A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was sealed between Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) and Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) to boost technology and management capabilities within Singapore’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The milestone agreement was signed by ASME President Mr Kurt Wee and Professor Tan Thiam Soon, President, Singapore Institute of Technology, with Mr Tan Kai Hoe, Chief Executive, SPRING Singapore, as the witness. The ASME-SIT MOU Signing was part of SIT’s inaugural Enterprise Nexus that provides a platform for local SMEs to network with SIT graduating students.

Under the framework of Singapore’s first broad university-industry partnership, ASME and SIT will jointly collaborate on industry projects that create value to local SMEs through technology development and enterprise. Both parties will also work closely to increase aptitude and skills training of SIT undergraduates and ASME members. In addition, to address critical industry need to draw and retain fresh talent, the MOU between ASME and SIT creates a framework to develop and augment manpower talent for SMEs in Singapore.

Professor Tan Thiam Soon, President, Singapore Institute of Technology, said, “SIT is privileged to work closely with ASME to boost productivity and create value innovatively within our local companies. There are great opportunities in Singapore’s SMEs for us to tap on; whether it is to collaborate on the Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP) for our SIT students, or for SIT faculty and staff to advise on industry projects and develop training programmes for local companies. ASME has been a valuable partner to us and helped us make in-roads with local companies. We look forward to a fruitful partnership and the development of many new, exciting industry projects in the near future.”

Mr Kurt Wee, President of ASME, said, “This MOU is particularly significant, because it is the first university-level collaboration for ASME in Singapore. I am glad that SIT is our first official tertiary partner to support the innovation for productivity improvements and business capabilities of local SMEs. SIT and ASME recognise the capabilities and resources that each Party brings and our shared desire to work together in support of one another.”

About Association of Small and Medium Enterprises
The Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1986 for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs. With wide-ranging services and programmes, ASME strives to equip member SMEs with the business knowledge and market opportunities to help them grow their businesses.

ASME, as the champion of a pro-enterprise Singapore, bridges the public and the private sectors to promote a more conducive business environment which facilitates the start-up, growth and development of a larger pool of SMEs. The two ASME flagship awards - The Entrepreneur of the Year Award and Singapore Prestige Brand Awards are in recognition of SMEs’ successes.

ASME will continue to roll out new SME-relevant programmes to enhance its position as the business association For Entrepreneurs, By Entrepreneurs.

ASME welcomes all from the SME community into our membership.
 

About Singapore Institute of Technology 

Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) is Singapore’s new autonomous university of applied learning. It aims to be a leader in innovative university education by integrating learning, industry and community.

SIT offers applied degree programmes targeted at growth sectors of the economy. As a new university, SIT offers its own applied degree programmes with a unique pedagogy that integrates work and study. It also offers specialised degree programmes in partnership with world-class universities.

To find out more about SIT, visit singaporetech.edu.sg.