NUS-ISS Learning Festival 2024
2024 has shaped up to be a defining year for NUS-ISS.
With each bold step forward, we are growing closer to realising the NUS-ISS 2030 vision. Our progress is driven by strategic strategy spanning executive education and graduate programmes, deeper industry connections, a stronger international presence, and the fostering of organisational growth.
The NUS-ISS 2030 strategy was in focus at our Annual Luncheon in July, which was also a heartfelt celebration of our journey, themed “Celebrating Digital Excellence”. Over 200 industry leaders, alumni, and esteemed guests were in attendance, with Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information, and Minister-in-charge of Smart Nation and Cybersecurity, gracing us as the Guest-of-Honour. In her speech, Minister Teo underscored the pivotal role that NUS-ISS plays in Singapore’s Smart Nation ambitions. She also recognised the dedication of NUS-ISS in grooming more than 188,000 professionals, equipping them with the skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Back rom from L to R: Mr Lew Chuen Hong, Chief Executive, Infocomm Media Development Authority; Dr Juzar Motiwalla, Former Director of NUS-ISS; Mr Khoong Chan Meng, CEO, NUS-ISS; Mr Goh Wei Boon, Chief Executive, Government Technology Agency (GovTech); Mr Michael Yap, Founder, The Co-Foundry
Front row from L to R: Mr Stephen Yeo, Director, NTUC Learning Hub; Ms Janet Ang, Chairman, NUS-ISS Management Board; Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information and Minister-in-charge of Smart Nation and Cybersecurity; Prof Bernard Tan, Senior Vice Provost (Undergraduate Education), NUS; Dr Tan Chin Nam, Chairman, Global Fusion Capital Pte Ltd
In August, the annual Learning Festival 2024 made a highly-anticipated comeback, Over 400 eager participants immersed themselves in a dynamic series of talks, panel discussions and interactive workshops to explore the frontiers of emerging tech. Then in October, we brought back TalentXperience. This time, it’s even bigger and better after last year’s overwhelming success. More than 200 students seized this chance to connect with 15 leading industry partners on this as a launchpad to kickstart their future careers.
At NUS-ISS, we continue to evolve our curriculum with fresh, impactful courses that can equip professionals with the essential skills for today’s dynamic landscape. This year, we successfully launched the Amplify Experience Management with Data & Insights programme, empowering practitioners to elevate customer journeys with data-driven insights. Recognising the rising importance of sustainability, we curated the Digital Sustainability for Strategic Leaders programme to equip forward-thinking leaders with the tools and insights to champion digital sustainability and make a lasting impact in their organisations. The inaugural run of this course is set for February 2025.
We took our international partnerships to brand new heights!
In June, we launched a multi-year partnership with the FedEx Institute of Technology (FIT) at the University of Memphis. Through this collaboration, NUS-ISS will offer its renowned AI and data science courses at FIT, equipping professionals and students in Memphis and beyond with critical digital skills for the future.
Mr Khoong Chan Meng, CEO of NUS-ISS and Prof Jasbir Dhaliwal, Executive Vice President for Research & Innovation at the University of Memphis and Executive Director of the FedEx Institute of Technology
We continued to strengthen our longstanding partnership with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI). In August, it reached a new pinnacle as we marked an extraordinary milestone with over 50 participants from BPI graduating from our first-ever international NUS-ISS Digitalisation Passport Programme. This landmark achievement marks the beginning of our international corporate collaborations within Blended Learning. With newly sharpened skills and fresh perspectives, these agile champions are now empowered and inspired to lead BPI’s customer experience transformation.
Graduation ceremony for BPI participants who completed the first NUS-ISS International Digitalisation Passport Programme in Manila, Philippines.
Then in September, NUS-ISS took another pivotal step forward in our mission to drive digital transformation and enhance critical digital skill sets across borders. We entered a strategic partnership with Becamex IDC and the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) to deliver accessible, impactful digital upskilling programmes to enterprises in Binh Duong. Through this partnership, NUS-ISS’ programmes will be available to the Becamex and VSIP ecosystem, with plans to establish a co-branded skills academy and empower the region with the tools needed for a tech-driven future.
Prof Aaron Thean, Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost, NUS (back row, fifth from left) and Mr Khoong Chan Meng, CEO, NUS-ISS (seated, first on left) at the MOU Signing Ceremony in Vietnam
We also partnered with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in November for a pilot 3-day programme “Utilising AI to Empower Business Leaders in the Realm of Digital Transformation” in Singapore. This aligns with the key Business 20 (B20) recommendation, enabling CII’s leading key members to adapt the impact of digital transformation and AI.
With the 27 participants from CII who completed the pilot 3-day programme with NUS-ISS.
As we conclude a remarkable year, I want to thank the people who have made all these achievements possible. The NUS-ISS staff, industry partners and stakeholders who have believed in and fuelled our mission in shaping the future of digital excellence.
Looking to the new year, NUS-ISS stands committed to accelerating digital excellence. As we strengthen partnerships and deepen our global linkages, we are ready to help organisations meet the evolving needs of a fast-changing world. It’s going to be an exciting new chapter ahead of us!
In 2025, we will continue to expand our capacity to help organisations of all sizes navigate the digital landscape, as well as bridge talent and experiences across borders.
Khoong Chan Meng
CEO, NUS-ISS
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For more information on NUS-ISS' Executive Education Programmes, visit here.