Tibco, Singapore Polytechnic collaborate to address SME skills shortage

• Initiative will help address the current data skills shortage faced by local engineering SMEs
• Industry needs cross-competence skills, big data specialists, data integration experts

TIBCO Software Inc, a global leader in integration, API management, and analytics, announced it will collaborate with Singapore Polytechnic (SP) to expand data analytics capabilities and knowledge in Singapore among local engineering Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

As part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), SP, Tibco, and its partner, iZeno, will jointly engage students through industrial practice, internships, and other practice-based training.

The collaboration will focus on students from the Computer Engineering, Engineering with Business, and Engineering Systems diploma courses, acquiring relevant data analytics skillsets in the areas of Industry 4.0 and advanced manufacturing. In addition to full-time students, adult learners from relevant Continuing Education (CET) courses will also be trained in data analytics.

This latest initiative will help address the current data skills shortage faced by local engineering SMEs.

“With the rise of the industrial revolution, digital transformation is key to increasing productivity and efficiency. As a leader fuelling digital businesses, we take pride in training and empowering the next generation in the data analytics space,” said Nicolas Betbeder-Matibet, regional vice president, Asean and Greater China, Tibco.

“Students will be able to get hands-on learning in Tibco’s dedicated Centre of Excellence, leveraging Tibco Connected Intelligence solutions. Together with SP, we are committed to developing students’ industry knowledge and skills to prepare for their successful careers ahead.”

According to Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the rapid development of Industry 4.0 will see a decrease in the reliance for low-skilled labourers doing routine tasks as automation takes place.

Singapore’s engineering industry will require cross-competence skills, big data specialists, data integration experts, and cloud capacity managers in order to reap the benefits of Industry 4.0.

Full-time students will also have opportunities for collaboration in final year projects and local industrial training programmes conducted by Tibco, preparing them to be work-ready. To encourage broad participation, there will be opportunities for SP Engineering staff to work with Tibco for shorter work stints.

“Close collaboration between higher education institutions and the technology industry is crucial in preparing students to enter the workforce. We are excited about partnering with Tibco to ensure SP’s talent pool is well equipped with the right technology and skills to develop pioneering solutions for Singapore’s Industry 4.0 vision,” said Jason Lin, co-founder and director, iZeno.

“Through this collaboration, SP Engineering students and staff will be equipped with data analytics skills to meet the needs of Industry 4.0 and Advanced Manufacturing. This will enable them to excel in a rapidly changing economy and contribute to the local workforce,” said Toh Ser Khoon, acting director, School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Singapore Polytechnic.

“We are excited to have Tibco on board to support us with the latest technology in accordance with industry trends, increasing the marketability of our students.”

This is Tibco’s second collaboration with tertiary institutions in Singapore. The software provider collaborated with Nanyang Polytechnic to empower SMEs on their digital journey in August 2017.