Temasek Polytechnic (TP) is the first institute of higher learning to launch a multidisciplinary digital technologies & AI centre with Amazon Web Services (AWS), FutureX. Students and staff across all TP schools can cross-collaborate to build upon shared resources for better learning outcomes. Co-led by TP and AWS, FutureX is located within the TP School of Informatics & IT (IIT) and serves as a central hub for innovation and collaboration. 

FutureX started operations on 30 September 2024 and is part of TP’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its educational framework, enhancing learning and teaching, aligned with the National AI Strategy (NAIS) 2.0. Students and staff in TP will be able to gain hands-on experience, technical skills development, and professional certifications in AWS technologies. 

As part of the collaboration, AWS will also participate in TP’s Industry-in-Residence Programme, providing access to AWS training resources, technical training, and mentorship. TP and AWS will also co-develop industry projects, related to teaching and learning, cloud computing, and other emerging technology areas. Additionally, AWS will facilitate student internships and employment opportunities. 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on 3^rd October 2024 by Mr Peter Lam, Principal & CEO of TP and Ms Elsie Tan, Worldwide Public Sector, AWS Singapore Country Manager during the AWS Public Sector Day event at Raffles City Convention Centre.

Mr Tang Ming Fai, Director of the School of IIT at TP said, “This partnership with AWS marks a significant milestone for Temasek Polytechnic’s digital innovation efforts. It reflects our commitment to fostering a digitally-driven educational ecosystem and producing industry-ready graduates. By collaborating with industry leaders, we foster a dynamic ecosystem where our students can learn from experts, contribute to real-world projects, and develop an innovative mindset to prepare them for the future economy.” 

Elsie Tan, Worldwide Public Sector, Singapore Country Manager, AWS, said, “AWS is proud to extend our collaboration with Temasek Polytechnic with the launch of FutureX, a center that will empower students with cloud computing and AI skills essential for the digital economy. Through hands-on training, industry projects, and AWS experts on-campus, students will gain practical experience using AWS services to drive innovation. As part of our AWS AI Spring Workforce commitment, this underscores our dedication to developing Singapore’s future-ready talent and nurturing the next generation of cloud and AI builders.”

Innovating with Industry Expertise

The partnership between TP and AWS marks a substantial step forward in preparing students for the digital economy. Under the MOU, TP and AWS will collaborate on several initiatives. 

            I. Skills Development: TP students will gain access to AWS’ online training resources, including the AWS Skill Builder and AWS AI Spring Workforce suite of cloud and AI skilling courses and professional certification programmes. These resources will enable students to acquire hands-on experience, build technical skills, and attain professional certifications.

           II. Industry-in-Residence Programme: AWS experts stationed at FutureX will work directly with TP faculty and students, co-supervise student projects, co-develop curricula, and provide advanced technical training.

         III. Industry Projects: FutureX will showcase projects developed by TP staff and students using AWS resources, providing opportunities to work on industry-relevant projects and solve real-world challenges.

        IV. Joint Training: TP and AWS will jointly develop and deliver AWS-related training courses including Pre-Employment Training (PET) and Continuing Education and Training (CET) programmes.

          V. Internship and Employment Opportunities: TP students will gain practical experience and industry exposure through internships and job opportunities at AWS and its industry partners.

The collaboration is aligned to TP’s commitment to develop students through real-world learning programmes and professional opportunities beyond the classroom, supported by well-established collaborations with industry partners and a robust curriculum developed in conjunction with the industry. By emphasising skills development, industry collaboration, joint training, and internship opportunities, this partnership empowers students to thrive in the evolving digital landscape.