1,000 SME leaders to train with Google

It is to boost their in-house digital marketing capabilities.

Google announced its plans to train Singaporean SME leaders under a programme in collaboration with AVADO, Spring, and Infocomm Media Development Authority.

The Squared Online for SMEs is a digital leadership and marketing programme aimed at fostering the next generation of digital leaders in Singapore. It will equip businesses with the knowledge and skills to boost their in-house digital marketing capabilities.

The programme also shows businesses how to reach global consumers online, building off the established Squared Online programme for large enterprises which has attracted over 1,000 students in 18 countries in Asia Pacific, including 450 students locally from organisations like Mediacorp, Prudential, iProspect, and American Express.

Google’s Regional Director for South East Asia, Global Marketing Solutions Ghislain Le Chatelier said the goal is to train a total of 1,000 business leaders by 2019.

"We know that SMEs have limited resources and that they’re looking for help to grow. Getting digital and mobile right is the key to future success. By offering a dedicated digital marketing programme for SME leaders, we hope to help them export using the web, grow their customer base and thrive in an increasingly mobile-first world,” he said

Check out the key features of the programme:

Online classes held over 24 weeks, hosted by a roster of expert tutors from around the Asia Pacific region specialising in topics such as Search Engine Marketing, Social, Mobile, and Analytics.

Three exclusive face-to-face workshops covering themes such as Data, Social and Culture, led by expert speakers such as Simon Kemp, Global Consultant of social marketing agency, “We Are Social Asia.”

Course fees funding (excluding GST) for this programme is available under IMDA’s TechSkills Accelerator - Critical Infocomm Technology Resource Programme Plus (CITREP+). Eligible trainees who successfully complete the programme may claim up to 70% of the course fees. SMEs sponsoring their employees who are Singapore Citizens may claim up to 90% of the course fees upon successful completion.