29/07/2024

Expansion of AI Programmes Offered by Institutes of Higher Learning

The Singapore Management University (SMU), in partnership with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and with support from the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), hosted the SkillsFuture Festival x SMU 2024 today. Minister of State (MOS) for Education, Ms Gan Siow Huang, graced the event as the Guest-of-Honour and gave a speech.

NEW AI PROGRAMMES IN IHLS

To enable individuals to meet evolving industry needs in today’s AI-driven world, the IHLs are offering 8 new AI programmes to cater to different learning and job needs. These include:

1. Republic Polytechnic: Specialist Diploma in Applied Generative Artificial Intelligence, and two AI-related micro-credentials that are stackable to this Specialist Diploma
2. SMU Academy: [SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP)] Advanced Certificate in Generative AI for Business Analyst; and (SCTP) Advanced Certificate in Generative AI for Digital Marketing Specialist 
3. Singapore Polytechnic: Building Customised Generative AI Applications on Enterprise Data; and Machine Learning using ChatGPT for Manufacturing Industry  
4. Singapore University of Social Sciences and Singapore University of Technology & Design (jointly organised): Professional Certification on Industry Applications of Generative AI

For details on the new AI programmes offered by the IHLs, please refer to Annex A.

Chief Executive of SSG, Mr Tan Kok Yam, said “Our IHLs anchor our lifelong learning ecosystem. Their responsiveness to industry demand, and their collaborative approach to serve learners better, are exemplified by today’s event. SSG and the IHLs are committed to providing upskilling options that provide in-demand skills and industry-relevant credentials, that lead to stronger career progression.” 

SkillsFuture Festival x SMU 2024 – AI Unleashed: Transforming Skillsets for the Future

The SkillsFuture Festival x SMU 2024, themed ‘AI Unleashed: Transforming Skillsets for the Future’, featured a panel discussion which explored the dynamic interplay between AI and human talent. Discussions delved into how AI augments human skills, reshapes career paths, and fosters a culture of continuous learning in the digital age. The event also included 13 interactive AI workshops on cutting-edge AI technologies and trends, as well as booths set up by the IHLs which provided information on the various Continuing Education and Training (CET) programmes that they offer.   

At the event, MOS also awarded prizes to 27 winners of the National AI Prompt Design Challenge.  Echoing the ethos of Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0, the Challenge aimed to foster conscientious AI advancements and tackle real-life challenges, with youths aged 13 to 25 crafting AI tools that helped to boost business productivity, enrich educational journeys, and foster upskilling.

SMU Provost, Professor Timothy Clark, said, "The integration of AI into our professional spheres isn’t just about technological adoption; it is about cultivating a mindset that’s geared towards continuous learning and adaptability. At SMU, we are dedicated to equipping our learners with these essential skills. This not only prepares them for the dynamic future of work but also empowers them to drive innovation in an AI-centric world.”

For more information on the event, please visit https://smu.skillsfuturefestival2024.sg/.