To build a talent pool of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) experts in Singapore, SAP today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the launch of SAP Skills University Singapore.
The collaboration has been inked by SAP, five polytechnics – Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic – and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). The signing ceremony was witnessed by Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Education of Singapore.
SAP Skills University Singapore is SAP’s first such collaboration in South East Asia. The university and polytechnics will work closely with SAP to develop and deliver the training programmes. The curriculum will be designed in accordance with specific industry demand and skills needs required by the technology organisations and their partners.
“It will train Singaporeans to take on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) related job roles and anticipate future skills demand to build up a pool of skilled Singaporeans who can easily transit into these roles when they become available. It is targeted to meet the manpower and skills needs of not only SAP, but also the broader industry, including SAP’s customers and partners. The collaboration will also offer career advisory and placements services ICT related jobs, with funding support by SSG,” stated a release issued by SkillsFuture Singapore
In addition to this, two new work-learn programmes which combine placement and training, will be made available. Targeted at mid-career individuals, the professional conversion programmes aim to help individuals gain new skills and transit into the ICT sector. There will also be a programme that caters to fresh polytechnic graduates and facilitate employment opportunities with companies in the ICT industry.
SAP Skills University Singapore has planned to train over 1,000 individuals in next three years where they will be equipped to gain more critical skillsets in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Analytics, and Internet of Things.
According to the Ministry of Communications and Information, there is demand for over 42,000 workers specialising in data science, Artificial Intelligence and robotic engineering by 2020.
Ng Cher Pong, chief executive, SkillsFuture Singapore, said, “As technological disruptions are occurring at an unprecedented pace, SSG actively seeks out collaborations with industry partners to enable Singaporeans keep pace with the evolving skills needs in areas such as data science, robotics and AI, in order to support industry transformation. SSG is therefore glad to work with SAP and the polytechnics to set up the SAP Skills University Singapore.”
Khor Chern Chuen, Managing Director, SAP Singapore, said, “Equipping the workforce with the right skillsets is critical for any organization or economy to be future-ready and keep up with today’s rapidly evolving world of digital disruption.”
“With the SAP Skills University Singapore, we aim to facilitate education in the fields of advanced technology and complement the foundation that’s being taught in academic institutions with hands-on learning through SAP products and working experiences. This is a crucial measure in closing the gap between the demand and supply for qualified Information and Communications Technology professionals,” he added.
Through a long-standing University Alliance programme, SAP currently partners over 100 Institutes of Higher Learning in Southeast Asia to execute training programmes, in which an estimated 12,000 youths pick up SAP software development and management skills annually.