DataStax and Singapore Polytechnic Team Up To Develop Home-grown Data Talents For a Digital-First Future
On February 10, 2023
Singapore, 10 February 2023 – DataStax, a real-time data company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore Polytechnic (SP) to incorporate training and certification programmes into the curriculum for Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). The academic partnership aims to support national digitalisation initiatives, transform Singapore's workforce into real-time data experts, and help advance organisations into the digital-first future.
The joint academic programme will focus on in-demand skill areas — such as database management and application, as well as data utilisation — 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 programme, full-time students will learn how to utilise 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 organisations to lead Singapore's Smart Nation and Industry 4.0 initiatives. By leveraging these technologies, we want to help businesses optimise 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 per cent year-on-year growth from USD15 billion in 2021 to USD18 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 programmes 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 utilisation to proliferate within the next decade. The joint programme we are building with SP represents our commitment to developing Singapore's data capabilities so that businesses can provide personalised 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 programme 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.
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About Singapore Polytechnic
Established in 1954, Singapore Polytechnic (SP) is Singapore’s first polytechnic. It has 10 schools that offer 30 full-time diploma courses and three common entry programmes for more than 12,800 students. SP adopts a proven creative teaching and learning framework and offers students a holistic, authentic and industry-relevant curriculum, innovative and vibrant learning spaces, and enriching overseas programmes.
The Polytechnic is committed to producing competent and versatile graduates who are also imbued with sound values so that they can be work-ready, life-ready and world-ready. Currently, SP has more than 223,000 graduates and among them are successful entrepreneurs, top executives in multi-national and public-listed corporations, and well-known professionals across various industries and leaders in government.
SP clinched the inaugural ASEAN People’s Award in 2015 for its contributions toward the region’s community-building efforts. SP is also the first polytechnic to be awarded the President’s Award for the Environment in 2010, the President's Social Service Award in 2011, and the President’s Award for Teachers in 2017, 2018 and 2020.
For more information on Singapore Polytechnic, please visit www.sp.edu.sg.
Follow SP on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/singaporepolytechnic/ and Twitter and Instagram at @singaporepoly.
About DataStax
DataStax is the real-time AI company. With DataStax, any enterprise can mobilize real-time data and quickly build smart, high-growth applications at unlimited scale, on any cloud. DataStax delivers the Astra DB cloud database built on Apache Cassandra® and the Astra Streaming event streaming technology built on Apache Pulsar™. Hundreds of the world’s leading enterprises, including Audi, ESL Gaming and many more rely on DataStax to unleash the power of real-time data to win new markets and change industries. Learn more at DataStax.com.