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Translation Talent Development Scheme (TTDS)
Last updated 15 May 2025
About TTDS
The Translation Talent Development Scheme (TTDS) – an initiative by the National Translation Committee (NTC) under the Ministry of Digital Development and Information – supports Singaporean translation and interpretation (T&I) practitioners from the private sector in deepening their skills.
Awarded recipients can receive up to S$10,000 on a reimbursement basis to upskill. This can be used to offset 90 per cent of the expenses incurred in their participation of capability development programme
TTDS funding
The expenses eligible for reimbursement include:
Programme conducted in Singapore | Programme conducted overseas |
|---|---|
• Course / workshop / conference / seminar / webinar / examination fees • Cost of compulsory training materials | • Course / workshop / conference / seminar / webinar / examination fees • Cost of compulsory training materials • Economy-class airfare for one return flight from Singapore to programme venue (if physical attendance overseas is required) • Visa fees (if applicable) |
The following image illustrates how the amount of funding is derived:
Please refer to our frequently asked questions (FAQ) on AskGov.
Application process
Key steps before application
1. Choose your capability development programme(s)
The TTDS supports the following types of capability development programmes related to translation, interpretation and/or languages in Singapore and overseas:
Short courses, workshops and intensive summer courses
Courses that lead to a full qualification (e.g. Diploma, Bachelor’s degree, Postgraduate diploma, Master’s degree)
Conferences, seminars and webinars
Certification examinations
Examples of capability development programmes include those related to:
General translation/interpretation
Specialised translation (e.g. audio-visual translation, legal translation, business and financial translation)
Specialised interpretation (e.g. conference interpreting)
Translation technology (e.g. computer-assisted translation, machine translation)
Applied linguistics
All programmes will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis against the applicant’s stated capability development plans.
2. Prepare for application
Applications open from 1 April to 30 June (both dates inclusive) each year.
Each application may include multiple capability development programmes, as long as they are within the period of eligibility and are related to translation, interpretation and/or languages.
Applicants are required to declare other sources of funding for the proposed capability development programme(s), including funding that has been received and funding that the applicant is applying for, or intends to apply for.
Key steps during application
3. How to apply
You are required to submit the TTDS application form (accessible only during the application period) as well as prepare the following documents for inclusion in the form:
Proof of enrolment OR application OR awaiting confirmation/invitation from the programme provider OR details of upcoming programme that has yet to commence application, for each capability development programme
Translation portfolio and/or testimonials from clients
Capability Development Plan form (accessible only during the application period)
The TTDS application form consists of the following sections:
Personal particulars
Education and work experience
Capability development programme(s)
Capability development plan
Declaration
Only applications that are submitted within the application period, complete and fulfil the eligibility criteria will be considered.
4. Understand the evaluation criteria
Each application will be assessed based on the quality and relevance of applicants’ capability development programme(s) against their capability development objectives, their track record, and their commitment to the development of translation and interpretation in Singapore.
Key Steps After Application
5. What to expect after you have applied for the TTDS
The evaluation process works as such:
(1) All applications are rigorously assessed by a panel of assessors, who will shortlist applicants for an interview
(2) Shortlisted applicants are invited to attend a panel interview in August/September
(3) Successful applicants will be notified of the outcome by October
6. Understand recipients’ obligations
TTDS recipients will be appointed as NTC Ambassadors for a duration of up to two years and are required to contribute their expertise to NTC initiatives.
Check your eligibility
Use this applicant checklist to check your eligibility for applying for TTDS.
