Singapore Management University (SMU) and Alibaba Cloud have teamed up to introduce a series of courses designed to enhance the skills of over 1,000 working professionals in Singapore.
This joint initiative, known as the SMU-Alibaba Series, marks Alibaba Cloud’s first professional continuing education program outside of China. Set to commence in March 2019, the program will be delivered through SMU Academy, the university’s professional training division.
With a specific focus on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the Series aims to equip businesses with the necessary competencies to navigate the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements and evolving consumer behavior. The courses will cover current trends and digital strategies across various industries, including retail, finance, logistics, and manufacturing. Participants will gain insights into 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 of SMU Academy, expressed confidence that the collaboration, which combines Alibaba’s technological expertise and industry knowledge with SMU’s thought leadership and academic rigor, will provide professionals and companies with valuable knowledge and skills in emerging technologies.
She emphasized the goal of fostering a strong online learning community among Singaporeans and SMEs, encouraging participants to continue their learning journey beyond the face-to-face training through Alibaba’s online platforms. This post-course community represents a novel initiative for SMU.
SMU also plans to leverage its faculty expertise to develop case studies showcasing successful technology adoption by local companies, which will serve as teaching resources for the SMU-Alibaba Series. Looking ahead, SMU and Alibaba Cloud intend to expand the program to include a mentorship component, providing participating SMEs with guidance on implementing technology-driven strategies.
Leon Chen, Country Manager for Singapore and Indonesia at Alibaba Cloud, highlighted the significance of the partnership, coinciding with Alibaba Group’s 20th anniversary and Alibaba Cloud’s 10th anniversary. He emphasized Alibaba Cloud’s commitment to acting as a technology enabler in Singapore, replicating its success in China by bringing its technological prowess, including expertise in big data, security, and vertical solutions, to the region.
Chen underscored Singapore’s strategic importance as a hub for both Asia and the international market, emphasizing the need for smart citizens to drive Singapore’s Smart Nation vision. Through the partnership with SMU, Alibaba Cloud aims to empower local businesses with the necessary tools and technology to thrive in a future-ready Singapore.
Commencing in March 2019, the Series will initially offer seven courses led by Alibaba Cloud scientists with experience in Singapore:
- Big Data Analytics & its Application in Business/Smart Retail & Marketing, led by Long Yin and Yang Kan respectively, drawing on case studies from Alibaba and its customers.
- Internet of Things: Technology & Applications, led by Chuah Jun Wei
- Smart Finance led by Sijukumar Kumaran
- Essentials of Cloud Computing led by Gavin Liu
- Smart Manufacturing led by Yang Kan, and
- Smart Logistics led by Cao Yi, leveraging insights from Hema and Cainiao.
Yang highlighted the courses’ focus on cutting-edge digital strategies that integrate online and offline customer experiences, transforming business models and enabling companies to compete effectively in new markets.
Each course incorporates introductory elements, case studies, and workshops, encouraging interactive learning and idea generation among participants.
Upon successful completion of a course, participants will receive a certificate jointly issued by SMU Academy and Alibaba Cloud.
The SMU-Alibaba Series courses will be supported by SkillsFuture Singapore and are part of the SkillsFuture Series of training programs. Singapore citizens and permanent residents can benefit from course fee subsidies.
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The courses have two intakes: March 19-20 and June 11-12. Designed for working professionals, with some courses suitable for business leaders and senior managers, the courses are now open for registration. For more information, please refer to the course details