SMU and Alibaba Cloud launch first-of-its-kind upskilling programme outside of China

The Singapore Management University (SMU) and Alibaba Cloud have launched a series of courses today to upskill more than 1,000 working professionals in Singapore.

Formalised at a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony, the SMU-Alibaba Series professional continuing education programme is the first of its kind for Alibaba Cloud outside of China, and will be offered at the SMU Academy, the professional training arm of SMU, from March 2019.

Crafted specifically to empower small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), the Series aims to equip businesses with the right competencies and capabilities to navigate rapid technological disruptions and fast-evolving consumer behaviour today. The courses will cover the latest trends and digital strategies across a range of industries, including retail, finance, logistics and manufacturing, to bring participants up to speed on the adoption of emerging technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and Blockchain within their respective fields.

Chen (left) with Dr Lim (right) after the signing ceremony.

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.

“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.”

Dr Lim added that the community will be constantly updated to help members hone their skills. This post-course community is the first of its kind for SMU.

Leveraging its faculty expertise, SMU will also develop cases of successful technological adoption by local companies, which in turn will be used as teaching resources 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.

Leon Chen, Country Manager, Singapore and Indonesia, Alibaba Cloud, shared that it is a special time to partner with SMU as it is the 20th anniversary for the Alibaba Group, and the 10th anniversary for Alibaba Cloud. He said that Alibaba Cloud set up headquarters in Singapore in 2015 not only to provide infrastructure-as-a-service, but to play as a technology enabler.

"We want to replicate our success in China. We want to bring over our technology, not only infrastructure but in big data, in security, in different vertical solutions," he said. "Singapore is the perfect hub not only for Asia but also the international market."

“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,” he added.

The Series will begin with seven courses from March 2019, all of which will be conducted by Alibaba Cloud scientists who have experience with Singapore:

- Big Data Analytics & its Application in Business/Smart Retail & Marketing, by Long Yin and Yang Kan respectively, which will be based on case studies from Alibaba's own business and that of customers.

- Internet of Things: Technology & Applications, by Chuah Jun Wei

- Smart Finance by Sijukumar Kumaran

- Essentials of Cloud Computing by Gavin Liu

- Smart Manufacturing by Yang Kan, and

- Smart Logistics by Cao Yi, which will leverage lessons from Hema and Cainiao.

Yang said the courses will focus on the latest digital strategies that integrate seamless customer experience from offline to online, transforming business models into smart ones and showing how best practices and digital strategies can enable businesses to compete in new markets while preserving their core business.

Each course features an introduction, case study and workshop segment. "We want attendees to learn from each other, not only from us, so they can create synergies, have brainstorms and create innovative ideas," Yang said.

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 will be offered as part of the SkillsFuture Series of training programmes to drive training in eight priority and emerging skill areas. Seventy percent of the course fee can be offset for Singapore citizens and Singapore permanent residents. Singapore citizens aged 40 and above, and SMEs which send their employees who are Singapore citizens and Singapore permanent residents for the training, can claim a 90% course fee subsidy.

Explore:

There are two intakes from 19 to 20 March, and 11 to 12 June. The courses are basic and generally open to working professionals, with some courses suitable for business leaders and senior managers. Recruitment has already begun. Get details of the courses


View pictures of the announcement on Facebook

IBM sounds alarm over skills gap in India

Source: IBM. Cover for the Upskilling India report.

IBM has announced a study conducted by the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) in cooperation with the Economist Intelligence Unit to evaluate India's growing skills challenge and proposed recommendations to bridge the gap.

A majority of Indian executives surveyed in the study said that the quality and quantity of skills in the Indian workforce are at least comparable to those of other countries, and many reported them to be superior. However, only 40% indicated new employees in local labour markets have the requisite job skills.

The IBM study, Upskilling India, derives insights from a survey of academics, corporate-recruiters, and emerging education leaders in India. In addition, the study also analysed results of recent surveys of startup entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and corporate executives.

Key findings:

• Six in 10 (61%) of India's surveyed educators indicate that the higher education system is unable to respond to changing societal needs.
• Seven in 10 of India's venture capitalists indicated that startups cannot find employees with the right skills.
• Only 40% of Indian industry executives said new employees recruited in local labour markets have requisite skills.
• Nearly three quarters (73%) of India's education leaders surveyed say new technologies are disrupting higher education.

