![](http://opengovasia.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/05.02.2019-Article-SMU-launches-courses-1.jpg)
The Singapore Management University (SMU) and Alibaba Cloud launched a series of courses to upskill more than 1,000 working professionals in Singapore. The ‘SMU-Alibaba Series’ professional continuing education programme will be offered at the SMU Academy, the professional training arm of SMU, from March 2019.
Bringing workers up to speed on emerging technologies
The courses are designed to specifically to empower SMEs. It aims to equip businesses with the right competencies and capabilities to handle rapid technological disruptions and fast-evolving consumer behaviour today.
The courses will cover the latest trends and digital strategies across a range of industries to bring participants up to speed on the adoption of emerging technologies such as cloud computing, A.I. and blockchain within their respective fields, as more companies move towards smart business models.
Dr Lim Lai Cheng, Executive Director, SMU Academy, said, “This collaboration leverages Alibaba’s cutting edge technologies and leading industrial knowledge; as well as SMU’s thought leadership, academic rigour and outreach. I am confident that the courses on offer will benefit many professionals who wish to upgrade their knowledge and skills in emerging tech areas, and companies which are keen to use digital and smart technologies to transform their business models.”
Continuous development supported by SkillsFuture Singapore
“Following the completion of their face-to-face training, we hope to encourage participants to continue learning and sharing through the use of Alibaba’s online platforms. Over time, we hope to build a strong online learning community among Singaporeans and SMEs,” she added.
The Series will begin with seven courses from March 2019, all of which will be offered as part of the SkillsFuture Series of training programmes to drive training in eight priority and emerging skill areas. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate jointly issued by the SMU Academy and Alibaba Cloud.
Courses under the ‘SMU-Alibaba Series’ will be funded by SkillsFuture Singapore, with 70% course fee subsidy for Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents; and 90% course fee subsidy for Singapore Citizens aged 40 and above, and for SMEs who send their local employees (Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents) for the training.
Successful tech adoption by local companies will be used in future teaching resources
Leveraging its faculty expertise, SMU will also develop cases of successful technological adoption by local companies, which in turn will be used as teaching resource for the ‘SMU-Alibaba Series’. In future, SMU and Alibaba Cloud plan to expand the Series to include a mentorship programme to help participating SMEs to implement tech-enabled strategies for their businesses.
Mr Leon Chen, Country Manager, Singapore and Indonesia, Alibaba Cloud, said, “As Singapore’s Smart Nation becomes a reality, we will require Smart Citizens to lead the way. Our partnership with SMU aims to help equip local businesses with the right tools and technology to propel Singapore onward. We hope to provide actionable advice through a blend of success stories and our holistic approach to technology to help create a future-ready Singapore.”