Singapore Polytechnic launches first-of-its-kind course in Applied Artificial Intelligence to build local pool of digital technology talent

18 Oct 2019

Singapore, 18 October 2019 – To meet the rising local demand for specialised digital technology skills, Singapore Polytechnic (SP) has launched the first-of-its-kind Diploma in Applied AI & Analytics (DAAA) course amongst the polytechnics in Singapore.

The multi-disciplinary DAAA course combines modules including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Algorithms, Statistics, Data Visualization and Engineering and Software Development modules to equip graduates with the latest and relevant skills. This allows them to apply AI and Big Data to solve current challenges across industries such as finance, information technology and commerce. SP will take in the first batch of 80 DAAA students from April 2020.

Building a local pool of digital technology talent

The launch of the DAAA course is timely as the Services and Digital Economy Technology Roadmap cites AI as one of the key technology areas that will change the world and take Singapore’s economy forward in the coming years.

Graduates from the DAAA course will thus be well-positioned to enter the workforce across a wide range of careers including associate data analyst, associate AI engineer, machine learning analyst or junior application developers.

The DAAA’s curriculum also meets the requirements for advanced standing in local and overseas universities, providing students with further education opportunities. Graduates will also receive exemptions if they enrol in SP’s Specialist Diploma in Data Science.

Alternative pathways for working professionals to acquire digital technology skills

To further strengthen the pool of local digital technology talents, the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and SP have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to allow SP’s Specialist Diploma in Data Science and DAAA graduates to receive an exemption of up to 18 subject credits on SUTD’s ModularMasters in Data Science programme.

SUTD’s adult learning institution, SUTD Academy, launched its ModularMasters (MM) programme in 2018, the first-of-its-kind programme for working professionals or mid-career switchers who wish to acquire the relevant knowledge and skills. Supported by SkillsFuture Singapore, the first two MMs in cyber security and strategic digital marketing have been developed as part of the SkillsFuture series and now, SUTD is collaborating with SP in Data Science. An adult learner can enrol in skills-based modular courses to accumulate subject credits for each module. Upon meeting the requirement of 60 subject credits, an MM certificate will be awarded by the SUTD Academy. Pegged at post first degree level and adopting SUTD’s pedagogy, the MM programme will be hands-on and skills-based for the new digital economy with a duration capped at two years.

This stackable modular approach creates flexibility for time-constrained working adult learners so that they can take the MM modules based on their more immediate reskilling and/or upskilling needs.

The MoU also allows SP’s Specialist Diploma graduates to receive exemptions for other relevant MM programmes, some of which lead to master’s degrees.  Graduates of such an MM programme, upon meeting admissions requirements of the relevant master’s degree programme, may also pursue the full master’s degree with an exemption of 60 subject credits.

Mr Soh Wai Wah, Principal & CEO of Singapore Polytechnic said, “As organisations and the economy become increasingly digitalised, the need for talent in digital technology skills will continue to grow. Our new Diploma in AI & Analytics and collaboration with SUTD will allow graduates to play a part in helping Singapore create an AI ecosystem and be a part of the global digital economy.”

Professor Chong Tow Chong, SUTD President, said, “SUTD and SP’s partnership in the ModularMasters in Data Science programme will provide adult learners with more flexible education options to stay agile and relevant in the workforce in this age of digital disruption. Adult learners without a basic degree but having relevant technical work experience and meeting the entry requirements, can apply to upskill with the MM in Data Science.”

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About Singapore Polytechnic (www.sp.edu.sg)

Established in 1954, Singapore Polytechnic (SP) is Singapore’s first polytechnic. It has 10 schools that offer 40 full-time courses and three common entry programmes for close to 16,000 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. SP has more than 206,000 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 and the President's Social Service Award in 2011.

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