Summarized from TODAY Online
13 January 2015

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) has launched four new applied degree programmes of its own, as it prepares for its largest intake this year — 2,080.

In anticipation of industry demand for professionals in selected sectors, the university, which caters mostly to diploma-holders, will offer degree programmes in Pharmaceutical Engineering, Information and Communications Technology (Information Security), Hospitality Business, and Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering (Building Services) — the last includes a masters degree programme.

In addition, it is jointly offering a Systems Engineering (ElectroMechanical Systems) degree programme with DigiPen Institute of Technology.

Speaking at a press conference today (Jan 13), president of SIT Tan Thiam Soon said: “They are industries we see not only (having) a shortage of professionals right now but they’re industries we can see thriving long into the future. These are areas we know we need lots of professionals to help in many of the transformations Singapore has to go through in the next 20, 30 years.”

Although the majority of its courses are related to the field of science and technology, Prof Tan said the university will also be open to other areas like hospitality businesses, which is facing immense pressure to improve productivity and where technology will play a huge role in transforming the industry.

As part of all SIT degree programmes, students will be attached to companies for eight to 12 months to gain work experience. In addition, the new Enterprise & Innovation Hub (E&I Hub) will give students the opportunity to collaborate with companies on projects that can potentially be commercialised to solve problems in the industry.