Alibaba Business College chooses Singapore as the first country out of China, to launch the holistic digital e-commerce skills programme
 

1. Singapore, 22 November 2017 – A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is signed by the National Trades Union Congress’ (NTUC) e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) and LearningHub (LHUB™), Alibaba Business College (ABC) and Nanyang International Business College (NIBC) at the Internet Thinkers’ Conference today to kickstart the partnerships in uplifting e-commerce adoption in Singapore. The MOU signifies the partners’ commitment to collaborate closely to identify and close knowledge and skills gaps of working individuals, business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, and help them deepen their competencies in areas such as the latest e-commerce trends, online retailing, and acquire digital marketing knowledge and skills.

2. The Alibaba Business College is planning to launch the holistic digital e-commerce skills programme in countries under the One Belt, One Road initiative, to train many e-commerce talents. Singapore is the first country out of China to launch the programme. The ABC and NIBC will provide the trainers and curriculum, together with LHUB™ and e2i to run the programme in Singapore targeting at business owners, especially the Small-and-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and individuals who are interested to explore opportunities in the e-commerce world.

3. Digitalisation and technology disruptions are transforming the economic landscape and the way businesses operate. The world is increasingly connected by highly efficient E-commerce systems. In Asia, China’s e-commerce sector and digital economy have seen exponential growth that is powered by entrepreneurship and creativity through platforms such as Taobao and Tmall which are managed by the Alibaba Group, China. The digital economy is thriving and growing fast around the world.

4. By learning how major e-commerce platforms work and integrate, not only within China and Asia, but across the globe, Singapore-based enterprises and workers can gain a competitive edge in buying and selling on global e-commerce markets, and help propel Singapore to be a leading global digital e-commerce hub.

5. The programme targets SME business owners, MNC executives, and working individuals etc, who want to learn and apply e-commerce technical skills. The programme consists of learnings on e-commerce (knowledge map, business models, main platforms etc.), online retailing (techniques, market data, user interface etc.), and digital marketing (platform tools, marketing campaigns, user experience etc.). The entire training course will be delivered in Singapore and conducted in English language. Upon completion of the programme, course participants will receive certification endorsed by the Alibaba Business College. The first batch programme will start from January 2018.

6. Dr Koh Chin Yee, Dean of NIBC said, “Singapore has very good Internet connectivity and technical infrastructure. The population is well educated and connected to both the East, especially China and Southeast Asia, and the West. The city-state’s e-commerce industry is still young and has a potential to grow five to ten times. Meanwhile, Singapore is a good base to test-bed strategies before Chinese companies launch or expand into Southeast Asian and Western markets. We therefore decide to import this digital e-commerce skills programme as it is a good step in equipping Singaporeans the important skills of e-commerce and digital marketing.”

7. Mr Gilbert Tan, Chief Executive Officer of e2i said, “The partnership with Alibaba Business College and Nanyang International Business College signifies a milestone for the e-commerce landscape in Singapore. Course participants will learn and gain insights about the different major e-commerce platforms and business models, directly from the e-commerce giant Alibaba Group. It is important that as the economy transforms, our workforce and businesses are in sync with the changes and keep up with the different e-commerce strategies that may be useful to help them innovate and enable businesses to stay sustainable. e2i is committed to grow the e-commerce share of total retail receipts together with Alibaba Business College and Nanyang International Business College.”

8. Mr Kwek Kok Kwong, Chief Executive Officer of LHUB™ said, “E-commerce has disrupted the way retail businesses operate everywhere, whether it is business to business, business to consumer or consumer to consumer transactions. Through e-commerce, there will be a lot of opportunities beyond our own shores and we are eager to help individual entrepreneurs and businesses acquire this very important skills of the Internet era of e-commerce.”

9. Following today’s MOU signing is the commencement of the Internet Thinkers Conference, a one-day forum congregating thinkers and practitioners who study and shape the Internet and new civilization. Singapore is the first South East Asian country to hold this conference. Keynote speakers include Professor Zhu Jiaming, one of “The Four Gentlemen” who pressed for China’s economic reforms in 1980s (China’s retiring top politician Wang Qishan is among the four) and Mr Duan Yongchao, a thought leader and Internet strategist.

10. By bringing in thinkers and practitioners in the spheres of Internet, digital economy, technology, art and culture, the Conference hopes to study the new phenomenon and new thoughts that have emerged and are emerging; and to foresee how technology, art, culture, innovations and the bit space would interact in inspiring the re-engineering of a new civilization. Some 200 speakers and participants joined the Conference held at the Art House, Singapore.

11. Alibaba Business College looks forward to work with the MOU partners to organise seminars, forums and workshops in the near future to benefit Singapore’s SME business owners, MNC executives, and working individuals.