The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) has partnered with TP-Link Corporation Pte Ltd to strengthen training in networking and surveillance technologies, aiming to prepare students and adult learners for in-demand ICT roles. The agreement was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at ITE College East, witnessed by Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How.
The three-year collaboration will focus on curriculum development, internships, and industry placements, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience with enterprise-grade systems. Each year, around 600 Higher Nitec students from Electronics Engineering and Security System Integration programmes are expected to benefit from the initiative.
Three new certification courses introduced
As part of the partnership, ITE and TP-Link will introduce three Continuing Education and Training (CET) courses that lead to industry-recognised certifications. These are the Omada Certified Network Administrator (OCNA) – Wireless Network Administrator course, which trains learners to manage cloud-based enterprise networks; the OCNA – Network Administrator (Routing and Switching) course, which focuses on routing and switching skills; and the VIGI Certified Security Administrator (VCSA) – Surveillance System Integrator course, which covers smart surveillance systems and monitoring.
The new courses are designed to meet the growing demand for technical expertise in Singapore’s ICT and security sectors. With practical modules in troubleshooting and system configuration, learners will be able to apply their skills directly in deployment environments. TP-Link will also provide equipment, support staff attachments, and sponsor student competitions to encourage innovation.
Preparing students for industry roles
The collaboration extends beyond classroom learning. Students will be offered structured industry learning journeys and potential job placements, giving them a clearer pathway into full-time roles. By working with real enterprise systems, they will gain exposure to the tools and processes used in operational environments, addressing the talent shortage in networking and surveillance fields.
Hugo Cai, Regional Director of TP-Link, said, “There is a growing need for professionals who can design, deploy, and manage secure, scalable systems. Singapore is a strategic hub for talent development in the region, and we are proud to partner ITE in preparing students for these roles. By bringing industry expertise into the classroom and aligning training with real-world demands, we’re not only supporting local education but also investing in the future of Southeast Asia’s digital workforce.”
Low Khah Gek, CEO of ITE, added, “We are pleased to partner TP-Link to strengthen our students’ training in networking technologies and solutions. By integrating industry-leading expertise and resources into our curriculum, we can better equip our students and CET learners with industry-relevant skills, enable them to acquire industry-recognised certifications, and give them a strong head start to embark on careers in this industry.”
Addressing skills demand in ICT and security
Singapore’s ICT and security industries are expanding rapidly, with demand for hands-on technical professionals growing in both enterprise networking and CCTV surveillance. The partnership between ITE and TP-Link directly responds to these market needs, equipping learners with practical skills that go beyond textbooks.
Through a combination of curriculum enhancement, industry projects, and structured training, the collaboration aims to produce graduates who are workforce-ready and well positioned to support the country’s digital transformation goals.
