ITE will be the first institute of higher learning in Singapore to become an Open Prometric Testing Centre (PTC) for the globally-recognised Microsoft certification. The centre is not only opened to ITE students, but also to members of the public who wish to be Microsoft-certified.

The PTC is one of the outcomes from the ITE-Microsoft Education Alliance Agreement (EAA) signed on 16 November 2009. The agreement was inked by Mr Bruce Poh, Director & CEO, ITE, and Ms Jessica Tan, Managing Director, Microsoft Singapore.

Mr Poh said that ITE becoming a PTC offering Microsoft certification was a testimony of the strong academic partnership between ITE and Microsoft. “The Centre is in line with our vision as a global education institution to prepare an internationally-competent workforce and contribute to the local community and industry,” he added.

Exciting Learning Opportunities
The agreement also created excitement among ITE students. “Many strive for a Microsoft Certification because it is globally-recognised. In today's competitive working environment, obtaining a Microsoft Certification will help me excel in my future career. With the skills gained, it also provides me with the expertise to tackle specific technology-related problems,” said first-year Higher Nitec in Network Security Technology student, Winnie Tan.

The partnership offers a regular learning series on Microsoft emerging technologies for students, staff and industry users. Internship opportunities are also available. In the pipeline, Microsoft plans to introduce their industry partners to ITE staff and students for further collaboration opportunities.