In an age where skills are becoming more valuable than knowledge, work experience is a highly-coveted prize.
Often, polytechnic and Institute of Technical Education (ITE) students have an edge over their junior college peers due to hands-on learning and compulsory work attachments.
And now, some lucky ITE students may get an even bigger advantage after President Halimah Yacob signed several agreements with Germany on Monday (9 Dec).
The 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) largely cover education and innovation, according to a report by Channel NewsAsia (CNA).
Most exciting is perhaps the agreement with engineering and technology company, Bosch, which produces high-quality appliances.
If all goes well, Bosch will provide training attachments to selected ITE students who will gain valuable firsthand experience.
Their massive research campus offers state-of-the-art facilities like labs, workshops and tons of space for work and study.
With thousands of brilliant minds around them and endless resources, we’re sure it’ll be a fruitful experience for the students.
Plans to expand networks for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to break the German market more easily are also in the pipeline.
In addition, Bosch will be setting up an innovation hub in Singapore to develop an internal start-up network.
Since Germany is Singapore’s largest European Union (EU) trade partner, the new agreements may be good for our economy.
CNA reports that Madam Halimah’s state visit was the first by a Singapore President since we forged diplomatic ties 54 years ago.
For them to arrive at such a positive conclusion truly bodes well for future relations and progress for our respective countries.
Most of all, we’re excited for the ITE students who will get to enjoy the potential benefits from the agreements. Let’s hope that everything will fall into place!
Featured image adapted from Bosch.
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