Alibaba Cloud teams up with Singapore university to launch digital upskill courses

Alibaba Cloud has partnered with Singapore Management University (SMU) to launch a first-of-its-kind upskilling programme outside of China.

Called SMU-Alibaba Series, the programme is designed to train more than 1,000 working professionals in Singapore.

According to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both parties, the courses will empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), equipping them with the capabilities they need to cope with technological disruptions and changing consumer behaviour.

Led by Alibaba Cloud scientists, the course will use real-life case studies to show how different technologies and strategies can help businesses succeed.

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Dr Lim Lai Cheng, Executive Director, SMU Academy, said that the institution was “honoured to partner with Alibaba Cloud in a such a first-ever initiative”.

She added: “This collaboration leverages Alibaba’s cutting edge technologies and leading industrial knowledge; as well as SMU’s thought leadership, academic rigour and outreach.

“I am confident that the courses on offer will benefit many professionals who wish to upgrade their knowledge and skills in emerging tech areas and companies which are keen to use digital and smart technologies to transform their business models.”

The courses will cover the latest trends and digital strategies across industries including retail, finance, logistics and manufacturing.

It will also bring participants up-to-speed with emerging technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain.

The course is set to launch in March 2019. 

Mr Leon Chen, Alibaba Cloud’s Country Manager for Singapore and Indonesia said: “As Singapore’s Smart Nation becomes a reality, we will require Smart Citizens to lead the way.

"Our partnership with SMU aims to help equip local businesses with the right tools and technology to propel Singapore onward.

"We hope to provide actionable advice through a blend of success stories and our holistic approach to technology to help create a future-ready Singapore.”