On Monday (5 August), Google and UOB launched the SME Leadership Academy, a free training programme for business leaders.
The programme targets small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them transform digitally and grow their competence in the digital economy.
Google and UOB said the next cohort of the programme will begin on 13 August 2019, and there will be ongoing cohorts every quarter until end-2020.
Supported by the Digital Industry Singapore (DISG) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), the programme will equip as many as 400 leaders in SMEs with skills to capitalise on the internet economy.
According to The Straits Times (ST), participants will go through the three-day course conducted by business leaders from Google, UOB, and other organisations.
The SME Leadership Academy is built on Google’s Go Global programme which has helped more than 2,700 SMEs enter the global market.
More than 100 SMEs across various industries like retail, F&B, engineering, and travel had participated in the pilot programme, and it was developed based on feedback gathered from them.
The feedback identified the top three obstacles as:
- Internal hurdles such as a lack of effective digitalisation strategies
- Lack of talent with sufficient digital know-how and capacity
- Cost/resource constraints
Through the lessons and discussions in the programme, SMEs will gain insights and practical guidance on how they can use digital solutions to improve and enhance productivity.
Content will include educating participants on data-driven HR strategies such as best practices on work culture, and hiring and leading; creating digital marketing strategies; and utilising enterprise software and tools.
Stephanie Davis, Managing Director, Google Southeast Asia said, “SMEs are the bedrock of Singapore’s economy, and helping them succeed is paramount to building a bright future in the digital economy.”
“Through the SME Leadership Academy, we are equipping business leaders with the knowledge, tools and connections to help them adapt to the changing markets and customer needs and grow profitably.”
“To capture opportunities in the digital economy in Singapore and beyond, we have to empower our SMEs to leverage technology and upskill their capabilities,” said Mr Kiren Kumar, Chief Digital Industry Officer, DISG.
“The SME Leadership Academy is an exciting opportunity for local business leaders to obtain skills to accelerate their digital transformation.”
SME business leaders who are interested to take part in the SME Leadership Academy can express their interest here.
Featured Image Credit: Google Singapore
