NYP continues revamp of polytechnic education with launch of new course in AI and data engineering
Published on 06 Jun 2021
New course to use the exclusive and ground-breaking Professional Competency Model (PCM). The NYP Diploma in Game Development & Technology also converts to PCM.
SINGAPORE, 02 June 2021 – Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) has launched a new Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering (DADE). The diploma, to be offered under NYP's School of Engineering, will be available for the first time under the upcoming Early Admissions Exercise1 in June – for intake in 2022.
AI and data engineers are in high demand as the technology is sweeping across almost all sectors. Machines are now able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as recognition of patterns, decision-making, and translation between concepts at accelerated rates. Data-driven decision making has become a crucial way companies move ahead. Companies are increasingly realising the potential of AI technology – and by one account, the global revenues for the AI market are expected to cross the milestone USD$500 billion mark by 20242.
The DADE will be taught under NYP’s Professional Competency Model (PCM). Co-created with industry leaders, the revolutionary PCM moves away from the usual subject-based approach in school, towards a competency-based model that mirrors workplace practices.
So instead of taking maths as a subject, the learner now uses the appropriate part of maths and statistics, and learns how to apply these concepts alongside the relevant software and technology – so as to accomplish a specific work task: For example, collecting and analysing data from sensors and presenting findings to top management for the next business decision.
A key feature of the PCM is that industry partners co-develop the course, and in some cases, co-teach alongside NYP lecturers. In this particular Competency Unit called “Sensor Data Collection & Analysis”, specialists from OMRON Electronics – a unit of the global OMRON Group – will co-teach NYP learners how to deal with real-world smart sensor systems, an area in which they are world leaders. Microsoft Azure AI fundamentals will then be applied to enrich learners’ abilities to apply AI and data analytics to real-world tools used in the intelligent cloud and intelligent edge. A communications lecturer then works with her technical expert counterpart to show learners how to communicate the findings, in a business context and setting.
Another advantage: Because the partners contribute their proprietary teaching materials, students receive additional industry certifications in addition to their diploma, giving them an edge over their peers.
Ms Jeanne Liew, Principal & CEO of NYP, said: “The PCM model results in a more agile and highly relevant curriculum. NYP can quickly pick up changes or updates in skills because we are working with global leaders who can map out how technologies are changing. New developments can be easily plugged into the PCM, while obsolete technologies or areas are removed. This ensures that our learners will always be equipped with the most relevant skills to tackle any job task with ease.”
DADE is the first engineering diploma in Singapore to integrate the development of engineering, AI and data skills holistically. Industry partners involved are Microsoft, NVIDIA, AI Singapore, OMRON Electronics and the AI Professionals Association. Students will have the opportunity to receive certifications for Azure AI Fundamentals, Chartered AI Engineer (CAIE) Associate Level Professional Qualification, and the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute (DLI) certificate in Fundamentals of Deep Learning. More information can be found at here.
Additionally, NYP is converting its existing Diploma in Game Development & Technology (DGDT) to come under PCM. Applications for the 2022 intake will begin during the EAE exercise later this month.
The DGDT focuses on the technical aspect of game development, equipping learners with crucial programming skills. Students will also be trained in emerging technology areas such as extended reality, which blends the user’s experience of the physical and virtual environments. Key partners including Koei Tecmo Singapore, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Ubisoft Singapore, and Unity Technologies Singapore have expressed support for this model. In addition, students will also continue to enjoy opportunities to develop games on the PlayStation® platform, as NYP’s School of Design & Media (SDM) remains the only school in Southeast Asia granted access to PlayStation® development kits. Hence, NYP is able to offer training in games development on the platform. More information can be found at here.
Said Ms Liew: “The conversion of another diploma into the PCM mode is a significant milestone for NYP, as we work closely with industry partners to ensure that we prepare our learners with future-ready skills. The roll out of these diplomas under the PCM is testament to NYP’s industry heritage, and strong ties with industry partners over the years.”
NYP will be progressively converting other diplomas to PCM. It anticipates that all of its courses will come on stream with PCM in five years’ time.
History of Professional Competency Model (PCM) : Factsheet
Quotes from Industry Partners : Factsheet
1 Please see the https://eae.polytechnic.edu.sg The Polytechnic Early Admissions Exercise (Poly EAE) is an aptitude-based admissions exercise that allows students to apply for and receive conditional offers for admission to polytechnics prior to receiving their final grades.
2 https://www.itnews.asia/news/global-ai-market-continues-to-scale-upward-in-2021-561498