Oracle has partnered with the Singaporean government to empower up to 10,000 students and professionals with cutting-edge digital skills such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data science by 2027. This collaboration involves Oracle working alongside the TechSkills Accelerator for the Institute of Technical Education and Polytechnics Alliance (TIP Alliance) and Oracle University to provide 300 internships and apprenticeships across five polytechnics. Additionally, Oracle University will equip 9,700 learners in Singapore with certifications and training in vital digital domains like AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data management, and autonomous databases.
Singapore's Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-in-Charge of Smart Nation and Cybersecurity, Josephine Teo, expressed optimism about the progress made towards the ambitious goals outlined in the National AI Strategy (NAIS 2.0), particularly in tripling the AI practitioner pool to 15,000 within the next five years.
According to IDC's Associate Vice President, Deepika Giri, the integration of AI into cloud applications is expected to increase significantly by 2027, posing a challenge for many organizations in Asia to find skilled AI professionals. Giri highlighted the potential hindrance this talent scarcity could pose to AI adoption across the region, stressing the importance of taking swift action to address this issue.
The internship program has already commenced, with approximately 100 students embarking on their journey. These students will undergo on-the-job training and collaborate with Oracle's industry experts. The program emphasizes foundational training in data-driven technologies, paving the way for professional-level certifications and customized training tailored to individual learning levels and educational objectives. Overall, the initiative aims to cultivate a skilled tech workforce capable of driving innovation and meeting industry demands in Singapore's rapidly evolving digital landscape.
