18 with critical digital competencies. The programme fosters critical thinking and enhances students’ productivity in an increasingly digital world. 

A Growing Movement for Digital Literacy in Singapore 

Since its inception, NDE has garnered significant support from schools and parents across Singapore. To date, over 38,000 students have actively engaged in the programme, underscoring the growing importance of acquiring internationally recognised digital certification for education and career preparation. More than 100 schools from primary, secondary, and junior college levels have joined the programme such as Nanyang Primary School, Catholic High School (Primary), Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School, Catholic High School, CHIJ St. Joseph’s Convent, School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA). This continued expansion aligns seamlessly with Singapore’s “Transforming Education through Technology” Masterplan 2030 by the Ministry of Education (MOE), which emphasises leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning while strengthening students’ digital literacy and technological skills. 

2025 Participating Schools

A Multi-Tiered Approach to Digital Empowerment 

To provide a comprehensive learning journey, NDE 2025 continues to offer students structured opportunities to build and validate their digital competencies through two key tracks: 

• Learn Track: Students will acquire essential digital knowledge and skills in areas such as productivity tools and emerging digital technologies. With self-paced learning materials, students will be able to progressively develop their digital competencies anywhere with the use of digital devices. 

• Certify Track: In addition to e-learning, ICDL Asia also encourages students to undergo ICDL certification tests through the Certify Track upon completing each e-learning module. Students who successfully pass their certification tests will be awarded internationally recognised ICDL Profile Certificates and eBadges. These certifications will serve as tangible proof of their digital proficiency and competence, adding value to their resumes and increasing their future career prospects. 

NDE 2025 National Round: A Platform to Showcase and Gain Recognition for Digital Talent 

Beyond learning and certification, students who successfully pass the certification test will also get the opportunity to participate in the NDE 2025 National Round competition under the Certified and Compete Track.  

Organised by Crescent Girls’ School and ICDL Asia, this competition provides an exciting platform for students to showcase their digital expertise. Participants will compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals, with winners being celebrated at a prestigious awards ceremony at Crescent Girls’ School. 

Outstanding winners from the national competition will also get the chance to fast-track and represent Singapore in the Grand Final of the ICDL Asia Digital Challenge 2025, competing against students from across the Asia-Pacific region. This competition offers an excellent platform for students to gain valuable experience and exposure, network with other students, and showcase their digital skills on an international stage. 

As we embark on another exciting year of the National Digital Explorer, we are thrilled to welcome more schools and students into this transformative digital programme. By participating in NDE 2025, students will gain valuable digital skills, earn internationally recognised certification, and unlock exciting opportunities in further education and career pathways. 

At ICDL Asia, we remain committed to delivering high-quality digital literacy programmes accessible to students across Singapore, ensuring they develop the skills required for both academic success and future professional goals. 

For more information regarding NDE 2025, please visit https://icdl.org/events/singapore-national-digital-explorer-2025/.