30
March
2017
|
15:21
Asia/Singapore

Data science training for public sector

NUS is teaming up with the Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech) to give public sector capabilities and innovation a boost. The University will provide data science training to 2,000 public officers each year, and work with GovTech to jointly develop solutions for public sector challenges in areas like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data science.

This collaboration was announced by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, in his speech at the Internet of Things Asia 2017 Conference on 29 March.

Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost, said that the University’s strong expertise in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data science will help to accelerate the realisation of Singapore’s Smart Nation vision. “Our exciting collaboration with GovTech will train the country’s public officers in the meaningful interpretation and use of big data, and enable a broad and deep exchange of ideas and talents. This new partnership will deepen the technological capabilities of public sector agencies, and be the springboard for co-created innovative solutions to pressing issues of national concern,” he added.

Our exciting collaboration with GovTech will train the country’s public officers in the meaningful interpretation and use of big data, and enable a broad and deep exchange of ideas and talents.
— Prof Tan Eng Chye

The collaboration will also enable mutual exchange of knowledge and expertise between NUS and GovTech. Both will share its experience and insight on technological innovation gained from its respective projects. A GovTech-NUS Exchange Programme will be established to allow staff from both to be attached to each other’s organisation. NUS and GovTech will also collaborate on a data science project, and work together to develop methods and processes to strengthen cybersecurity for public agencies.

NUS students could also stand to benefit from training. NUS and GovTech will explore collaborations in various forms such as internships, final year projects and hackathons, to equip students with the necessary skills for the future workplace.

Ms Jacqueline Poh, Chief Executive of GovTech, said, “Increased adoption of data science in the public sector will transform the way that the Government delivers services to the public. We are glad to partner NUS, which will help us put this tool into the hands of 10,000 public officers over the next five years, and educate them to use it effectively.”