IDA ties up with Google to boost Singapore's analytics talent

Data driven innovation to triple in five years.

The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and Google announced the Squared Data Programme, to help meet the growing demand for analytics resources in Singapore. The programme will provide aspiring analytics professionals with the skills they need to gain a competitive edge in the world of analytics and data driven innovation.

Research released today by Analysys Mason shows that data driven innovation is a significant and fast growing contributor to Singapore's economy, helping businesses not only improve their products and services, but also reduce costs by optimising their operations.

According to Analysys Mason's report, "Data Driven Innovation in Singapore", data driven innovation currently contributes more than SGD 4.2 billion to Singapore's economy.

This is set to nearly triple in the next five years to SGD 11.6 billion, at which point the impact of data driven innovation will be more than twice as much as the utilities sector's GDP contribution today.

The Squared Data Programme is part of the IDA's Company-Led Training (CLT) Programme, an initiative which supports the industry in recruiting, mentoring and training entrant infocomm professionals in fast-growing technologies such as data and analytics; and mobile application development.

From June 2014 to May 2015, Squared Data Programme will provide 20 Singaporean fresh graduates with intensive training in analytics, and give them the opportunity to work within a Singapore media agency to gain hands-on experience. They will also receive mentoring from top industry talent throughout the programme.

"Analytics is becoming increasingly important in many industries, and the opportunities for skilled professionals in this area are immense. That's why we're so pleased to be partnering with the IDA on this initiative to grow the Singaporean talent pool in this critical sector", said Joanna Flint, Country Manager, Google Singapore.

"Data and analytics are critical, underpinning Singapore's efforts in becoming a Smart Nation. IDA has undertaken many initiatives to develop capabilities in these areas, such as the public release of government data sets and the setting up of innovation centres with the industry to pilot emerging data analytics technologies. To support these developments, a strong base of data analytics professionals is necessary.

IDA is very happy that Google has come onboard as a CLT industry partner to enhance the data analytics potential of our young infocomm talent pool, said Khoong Hock Yun, Assistant Chief Executive, Development Group, IDA.