Singapore Institute of Technology inks deals to plug industry knowledge gap, spur innovation

Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) has partnered the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) to establish tripartite relationships with local enterprises to spur industry innovation, build talent pipeline, and enhance transfer of tech know-how. 

With the partnership, A*Star researchers will be put on secondment to companies, providing technical expertise and mentoring SIT interns during their work-study programme. 

“In this current climate of economic disruption, such collaborations are even more crucial to help companies identify technology and skill gaps, as well as enable them to pivot to new markets or explore innovation of new products and services,” said Professor Tan Sze Wee, A*Star Assistant Chief Executive of Enterprise.

Second Minister for Trade and Industry Dr Tan See Leng also urged local enterprises to embrace science and technology as a crucial competitive advantage in the global economy, at an event organised by A*Star and Enterprise Singapore. 

“To sail forward amidst the winds of change, SMEs must adapt, pivot and transform to thrive in the new environment,” he said. 

SIT also inked a deal with the Professional Engineers Board (PEB) to strengthen the continuing education and training framework for aspiring engineers. Both parties will jointly develop the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination, a requirement for registration as a professional engineer.

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In SIT’s partnership with DSO National Laboratories (DSO), both parties will set up a joint laboratory at SIT@Dover in early 2021, with aims to spearhead applied research efforts for potential defence and commercial use.