SINGAPORE – More than 10,000 people here will be trained in advanced data and artificial intelligence (AI) skills over the next three years, as part of a partnership between Databricks, NTUC LearningHub and the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) ICT Academy.
The data and AI firm will collaborate with the two in offering data and Al courses and certifications, both for existing data and AI professionals, and those who are new to the field.
These courses will help participants master the fundamentals of data and Al technology, build awareness of common data and Al workloads and leverage relevant Databricks tools and services, the firm said.
The move was announced by Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How during Databricks’ Data + Al World Tour Singapore event, held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre on Aug 30.
“Such initiatives help to create new upskilling and reskilling opportunities for our workers and build this culture of lifelong learning in our ecosystem,” said Mr Tan, adding that Databricks has already helped train more than 3,000 data and AI professionals here since 2021, when it entered Singapore.
Both NTUC LearningHub and the NUS ICT Academy are training partners under the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s Information and Communications Jobs Transformation Map.
As part of the tie-up, NTUC LearningHub and Databricks will develop a series of digital and in-person training programmes via the continuous education and training arm of the National Trades Union Congress’ Tech Talent Academy, said Mr Amos Tan, chief core skills officer for NTUC LearningHub.
The training will include areas such as data engineering and Databricks’ “lakehouse” architecture, which draws data from various sources to help improve analytics, said Mr Ed Lenta, Databricks’ Asia-Pacific and Japan senior vice-president and general manager.
“We expect to continue to invest in training and enablement for the people of Singapore for a long time to come,” he added.
In March, Microsoft announced tie-ups with SkillsFuture Singapore and NTUC LearningHub to introduce AI training initiatives for people and businesses here.
On Aug 22, Digital Development and Information Minister Josephine Teo encouraged professionals in all sectors to acquire AI skills as new courses and career pathways are being developed.
Singapore is also Databricks’ regional hub for the Asia-Pacific and Japan, with plans to increase its headcount here, Mr Tan Kiat How announced.
The San Francisco-based firm is working with the Economic Development Board to add critical roles in areas such as field engineering, professional services and strategy, with more details to be announced in 2025.
“Databricks has also committed to hiring more senior leaders based in Singapore for their regional roles,” Mr Tan Kiat How added.
Valued at US$43 billion (S$56 billion), Databricks specialises in enterprise tools for companies to streamline and manage data and harness it for AI applications.
The company currently has about 800 staff across the Asia-Pacific region, more than 150 of whom are based in Singapore.
Its customers here include the Central Provident Fund Board and ride-hailing giant Grab, which used Databricks’ Data Intelligence Platform to develop an in-house solution and made it easier for employees to access consumer data and insights.
Businesses such as Databricks are attracted to Singapore due to strengths such as its skilled workforce, said Mr Tan Kiat How.
“These are further enhanced by our policies that support businesses’ entry into Singapore, transparent regulatory practices, and a reputation for stability and neutrality,” he added, noting these are “important assets” the country safeguards and invests in to ensure its continued relevance.
Databricks will also help Singapore fulfil its AI ambitions, he said, pointing to the Republic’s refreshed National AI Strategy announced in December 2023.
“Singapore also made huge investments in local digital infrastructure, which is important to not just us, but to our customers and our partners,” said Mr Lenta.
Noting that the firm had more than tripled its Singapore-based workforce over the past three years, Mr Lenta said he was excited to continue growing the firm here and contribute to the Republic’s data and AI ecosystem by helping upskill students and workers.
