Enhancing Trainer Expertise: Ministry of Defence and the National University of Singapore Team Up for Skills Development
Photo credit: MINDEF
From left to right: Brigadier-General Andrew Lim, Colonel Fairoz Bin Hassan, Professor Susanna Leong and Mr Clarence Ti
26 May 2023 – The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today aimed at strengthening the functional expertise of trainers in the Singapore Army.
The MOU will allow the Army to tap on NUS’ All-You-Can-Learn (AYCL) initiative, a customisable training programme for organisations to upskill their workforce through industry-relevant courses curated from 16 NUS faculties and schools, coordinated by the NUS School of Continuing and Lifelong Education (NUS SCALE). They will also be able to leverage the knowledge and expertise of NUS Health and Wellbeing to curate relevant courses for its trainers in the domain of Psychological Sciences.
Additionally, the Army and NUS will explore and develop courses that can stack towards micro-credentials (for example, a Professional Certificate). Trainers from the Army can look forward to receive training through courses in Data Strategy, Analytics in Industry 4.0, Cognitive Behavioural Techniques, and Positive Psychology, amongst others.
The agreement was signed by Colonel Fairoz Bin Hassan, Assistant Chief of the General Staff (Training) / Deputy Commander, Training and Doctrine Command; and Professor Susanna Leong, Vice Provost (Masters’ Programmes & Lifelong Education) and Dean of NUS SCALE.
The ceremony was witnessed by Brigadier-General Andrew Lim, Commander, Training and Doctrine Command; and Mr Clarence Ti, Deputy President (Administration) at NUS.
“The Army must ensure that our people are well-placed to deliver effective, efficient and engaging training for our soldiers; and data and psychological sciences are central to enhancing our training approaches. The Army, therefore, recognises the importance of strengthening partnerships with Institutes of Higher Learning to develop our people and enhance our training methodologies. This MOU with NUS formalises our collaboration in the niche areas of Data Analytics and Psychological Sciences, in which NUS is an industry leader. We are confident that NUS’ continuing education and adult learning programmes will equip our people with relevant science- and data-based competencies; and enable us to deliver enhanced training outcomes.”
Brigadier-General Andrew Lim
Commander, Training and Doctrine Command
“We are especially excited about this partnership, as it expands the training scope beyond emerging technologies and encompasses the field of psychological sciences. This allows more of our NUS faculty members with the relevant expertise and experience to assist the Army in its upskilling and reskilling efforts. We look forward to this meaningful and impactful engagement between the Army and the University”
Professor Susanna Leong
Vice Provost (Masters’ Programmes & Lifelong Education) and Dean of NUS SCALE.
“NUS Health and Wellbeing is excited to partner the Army in leading the charge to enhance the Singapore soldier’s performance through psychological sciences. Our robust team of professionals is highly committed and brings a wealth of expertise, broad experiences as well as strong knowledge support to this partnership. Together, we look forward to co-developing supportive and enhanced training programmes to improve soldier performance, strengthening the Singapore defence ecosystem. As global practice leaders, NUS is glad to play an important role in shaping compassionate, thriving, and resilient communities.”
Mr Andrew Epaphroditus Tay
Head & Director (Health and Wellbeing)
Office of the President, NUS