Google-backed programme aims to train 1,000 Singaporean SME leaders

On 19 April, tech giant Google announced plans to work with training provider AVADO, SPRING SPRING Singapore and Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to launch Squared Online for SMEs, a digital leadership and marketing programme aimed at fostering the next generation of digital leaders in Singapore.

Squared Online for SMEs is designed to equip businesses and their leaders of the future with the right tools and a global mindset to embrace emerging opportunities in digital. The aim is to train 1,000 business leaders from SMEs by 2019 and 120 participants per cohort can take part.

Khoong Hock Yun, assistant chief executive (development), Infocomm Media DevelopmentAuthority said: “As Singapore presses ahead with our transformation into a digital economy, we are heartened that industry players such as Google are taking an active role in supporting local businesses,particularly SMEs to build up their digital capabilities.”

In a statement to Human Resources, AVADO shared that in line with Singapore government’s “SMEs Go Digital Programme”, Squared Online aims to equip SMEs with the knowledge and skills to boost their in-house digital marketing capabilities.

Key features of the programme include:

•  Online classes held over 24 weeks, hosted by a roster of experts from around the Asia Pacific region specialising in topics like analytics
•  Three exclusive face-to-face workshops led by expert speakers, featuring around 40 participants per session
• Course funding (excluding GST) for successful trainees will be up to 70% of the course fees. Additionally, SMEs sponsoring their employees who are Singapore Citizens may claim up to 90% of the course fees upon successful completion.

Ghislain Le Chatelier, Google’s regional director for South East Asia, Global Marketing Solutions said, “We know that SMEs have limited resources and that they’re looking for help to grow. Getting digital and mobile right is the key to future success. By offering a dedicated digital marketing programme for SME leaders, we hope to help them export using the web, grow their customer base and thrive in an increasingly mobile-first world.”

The first cohort will start the programme on 3 May 2017. Participants will be able to access the live classes from the Virtual Campus online, while the face-to-face workshops will be held at Google office in Singapore.

ALSO READ: Employers to pay S$120 per worker for new SME membership scheme

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