With Singapore’s digital sector topping US$ 18 billion in 2022, a new academic partnership is announced to secure the skills that will push such growth even further into the future.
DataStax, a real-time data company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore Polytechnic (SP) to incorporate training and certification programs into the curriculum for Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs).
The academic partnership aims to support national digitalization initiatives, transform Singapore’s workforce into real-time data experts and help advance organizations into the digital-first future.
The joint academic program will focus on in-demand skill areas – such as database management and application, as well as data utilization – to equip students with the relevant competencies for the tech workforce, especially in engineering domains. It would include the use of DataStax’s cloud-native and scalable Astra DB NoSQL database in SP’s School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering’s Pre-Employment Training course (EEE-PET).
Throughout the program, full-time students will learn how to utilize the database through a hands-on approach via practical work, projects and internships.
The curriculum would include modules such as Client Server Application Development and Mobile Application Development that would equip learners with the knowledge and skill sets to develop multiple platform applications using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, in areas such as Industry 4.0.
Additionally, SP and DataStax will co-conduct short courses and certification examinations to enhance our learners’ employability with local and international companies.
DataStax also aims to support students throughout their academic journey by providing free preparation workshops and vouchers.
Dr Lim Joo Ghee, Acting Director, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Singapore Polytechnic said: “Data and analytics-related skills are highly valued and transferable across sectors and job roles in Singapore. Our collaboration with DataStax allows us to cultivate the next generation of digital talent and bridge the skills gap to provide an impetus for organizations to lead Singapore’s Smart Nation and Industry 4.0 initiatives. By leveraging these technologies, we want to help businesses optimize their performance by making quicker, better, and more informed decisions, thereby empowering them to develop innovative new products and solutions to cater to their customers’ changing needs.”
The collaboration comes as Singapore’s digital sector experienced a 22% year-on-year growth from US$ 15 billion in 2021 to US$18 billion in 2022, according to the e-Conomy SEA 2022 report. It also marks the latest in a series of academic partnerships between DataStax and Asia Pacific universities to grow the region’s data workforce.
In Singapore, the company previously partnered with Nanyang Polytechnic to co-develop Big Data management curricula and training programs for their students and learners.
“The role of data has evolved from a passive asset into a proactive business driver,” said Thomas Been, chief marketing officer at DataStax. “Because of this trend, we can expect value creation from data and utilization to proliferate within the next decade. The joint program we are building with SP represents our commitment to developing Singapore’s data capabilities so that businesses can provide personalized customer engagement and enhanced service delivery. This is in line with the country’s overarching vision to become a key competitor in the global economy of which we are proud to be a part.”
Both parties expect the program to attract up to 250 students annually within the next two years, including 180 full-time students, as well as 40 part-time and Continuing Education and Training (CET) learners.