"Today's rapidly evolving economic environment makes developing new skills an imperative across job profiles and sectors. At IBM, we believe in providing an environment that fosters new learning and development experiences aided by the power of technology," said DP Singh, VP and Head - HR, IBM India/ South Asia. "We are working with government bodies, academia, corporates, startups and recruitment firms to equip India with a 'job-ready' workforce."

Between 2010 and 2030, India's working population is expected to expand from 750 million to almost 1 billion. Without adequate education and training, such population growth poses increased risk of the emergence of a growing class of the under or unemployed.

The study recommends:

Developing more practical, experience-based education - Rethink higher education curricula by identifying opportunities to infuse experience-based and real-world learning experiences and embracing new teaching technologies and techniques. Higher education institutions should build alliances with industry partners, share learnings and refine strategies.

Embracing technologies that improve educational access, experiences, and outcomes - Assess current capabilities and requirements, experiment with using new technologies and extend capabilities through ecosystem partners.

Build deeper relationships with ecosystem partners - Define and reach consensus with key partners around a common vision for the education ecosystem, with clearly defined commitments from all partners.

Interested?

Read the Upskilling India study

Download the IBM IBV app on an Android or iOS device

Rutgers Business School Asia Pacific to relocate to coworking space in Singapore

Rutgers Business School Asia Pacific (RBSAP), a provider of Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degrees, is relocating to coworking space The Working Capitol on Keong Saik Road in Singapore.

The decision is motivated by the need to keep in pace with the evolving demands of the business world. Both traditional and executive education are looking beyond lectures, readings, case studies and team activities to ensure relevancy to current business needs while keeping an eye to the horizon in terms of innovation and competitiveness. The new location will serve as home to a unique 14.5-month long Executive MBA as well as RBS’ week-long Mini-MBAs.

Stephanie Krishnan, the Executive Director of Rutgers Business School Asia Pacific, said, “There is impetus in industry for both leaders and personnel to break through barriers in siloed thinking. This function-focused thinking starts with the way people are educated, in terms of their majors or specialisation. There have been some inroads in changing this, however exposure to a more entrepreneurial, collaborative way of thinking and working is required at the top of organisations. This is what we are aiming to show to our Executive MBA students through being part of a coworking space and being able to benefit from built-in networking opportunities and a professional atmosphere.”

“Today’s digital economy is driving tremendous change within organisations. It is easier to enter and disrupt other industries than to change your own. Any value chain with significant inefficiency offers an opportunity for new players to enter and disrupt. Companies need to be extremely agile and prepared for any disruption. This requires real-time collaboration that cuts across organisation hierarchies and rigid processes. (The) Rutgers Executive MBA programme will prepare executives to handle challenges in this digital economy, and I believe that this new environment within a coworking space will motivate them to think differently and drive digital transformation within their organisations,” said Saj Kumar, VP - Digital Transformation and IoT, SAP, and a RBS alumus.

With this in mind, Rutgers Business School Asia Pacific aims to drive a learning experience through exposure to collaboration, creativity and innovation in its new location. "We chose The Working Capitol because there are a number of ways we think alike - we believe in the intersection of tech, creative and service industries, we believe that a variety of ages and experience are needed to contribute to a meaningful enterprise – whether technical, managerial, creative, business or any other myriad of valid skills and perspectives that are required to make organizations thrive in today's uber-competitive environment," said Krishnan.

A proud RBS Alumnus and Chief Technology Officer, Asia Pacific & Japan Cisco Systems, Mathew Varghese, lauds the RBS decision. “This initiative from RBSAP to conduct future Business Programs in a 'coworking space' is an excellent one that will accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship. Coworking spaces in education provide a platform to interact and collaborate between educators, students and entrepreneurs leading to the development of a local ecosystem which to-date is unheard of in education space, “said Varghese.

“As I see it, the platform can be further enhanced to serve as a meeting space, community forum, networking venue, mentor and investor destination, co-founder dating place, incubator, accelerator, co-working venue, and educational resource for programmes and content ranging from how to develop a business plan, to say how to use a Facebook API in building a business to consumer marketplace among many other topics of interest. RBSAP alumni can play an active role in this community by being 'mentors, influencers, or connectors'."

