Deloitte University opens in Singapore

It targets 1,000 students by 2017.

As demand for talent heats up in Asia Pacific, professional services firm Deloitte has opened a branch of their Deloitte University, originally started in the US, in Singapore on Tuesday, June 27, in hopes to develop and attractfuture leaders and C-Levels.

Located in Amara Sanctuary Resort in Sentosa, Deloitte University Asia Pacific (DU AP) is an extension of Global Deloitte University and its curriculum mirrors the programs that are delivered globally to over 230,000professionals.

“We started delivering Deloitte University programmes in Asia Pacific a few years ago, and as these grew in popularity, we realised that to address the demand to consistently develop our people, we needed a permanent campus of our own,” said Ko Asami, Asia Pacific Dean, Deloitte University.

According to Asami, Singapore was chosen as the location for DU AP as it is easily accessible, a regional business hub and one of the most culturally rich places in Asia. “The city-state is one of the most diverse in the region and that diversity reflects that of our organisation,” he explained.

The DU AP curriculum will be enhanced for use in the region, through tailored elements based on the region’s needs. As it is a leader-led curriculum, Asami said that the Deloitte leaders who will teach at the facility will also be able to share their “on-the-job” experiences and knowledge, based on current Asia Pacific business needs. “This offers our people a rich, interactive and experiential learning environment, which allows them to learn first-hand skills that are relevant and applicable to their day to day work,” he said.

The curriculum includes business development, leadership, functional, and industry learning. Courses range from negotiation, developing business strategy, leadership excellence to c-suite management.

DU AP is 10 minutes by car from the Central Business District and 30 minutes by car from Changi International Airport. It is designed to be a highly accessible facility and incorporates a contemporary resort style.

“By partnering with an existing facility, we are able to provide our participants with all of the facilities and amenities they might need throughout their time at the University. Being on Sentosa, it will also give our overseas Deloitte participants the opportunity to experience a beautiful part of Singapore,” said Asami.

According to Asami, they expect that in FY17, nearly 1,000 people will participate in the DU AP curriculum. They also expect these numbers to increase year on year.

“Competition for talent in Asia Pacific in the coming years will be challenging. DU AP will help us attract and retain talent by distinguishing Deloitte from competitors and demonstrating how our people positively impact the societies they live and work in,” said Asami.