United Overseas Bank (UOB) has entered into a partnership with Singapore Management University (SMU) and has set up a scholarship with SMU to deepen the data skillsets among Singapore’s pipeline of talent. 

The aim of this partnership is to prepare them for the increasingly significant role data plays in driving informed business decisions and strategies for organizations. This is the first full-tuition scholarship in Singapore to support top students in an accounting and data analytics tertiary programme.

The UOB and SMU’s scholars will undergo SMU’s Master of Science in Accounting (Data and Analytics), or MSA, programme. In addition, they will also be able to deepen their skills and expertise through a 12-week internship programme at UOB.

Richard Lowe, Chief Data Officer, UOB, said, “At UOB, we are committed to developing the skillsets needed to succeed in the digital economy. The UOB-SMU MSA Scholarship is one way in which we can help spur higher learning in the area of data and analytics – something that is vital in our data-driven and interconnected world.”

The programme, which may be completed full-time or part-time, is designed for professionals who are interested in developing expertise in applying data technology into their domain knowledge to solve business problems, especially in the finance and accounting sectors.

Dean, School of Accountancy and Lee Kong Chian Chair Professor of Accounting Cheng Qiang said, “The MSA programme is the first specialized Master programme in accounting data and analytics in Asia. Unlike other postgraduate analytics programmes, the MSA’s data and analytics track goes deep into the application of data technology in the accounting and finance domain. Armed with the knowledge of machine learning and data analytics, our graduates will be better equipped to bring value to their workplaces, from banks and audit firms to technology companies.”

The UOB-SMU MSA scholarship has been awarded to two enterprising students in the MSA programme.

This year has seen quite a few skilling initiatives being launched in Singapore to develop talent for the future. In July this year, SAP, SkillsFuture Singapore, and Polytechnics signed a MoU to launch SAP Skills University Singapore. Targeted at mid-career individuals, the professional conversion programmes aim to help these individuals gain new skills and transit into the ICT sector. These initiatives are much needed as changing business models and increasing automation call for a reskilled workforce ready for the jobs of the future.

Image Credits: SMU