Interested?

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about The Working Capitol's expansion into Singapore's central business district

HBMSU launches new diplomas for customer service and institutional excellence

• New 7-Star Customer Service Diploma to make UAE a global example of an excellent provider of government service
• The 4th generation for institutional excellence Diploma supports national efforts to upgrade government system and promote innovation

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) has launched a 7-Star Customer Service Diploma and a 4th generation for institutional excellence Diploma in line with its commitment to promote the UAE’s leadership in expediting government services and achieving highest customer satisfaction and happiness. The two programmes have received Pearson Assured Status from Pearson.

The 7-Star Customer Service Diploma is designed for customer service representatives, employees, quality and organisational excellence teams of government entities. It complements the Star Rating System launched following the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE VP and PM and Ruler of Dubai, to raise government service efficiency according to the highest global standards. Part of its role is to help public entities pursue the 4th generation for institutional excellence system, a guide for all UAE government excellence programmes.

The unique programme will enhance the capabilities of local government employees especially in terms of providing ‘7-star services’ as part of the goal of UAE Vision 2021 to catapult the country into the ranks of the world’s most developed nations. It comprises five training modules on the basic rules, methods and trends of modern management, including the best ways to deliver high-quality customer service according to standards as well as effective strategies to harness the power of modern technology to attain improved customer experience, satisfaction and happiness.

The 4th generation for institutional excellence Diploma focuses on main aspects of the 4th generation for institutional excellence system implemented to level up government services as well as instill innovation and highest standard of excellence in public services. The system focuses on three areas: the realisation of the UAE’s vision, innovation and empowerment to attain satisfaction in the use of government services, as well as continuous learning and development.

Dr Mansoor Al Awar, HBMSU Chancellor, said: “The new programmes reflect the university’s commitment to the UAE’s march towards national prosperity driven by excellence. We also support the country’s pioneering efforts to become the world’s first government to establish approved benchmarks for public services.

“HBMSU provides continuous learning and professional development in various influential areas of leadership, government excellence, entrepreneurship and change management, among others, to help our learners succeed. The two new programmes, the latest affirmation of this commitment, are being offered under the guidance of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of HBMSU, in our bid to reshape the future of teaching and learning by using innovative methods. These advanced tools support the country’s aspirations to produce a generation capable of leading the emirates into a future where the country sets the bar high in terms of delivery of government services and government excellence."

The programmes support smart education initiatives that include three phases, namely the ‘awareness’ stage based on self-learning; the ‘application’ stage featuring hands-on training; and the ‘follow-up’ stage in which support and guidance using virtual tools are given to sustain the gains. During the three stages, the learners have an opportunity to study the training materials under the supervision of an elite group of experts and trainers as well as communicate with their fellow learners in an interactive environment where exchange, transfer and enrichment of knowledge are ensured.

The 7-Star Customer Service Diploma programme consists of five modules, namely Introduction to Customer Service, Professionalism and Excellence in Identifying and Dealing with Customers, Call Center Management, Time Management and Government Services Strategies, as well as The 4th generation for institutional excellence System and 7-Star Service Program. The sessions for the 7-Star Customer Service Diploma will run for 19 days, six hours per day. It includes one day for a graduation project. The training starts in November of this year.

The 4th generation for institutional excellence Diploma is based on nine tracks, the National Agenda and Achievement of UAE Vision and Results-Orientation, Smart Government and Management of Services, Cities and Smart Communities, Looking to the Future and Sustainable Competitiveness, Innovation Management and Achieving Leadership, Major tasks (design, implementation and operations), Seven-Star Services and Management of the Service Centers, Human Capital Management, Properties and Resources Management, and Corporate Governance. The course will be 28 days long, six hours a day, including one day for a graduation project. global startup space. The MOSTI Commercialisation Year conference will run parallel to the GEC. The Global Startup Award ceremony will be held on 3 November.

Get up to speed on data science with CEG Digital's online course

CEG Digital, the flexible learning division of global education provider Cambridge Education Group (CEG) has partnered the Web Science Institute at the University of Southampton (WSI), a world top-100 university*, to deliver short online courses.

