Alibaba launches talent programme in Singapore

Chinese ecommerce behemoth Alibaba launched the Alibaba Talent Programme in Singapore, with the intent of developing a cadre of technologists armed with future-facing knowledge and skills.

The four-year programme, which will kick off with its first intake in January next year, aims to groom research & development talent in Singapore, particularly in the field of computer science. It will also give participants a chance to spend their time in some of Alibaba’s research facilities located in China and Singapore.

Those who do particularly well during their stint will have the opportunity to join Alibaba as permanent employees.

“Developing new and disruptive ideas is crucial, and we are committed to nurturing talent who would be the driving force of the next wave of technology innovation,” said Liu Xiangwen, senior director of the Alibaba Technology Strategy Department.

“All our PhD students involved at the Alibaba-NTU Joint Research Institute will also have hands-on experience in developing and deploying systems involving AI, data analytics, blockchain, internet of things, neural networks, automation and cyber security, all of which are critical for the smooth running of a Smart Campus and a Smart Nation,” said Lam Khin Yong, an NTU vice president and co-chair of the Alibaba-NTU Singapore Joint Research Institute.

With support from Nanyang Technological University and the Singapore Economic Development Board, the Alibaba Talent Program is open to Singapore citizens or permanent residents who have graduated from a local university or selected international universities.

Applicants to the programme should have bachelor’s or master’s qualifications in subjects such as computer science or engineering, electrical, electronic, mathematics, or physics – while currently pursuing a PhD in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things.