SUSS Academy Launched to Address Skills Gap for the Future Economy
- SUSS Academy’s new office was unveiled at the Lifelong Learning Institute.
- Three MOUs and an MCA were signed to bridge skills gap in growth sectors.
Singapore, 22 March 2024 - Responding decisively to the shifting needs of today’s workforce, the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) has embarked on a transformative journey with the launch of its SUSS Academy, formerly known as the Centre for Continuing and Professional Education (CCPE). With a strategic focus on forging impactful partnerships, the rebranded SUSS Academy signifies the University’s unwavering commitment to fostering personal and career growth while championing industry advancement and societal impact.
SUSS Academy’s launch was officiated by (from left): Associate Professor Guan Chong, Director of SUSS Academy; Professor Robbie Goh, Provost of SUSS; Mrs Mildred Tan, Chairman, SUSS Board of Trustees; Professor Tan Tai Yong, President of SUSS; and Associate Professor Justina Tan, Vice President, Strategic Partnership and Engagement.
The occasion was marked by an opening ceremony this morning at the SUSS Academy’s new premises housed within the Lifelong Learning Institute in Paya Lebar. About 100 staff and industry partners attended the ceremony presided by Mrs Mildred Tan, Chairman of SUSS’ Board of Trustees and SUSS President Professor Tan Tai Yong.
Adding significance to the launch, SUSS also signed three strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) partnerships and a Master Collaboration Agreement (MCA)1 with industry leaders aimed at bridging the skills gap and meeting the evolving demands of Singapore’s dynamic workforce.
SUSS Academy’s new office located at the Lifelong Learning Institute houses 10 office rooms, 30 work pods and four hot-desking spaces
Empowering the Workforce for Tomorrow’s Challenges
In alignment with the Skills Demand for the Future Economy 2023/24 report by SkillsFuture Singapore, the SUSS Academy is dedicated to addressing skill shortages and empowering individuals to excel in Singapore's Care, Green and Digital Economy sectors.
This is demonstrated by the new strategic partnerships forged today, as detailed below:
- An MOU with the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) to symbolise the launch2 of the SUSS-SUTD Professional Certification on Industry Applications of Generative AI, harnessing cutting-edge technology to address real-world challenges.
- An MOU with the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS) comprising three distinct courses on carbon management, sustainability reporting, and renewable energy. This joint certificate programme consolidates existing courses and covers essential aspects of sustainability from various angles, enabling learners to explore sustainability-related industries in depth.
- An MOU with global data, insights and consulting company Kantar Singapore to deliver courses in corporate foresight strategy to equip professionals with a comprehensive framework, embedded with practical examples and exercises necessary for strategic foresight and long-term organisational sustainability.
- An MCA with Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) to co-develop and co-deliver Continuing Education and Training (CET) programmes to equip students with in-demand skills to keep pace with rapidly evolving business needs and business transformation. Upon completion of each SUSS-NP CET programme, learners can apply for the corresponding SUSS degree programme, receiving credit recognition or transfer of up to 50 credit units. Learners can continue deepening their skills and knowledge in a related field and enhancing their pathway for further education with SUSS.
As part of an existing partnership with Deloitte, the SUSS Academy has also unveiled five new courses aimed at addressing crucial topics in the areas of sustainability and financial compliance.3 An Executive Management Masterclass Programme, in collaboration with Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan is also in the works, targeting local small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs to grow and expand their businesses to the China-ASEAN market.
In addition, the SUSS Academy will offer pro bono consultations to aid companies in reskilling their workforce with in-demand skills, as identified in Workforce Singapore’s (WSG) Jobs Transformation Map for the Information and Communications sector. The SUSS Academy will help companies develop and deliver structured on-the-job training, enabling them to leverage government funding that covers up to 90% of employee salary support under the WSG Career Conversion Programme.
Finally, the SUSS Academy will introduce a new initiative for alumni aged 40 years old and above to leverage the recent $4,000 SkillsFuture credit top-up. The Postgraduate Alumni Continuing Education Scheme will offer these alumni two free graduate CET modular courses (up to 10 credit units) to be taken within five years, and they can utilise their SkillsFuture credits to pay for subsequent courses that may lead to a full graduate qualification.4
SUSS President Professor Tan Tai Yong said: “The shift from CCPE to SUSS Academy is not just about a name change; it is a signal of our commitment to enhancing visibility, relevance, and appeal within Singapore’s dynamic CET landscape. We are putting a strong focus on partnering strategically with industry leaders because it is crucial to work together to meet the changing needs of today’s workforce. I am immensely proud of the progress we have made and the opportunities these partnerships offer for empowering individuals and organisations. With our combined efforts, we are leading the way in equipping learners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.” For more information on the SUSS Academy, please visit: https://suss.edu.sg/about-suss/suss-academy
1 A Master Collaboration Agreement (MCA) is a
legally binding agreement between two (or more) parties that outlines terms and details of a mutual understanding or agreement. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), on the other hand, is a
non-legally binding document between two (or more) parties that outlines terms and details of a mutual understanding or cooperation.
2 The SUSS-SUTD MOU signing on 22 March 2024 serves as a symbolic signing event. This MOU has been in effect from October 2023.
3 The five new courses are: (i) Introduction to Sustainable Investments; (ii) Essentials of ESG Risk Management; (iii) Net-Zero Investing Strategies; (iv) Technology Risk in Artificial Intelligence; and (v) Compliance in Financial Institutions.
4 SUSS’ graduate programmes are designed to be stackable. If the alumni on this scheme go on to complete a third course after taking the two free courses, it can lead to a Graduate Certificate, which can be stacked towards a Graduate Diploma and, subsequently, a Master’s qualification.