The digital media and advertising industry is going through a major transformation, with data playing an increasingly central role in its service offerings. To help aspiring data analytics professionals jumpstart their careers in this sector, Google has teamed up with the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) to introduce a new training programme that will equip them with the skills they need to gain a competitive edge in the world of analytics and data-driven innovation.

The Squared Data Programme is part of IDA’s Company-Led Training (CLT) Programme, an initiative which supports the industry in recruiting, mentoring and training entrant infocomm professionals in fast-growing technologies such as data and analytics, and mobile application development. CLT aims to fast-track professionals with less than three years of working experience to take on specialist-level jobs. Under the programme, the professionals will be recruited by IDA’s partners and receive in-house training with them.

From June 2014 to May 2015, Squared Data Programme will provide 20 Singaporean fresh graduates with intensive training in analytics, and give them the opportunity to work within a Singapore media agency to gain hands-on experience. They will also receive mentoring from top industry talent throughout the programme.

Speaking at the launch of the programme on 13 February, Mr Khoong Hock Yun, Assistant Chief Executive, Development Group, IDA, said the data technology and services market presents a fast-growing, multi-billion dollar opportunity worldwide. According to research company IDC, the data market will grow at about seven times the rate of growth of the overall infocomm technology market, with revenues reaching US$23.8 billion in 2016.

“IDA sees this data explosion as a big opportunity for Singapore as we move towards becoming a Smart Nation underpinned by data and analytics,” said Mr Khoong.

Initiatives that have been introduced to develop capabilities in this area include the public release of government data sets and the setting up of innovation centres with the industry to pilot emerging data analytics technologies. “To support these developments, a strong base of data analytics professionals is necessary,” said Mr Khoong.

The Squared Data Programme is aligned with this goal. Ms Joanna Flint, Country Manager, Google Singapore, said, “Analytics is becoming increasingly important in many industries, and the opportunities for skilled professionals in this area are immense. That’s why we’re so pleased to be partnering with the IDA on this initiative to grow the Singaporean talent pool in this critical sector.”

Besides Google, other partners who are currently on board for CLT include IBM, DBS, Standard Chartered bank, IHIS, SAS and Dimension Data.