SMRT Corporation Ltd (SMRT) and all five of Singapore’s polytechnics have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build a stronger talent pipeline for SMRT’s operations, services and businesses, and Singapore’s rail industry.

This collaboration builds upon SMRT’s ongoing efforts to enhance workforce readiness & employability, as well as support lifelong learning for its employees. Apart from rail engineering positions, SMRT offers polytechnic graduates a wide range of career opportunities, from engineers and cybersecurity experts to operations, communications and behavioural science specialists.

Working with Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, and Temasek Polytechnic, SMRT aims to expose students to practical challenges, as well as equip them with the most up-to-date knowledge and skillsets to meet evolving industry demands upon graduation.

In addition, SMRT and the polytechnics will provide their staff and alumni with upskilling and reskilling opportunities for their continuous learning and lifelong employability.

The MoU was signed today (9 Sep) by SMRT’s Group Chief Executive Officer Mr Ngien Hoon Ping; Ms Jeanne Liew, Principal & Chief Executive Officer (PCEO), Nanyang Polytechnic; Mr Lim Kok Kiang, PCEO, Ngee Ann Polytechnic; Mr Yeo Li Pheow, PCEO, Republic Polytechnic; Mr Soh Wai Wah, PCEO, Singapore Polytechnic; and Mr Peter Lam, PCEO, Temasek Polytechnic. Witnessing the signing ceremony was Minister for Education Mr Chan Chun Sing, the event’s Guest-of-Honour, and Mr Seah Moon Ming, Chairman, SMRT Corporation.

Mr Ngien said: “The signing of the MOU between Singapore’s five polytechnics and SMRT underscores our strong and long-term commitment to offer job opportunities for graduating students, and provide for continuous industry-relevant training and lifelong education for our SMRT staff. The cross-attachment of polytechnic teaching staff to SMRT to acquire first-hand industry experiences, and SMRT staff to the polytechnics to share industry knowledge, will allow for the development of curriculum and teachings that are relevant to the land transport industry needs. Through this close collaboration, students can transit seamlessly upon graduation and contribute to the transport industry, with up-to-date skillsets. This will be win-win for all.”

To strengthen the connection between classroom knowledge and industry expertise, we will formalise the initiative to encourage teaching staff from all the polytechnics to be attached at SMRT through flexible arrangements that best suit their needs. Conversely, SMRT engineers will have teaching stints at the polytechnics to facilitate continuous learning. Equipment and facilities will be made available for both student and staff training. SMRT will also support the polytechnics in the development of curricula for courses such as service leadership.

For the workforce, SMRT and the polytechnics will collaborate on in-demand relevant Continuing Education and Training (CET) programmes to meet industry needs, drive workforce transformation, and provide career development opportunities for staff. When opportunities arise, SMRT and polytechnic staff can work together on projects to deepen industry knowledge and expertise, for the benefit of the land transport eco-system.