Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said the proposed student exchange programme between the Advanced Technology Training Centre (ADTEC) under the Department of Manpower (JTM) and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Singapore could strengthen international cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
He said the collaboration would provide ADTEC JTM students with an opportunity to gain exposure to different approaches to technical training, while building networks and exchanging knowledge and experiences with students from neighbouring countries.
Ramanan said TVET development could not be pursued in isolation, stressing the need for close cooperation between industry players and skills training institutions at both regional and international levels.
He said rapid technological advancements, automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and the emergence of new occupations required TVET institutions to continuously review and adapt their training content and teaching approaches to meet evolving labour market needs.
“We want ADTEC JTM to continue moving forward.
“TVET must not only prepare workers to meet the needs of today’s industries, but also produce skilled talent who are ready to face the demands of the future,” he said.
Ramanan said the ministry would coordinate with the relevant parties to finalise the framework and scope of the proposed programme before its implementation.
Also attending the meeting as part of the ITE Singapore delegation were ITE Deputy Chief Executive Officer Dr Goh Mong Song; ITE College School of Business and Services Director Tan Wee Kiang; International Office, Corporate and Development Division Assistant Director Jenn Tan; and International Office, Corporate and Development Division Senior Executive Carol Lim.
