To support undergraduates seeking internships in an uncertain market amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) is partnering human resources consultancy WiseNet Asia, and the Chongqing Yubei District People’s Government (YDPG) to offer internship opportunities in areas such as big data and artificial intelligence (AI).
These internship and employment opportunities, found primarily in the Yubei District, a burgeoning tech and innovation hub in Chongqing, China, will be open to NTU Singapore students across all disciplines. The Yubei District is home to the Xiantao International Big Data Valley, where more than 700 companies have set up offices, including big names such as Microsoft and Qualcomm.
NTU Deputy President and Provost Professor Ling San, WiseNet Asia Consulting Director Mr Diron Chua, and Communist Party of China Yubei District Committee Vice Secretary Mr Tan Qing inked the agreement yesterday at the fifth Joint Implementation Committee Meeting for the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity, at The Treasury building, Singapore. Mr Tan, who is also the Chief Executive of YDPG, signed the agreement remotely via video conferencing.
Joining them at the event were Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Affairs Josephine Teo. Chongqing Party Secretary Chen Min’er, and Chongqing Mayor Tang Liangzhi witnessed the signing through video conferencing.
The collaboration seeks to leverage each party’s strengths, experience, and capabilities in order to facilitate increased collaboration in talent development and mobility between Chongqing, China and Singapore.
Prof Ling San said: “During this period of unprecedented challenges, it is even more crucial to give our students a competitive edge in securing employment. The internship opportunities that arise from NTU’s collaboration with WiseNet and the Chongqing Yubei District People’s Government will allow our students to experience the vibrancy and agility of the tech companies in Chongqing, and build up expertise in fast-growing fields such as big data and AI. Students may even get full-time employment opportunities arising from this collaboration. It will also give our students an opportunity to understand our region better, so that they are well-prepared to thrive in other countries and cultures, including in Asia.”
Mr Wesley Hui, Director of WiseNet Asia, said: “We are excited to be working together with NTU Singapore and Chongqing Yubei District People’s Government in talent development. Talents are a constant priority in companies of any size. When young workers are groomed from the start of their career, they are conditioned with the right mindsets, values and the tenacity to withstand tough challenges. These are the soft factors that make up successful leaders.”
Internships to start second half of 2020
The placements that are expected to start in the second half of this year will see NTU students being offered internship opportunities in the Yubei District, as well as industry networking opportunities, with the help of YDPG and WiseNet.
In addition to being given an allowance, students who are successfully recruited as interns will have their visas, accommodation and meals taken care of.
WiseNet will coordinate with companies on the selection and placement of potential interns, while YPDG will take care of the students’ visas, accommodation and meals for up to six months.
As part of the agreement, NTU will contribute to the human capital development of executives in Chongqing through its postgraduate programmes and executive courses.
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