Microsoft and ITE Launch Authorized Prometric Testing Center

On 27 January, Microsoft Singapore, together with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), launched the Authorized Prometric Testing Centre (APTC) for Microsoft certification, making ITE the first Post-Secondary Education Institution to host the facility. The APTC was officially opened at the ITE College East by Ms Jessica Tan, Managing Director, Microsoft Singapore, and Mr Bruce Poh, Director and CEO, ITE.

Mr Sukhdev Singh, Regional Sales Director, Microsoft Learning, Microsoft Asia Pacific; Mr Bruce Poh, Director and CEO, ITE; Ms Jessica Tan, Managing Director, Microsoft Singapore.

The APTC will be open to ITE students and the public to take the globally-recognized Microsoft certification. At the facility, ITE will train students to be certified in, but not limited to, Windows Server 2008 or Windows 7 certification exam. With the certification and training to build overall IT skills and capabilities, graduates can look forward to improving their employability and furthering their careers in fields such as network management, software development and systems engineering.

In addition to this, the certification will also enhance prospects of students to gain admission into local polytechnics to higher-level academic qualifications. Through the APTC, ITE will offer shorter and job-focused curriculum to meet the immediate needs of working adults seeking to upgrade their skills set. The shortened timeframe to attain the certification will enable graduates to achieve market relevant skills in a shorter time, which is a critical factor in enhancing employability in an economy that is already showing signs of a slowdown.

“For many years, Microsoft Singapore has been deeply committed to contributing to Singapore’s talent development and capacity building. By aligning these initiatives with the need for inclusive growth, we are delighted to partner with ITE to address the future employability potential of its students. We believe this long term commitment will contribute to developing a quality workforce, which will in turn be the catalyst to drive the future global competitiveness of Singapore,” said Ms Tan.

Also at the opening ceremony, Microsoft presented ITE with a cheque for S$10,000 to provide assistance to needy students to get certified with any Microsoft professional exam. It is estimated that more than 80 students will benefit from this contribution over the next 12 months. In addition, these students will also be able to purchase the Microsoft Office suite of applications at a heavily discounted price.

The APTC was established as part of the wider Education Alliance Agreement (EAA) signed between Microsoft and ITE in 2009. ITE was the first EAA partner in Singapore, joining more than 6,000 Microsoft IT Academies worldwide that provide curriculum and IT skills training to students so they can reach their academic and career potential.

Under the ITE-Microsoft Education Alliance Agreement, Microsoft will also offer internship opportunities to eligible ITE students. By doing so, students would have the opportunity to turn their knowledge and skills into actual work experience in the industry.

For ITE Alumni with the passion for entrepreneurship, Microsoft, under its Microsoft BizSpark program, would also provide software, support and visibility to help them start their business.

“ITE’s partnership with Microsoft has enabled us to leverage on an industry leader’s technology and capabilities to enhance our curriculum and improve our skills training, so that when our students graduate, their skills are relevant, they are demanded by industry and are able to add value to their employers,” said Mr Poh.

“ITE’s partnership with Microsoft has enabled us to leverage on an industry leader’s technology and capabilities to enhance our curriculum and improve our skills training, so that when our students graduate, their skills are relevant, they are demanded by industry and are able to add value to their employers.”
- Mr Bruce Poh, Director and CEO, ITE

Microsoft Singapore Newscenter: https://microsoftsgnews.com/?p=439