The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, that took place in Singapore, gathered16 APEC countries to examine policy solutions to strengthen digital skills and the digital economy. It was highlighted that the digital economy is evolving at a great rate, education systems are not adapting accordingly. 

'Skills mismatches hurt workers and the broader economy. Productivity declines when key jobs remain vacant. APEC requires more skills training programs to reduce the global shortage of highly-skilled workers, which may soon exceed 38 million people,' noted Professor Dong Sun Park, chair of the APEC Human Resources Development Working Group.

In addition, a survey was launched with the aim to showcase skill mismatches that affect the digital economy. According to the survey, 75% of employers, government officials, and academics surveyed report significant skills mismatches.