Dr Elena Simperl, Continuing Professional Development Course Director, WSI Associate Professor and Scientific Director of the European Data Science Academy, explained, "Data science is a critical competence for our economy. Our new series of short professional courses is an integral and essential part of our training portfolio, alongside our postgraduate degrees. With these new online courses, we reach out to decision makers, business analysts, IT developers, and other groups of practitioners interested in learning about some of the most promising technologies and application domains in data science, including digital marketing, finances, and healthcare." 

The initial Foundations of Data Science course will welcome its first intake in the autumn (roughly between Q3 and Q4), followed by specialised options in the areas of Data Science for Marketing, Finance and Healthcare launching in 2017. The application process will be highly selective to ensure each participant is fully prepared for the demands of the course. 

Delivered part-time and wholly online over four weeks via Instructure's Canvas learning platform, the courses will enable participants to study with professionals and leading academics. Supplementary workshops will provide opportunities to meet with fellow participants, tutors and teachers, and to present their work to potential employers. Fees will be competitive with current face-to-face and online options; corporate rates will also be available.

The University of Southampton is ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world and its Web Science Institute is the home to a uniquely rich network of experts in computer science, Web science, mathematical and statistical sciences, health science, social science, economics and business. As a result of the WSI's pioneering work in data science, the expertise is transforming the way that data are collected, integrated and converted into knowledge and evidence, informing decision making in business, industry and government sectors. 

WSI is also the founding partner of the UK's Open Data Institute in Tech City. The WSI's current training programme has reached many tens of thousands of people through its MOOCs in Web Science, Linked Data, and the Power of Social Media, and its university-level Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral programmes provide a career grounding in the digital and information economy.

Professor Dame Wendy Hall, Director of the Web Science Institute, said, "The future of education is on-line and this partnership will enable the WSI to develop and deliver state of the art data science courses that are available to busy professionals wherever they are based."

CEG Digital and the Web Science Institute are working in partnership to develop, market and deliver the world leading courses to students in the UK and worldwide. Geoff Webster, Managing Director of CEG Digital, said, "We believe there is enormous demand for high quality professionally focused courses in this area and we are excited to be working with the world-leading academics at Southampton. We believe this will be a very attractive proposition for professionals, companies and entrepreneurs, in the UK and around the world."

*QS World University Rankings 2015/16

Singapore's NUS, NTU make it to QS top 15

The twelfth edition of the QS World University Rankings states that Singapore’s leading universities have made the top 15 for the first time. The National University of Singapore (12th) is the leading Asian institution and Nanyang Technological University (13th) is right behind. Australian National University (19th) also returns to the top 20 while China’s Tsinghua University (25th) is Asia’s third-best university.

Ben Sowter, QS Head of research says: “These latest results reveal more diversity than ever in the distribution of world-class universities at the highest levels. We’re providing prospective students with the richest picture yet.”

A new approach to “citations per faculty”, a measure of research impact, has delivered fairer evaluations for universities with a strong profile in areas with lower research activity, such as arts, humanities and social sciences. Over 70 thousand (76,798) academics and 44,226 employers contributed to the rankings through the QS global surveys. QS also analysed 11.1 million research papers indexed by Elsevier’s Scopus database. Three thousand, five hundred and thirty-nine institutions were considered for inclusion, and 891 ranked.

2015	2014	Top 20	Country
1	1	MIT	US
2	4	HARVARD	US
3=	2=	CAMBRIDGE	UK
3=	7	STANFORD	US
5	8	CALTECH	US
6	5=	OXFORD	UK
7	5=	UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON	UK
8	2=	IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON	UK
9	12	ETH ZURICH	CH
10	11	CHICAGO	US
11	9	PRINCETON	US
12	22	NATIONAL UNIVERSITY SINGAPORE	SG
13	39	NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY	SG
14	17=	EPFL	CH
15	10	YALE	US
16	14=	JOHNS HOPKINS	US
17	19	CORNELL	US
18	13	U PENN	US
19=	25=	AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY	AU
19=	16	KING'S COLLEGE LONDON	UK
© QS Quacquarelli Symonds 2004-2015.  *The rankings include universities from 82 countries. Thirty-four countries feature in the Top 200. The US dominates, with 49 institutions, ahead of the UK (30), Netherlands (12), Germany (11), Canada, Australia, and Japan (eight), China (seven), France, Sweden and Hong Kong (five).