Singapore, 23 August 2024 – IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced new collaborations to offer free training in AI and other technology topics for youth and adult learners in Singapore. Through the new agreements signed with Singapore Polytechnic (SP), Republic Polytechnic (RP), and a non-profit organisation, Junior Achievement, IBM aims to equip 4,500 locals via the IBM SkillsBuild program. The initiative seeks to close the global skills gap, help learners develop valuable new skills and access career opportunities. 

Delivered under IBM SkillsBuild, learners will have access to more than 1,000 courses for in-demand jobs across multiple industries, such as AI, data analytics, sustainability, cybersecurity and more, as well as mentorship from IBM leaders. Learners can attain digital credentials to help open new pathways to employment, and gain knowledge through coursework like AI fundamentals, GenAI, AI ethics, prompt writing, and machine learning. 

According to a study commissioned by IBM, skills availability remains the top barrier to AI adoption at scale. Despite the increased prevalence in AI-related skills, IT professionals in Singapore are most likely to express that limited AI skills and expertise (37%) are hindering successful AI adoption.

The IBM SkillsBuild collaborations with Singapore Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Junior Achievement spread across several areas to help youth and adult learners discover pathways to success. 

Singapore Polytechnic will incorporate the IBM SkillsBuild program in various modules in its Diploma in Applied AI & Analytics (DAAA), Diploma in Information Technology (DIT) and Diploma in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics (DCDF) courses. Students would be encouraged to pursue professional certifications in emerging areas, like Web Development and Cybersecurity. Students will also gain exposure to areas like Project Management and Fundamentals of Sustainability and Technology.

"Through our partnership with IBM, Singapore Polytechnic's School of Computing is enhancing our curriculum with IBM's SkillsBuild resources. This collaboration empowers our students with essential tools and knowledge to shape their future careers. Together, we prepare our students for smooth transitions into successful industry roles," said Liew Chin Chuan, Director, School of Computing, Singapore Polytechnic.

Republic Polytechnic will adopt IBM SkillsBuild to enhance its learning materials and curriculum in technology-related areas and essential skills. Students will focus on topics including AI, Cybersecurity, Sustainability Fundamentals, Data Science, and Enterprise Design Thinking.

“RP is excited to embark on this initiative with IBM to nurture and develop tech capabilities and professional skills in key areas such as AI, Data Science and Enterprise Design Thinking.  Through IBM SkillsBuild, students can access a wide array of e-learning materials and acquire industry-recognised credentials, giving them a competitive advantage while enhancing their employability,” commented Fong Yew Chan, Chief Technology Officer, Republic Polytechnic.

Junior Achievement aims to inspire, prepare and empower youths in Singapore through exposure to tech curriculum such as AI and cybersecurity and support underrepresented populations, such as single moms and domestic workers in Singapore. The learners will be equipped through workshops, hand-on activities, and career mentorship with IBM experts. 

Ng Hau Yee, Founder & Executive Director, Junior Achievement Singapore, commented, “Junior Achievement Singapore is excited to be partnering with IBM for the SkillsBuild initiative. It is very timely as our goal for this year is to develop and offer AI and cybersecurity courses. We look forward to inspiring our youths and women community and helping them build their tech foundations for their future aspirations.”

“Globally, we are seeing a persistent challenge in which skills gap is presenting as a major obstacle to the successful adoption of AI and digitalisation across all industries. We are now at a crucial period in time to inspire and shape the next generation of tech talent with the relevant training that they need for their future careers. No one company can do it alone. We are proud to partner with our local ecosystem to come together and make good on our promise to power futures in technology.” 

“Our announcement today is a testament to our commitment to Singapore and the local workforce. We look forward to continuing to build an environment in which people will have the AI skills needed for the future workforce,” commented Yue Yean Feng, Corporate Social Responsibility Leader, IBM Asia Pacific. 

“In 2022, IBM pledged to train 1 million women and girls in the Asia-Pacific region, including Singapore, over the next five years, and as of April 30, 2024, we have reached nearly 650,000 women and girls. This builds on IBM's global commitment to skill 30 million people by 2030, and we have already reached more than 11.5 million learners globally,” said Justina Nixon-Saintil, Vice President and Chief Impact Officer at IBM. 

About IBM SkillsBuild

IBM SkillsBuild is a free education program aimed at increasing access to technology education. Through the program, IBM supports adult learners, and high school and university students and faculty, to develop valuable new skills and access career opportunities. The program includes an online platform that is complemented by customized practical learning experiences delivered in collaboration with a global network of partners.

The open version of IBM SkillsBuild is an online platform offering over 1,000 courses in 20 languages on AI, sustainability, cybersecurity, data analysis, cloud computing, and many other technical disciplines — as well as in workplace skills such as design thinking. Participants can earn IBM-branded digital credentials that are recognized by the market.

The enhanced version of IBM SkillsBuild may also include workshops, expert conversations with IBM coaches and mentors, project-based learning, access to IBM software, specialized support from partners through the learning process, and connection to career opportunities. Visit skillsbuild.org to learn more.