Public and private sector leaders announce initiatives to strengthen Singapore's tech future at SGTech celebration

SGTech, the trade association for the tech industry in Singapore, has marked its 40th anniversary with a gala dinner and several milestone announcements.

The event was graced by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Heng Swee Keat, Senior Minister of State (SMS) for Sustainability and the Environment Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for National Development and Communications and Information Tan Kiat How, and Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Defence Zaqy Mohamad.

SGTech Chair Wong Wai Meng said: “Forty years is a significant milestone in our journey, and we have to thank our pioneers for their hard work and dedication that brought us where we are. While we have come a long way, there is still much to be accomplished. I hope SGTech will continue to grow as an association and play a leading role in facilitating local, regional, and global partnerships between the government and the tech industry. 

"We will strive toward positioning Singapore as a global tech powerhouse with top leadership in the digital economy and be an active advocate for our members. I look forward to co-creating a bright future for Singapore’s tech industry, in the next 40 years and beyond.”

In a speech at the gala dinner, Singapore Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Heng Swee Keat formally announced the establishment of the TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) for ITE and Polytechnics Alliance (TIP Alliance) by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). The formation of the TIP Alliance was first shared by Senior Minister of State for National Development and Communications and Information Tan Kiat How during the Ministry of Communications and Information’s Committee of Supply debates earlier this year. 

The TIP Alliance is aimed at providing 1,000 students and graduates from Singapore's polytechnics and institutes of technical education (ITEs) with end-to-end support in kickstarting their careers in the tech sector over the three years. It will include private sector internships to allow students to acquire in-demand skills such as those of data engineers, database administrators and application developers. After graduation, the ITE and polytechnic graduates will be able to take up apprenticeships at participating companies under place-and-train programmes. This allows them to learn the ropes for information and communications technology (ICT) roles more easily.

SMS Tan added: “I am delighted to bring together SGTech and Singapore Computer Society (SCS) – two of IMDA’s longest standing TAC partners – on board the TeSA for ITE and Polytechnics Alliance. At the Ministry of Communications and Information’s Committee of Supply debates earlier this year, I shared the formation of the TIP Alliance to deliver structured, end-to-end pathways, to support polytechnic and ITE graduates in acquiring industry-relevant skills and have exciting and fulfilling careers in tech. I am very pleased that this initiative has received strong support from SGTech, SCS, and employers across tech and non-tech sectors alike. I welcome more employers to come onboard the Alliance.”

The need for developing and fostering a pipeline of tech leaders in Singapore remained a strong theme during the night as Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Defence Zaqy Mohamad launched the SGTech Alumni Leaders Network during the gala.

In recognition of the instrumental role that its chapters, committees and council leaders play in the journey of tech in Singapore and to chart the way forward, the Alumni Leaders Network will see SMS Zaqy along with past SGTech Chairs and Councillors join a distinguished community to help elevate SGTech’s voice in key events, and mentor young tech talents in mentorship programmes.

"SGTech has played an important role over the decades to bring industry players together and forge collaborations with the Government to drive growth and innovation in the tech ecosystem and the economy. I was privileged to serve as a former Council member of SGTech and am heartened to see SGTech achieve its 40th anniversary milestone in service of Singapore's tech sector. It gives me great pleasure to officiate the launch of SGTech’s Alumni Leaders Network, which will serve to empower, engage and elevate our tech talent in Singapore." said SMS Zaqy Mohamad.
 

Source: SGTech. The SGTech Alumni Leaders Network aims to bring together leaders of various SGTech chapters, committees and councils who have been instrumental in Singapore’s tech journey, including Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Defence Zaqy Mohamad. Alumni members will be involved in SGTech’s initiatives, including speaking at key events, and involved in mentorship programmes benefitting and grooming the next generation of tech leaders.