Students interested in a career in global trade can now learn and develop skills by taking up Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s (NP) new full-time diploma programme.

The diploma in international trade and business (ITB) will help students understand international trade practices and supply chain management, as well as learn skills in finance, purchasing and logistics.

Developed with International Enterprise Singapore, the three-year course is the first of its kind to be offered by a local polytechnic and will take in its first batch in April. It is expecting to enroll 120 students.

ITB will equip students with digital skills, such as harnessing the power of data analytics and developing digital solutions to drive business growth, to adapt to the increasingly digitalised industry.

Mrs Anna Yap, director of NP’s School of Business and Accountancy, said the ITB was started to meet the evolving needs of the sector and to support Singapore’s internationalisation strategy.

She said: “With technological advancements such as data analytics transforming the way global trade is conducted, there is a need to prepare graduates to navigate the intricacies of international trade and equip them with competencies in data analytics and digital business solutions.”

According to the Singapore Department of Statistics, wholesale and retail trade made up 14.2 per cent of Singapore’s gross domestic product in 2016, the third-largest share after manufacturing and business services.

ITB students will have the opportunity to travel overseas for learning trips and immersion programmes. They may also get to do a six-month internship at global commercial hubs in Thailand, Indonesia, China, Australia or Africa.

Graduates can embark on careers in international business analysis, trade coordination, import and export compliance, digital marketing, e-commerce, procurement and market research.

Article & Photo from Straits Times