NUS-ISS Celebrates 40 Years of Digital Talent Development

The National University of Singapore’s Institute of Systems Science (NUS-ISS) celebrated over four decades of fostering digital talent at its Annual Luncheon held on November 14, 2025, at the ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay. This flagship event gathered industry partners, alumni, learners, and staff to honor NUS-ISS’ contributions to digital skills development in Singapore and its growing global influence. Themed “Celebrating Impact, Expanding Horizons,” the luncheon marked the culmination of the three-month NUS-ISS Learning Festival 2025.

David Neo, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Senior Minister of State for Education, attended as the Guest-of-Honour. He was joined by Janet Ang, Chairman of NUS-ISS, Khoong Chan Meng, CEO of NUS-ISS, and members of the NUS-ISS Management Board. The event not only celebrated past achievements but also served as a platform for envisioning the institute’s future.

Nurturing Future Digital Leaders

Since its establishment in 1981, NUS-ISS has successfully trained over 200,000 digital leaders and professionals. The institute has collaborated with more than 9,600 corporate organizations, creating a vibrant alumni network of over 8,200 graduates. These initiatives have been pivotal in supporting Singapore’s national agenda for IT skills development and digital transformation.

In its commitment to staying at the forefront of digital transformation, NUS-ISS has focused on equipping public sector leaders to drive change within their organizations. As the Operations Partner for the Digital Academy by the Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech), NUS-ISS has upskilled more than 13,000 officers since 2021. Collaborations with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Social and Family Development will further enhance training for senior public-sector leaders over the next two to three years.

The partnership with NCS in the Nucleus 2.0 programme continues to flourish, nurturing future-ready software engineers. This year, more than 400 employees earned Graduate Certificates, and an additional 17 received their Master of Technology in Software Engineering through stackable learning pathways. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Singapore Computer Society, over 700 professionals have received training in critical areas such as sustainability, digital product management, and DevSecOps.

Expanding International Collaborations

Looking towards the future, NUS-ISS aims to enhance its global reach through new international partnerships. Earlier in 2025, the institute signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippines Civil Service Commission and the Private Sector Jobs and Skills Corporation. This partnership aims to strengthen digital leadership among civil servants through practical, outcome-driven programs, showcasing NUS-ISS’ influence in regional digital readiness.

Significant collaborations with organizations such as Saudi Aramco, the Digital Government Agency of Saudi Arabia, the Confederation of Indian Industry, and Ayala Corporation underline NUS-ISS’ commitment to advancing digital capabilities internationally. Through these initiatives, the institute will provide training in artificial intelligence, leadership, and digital transformation, thereby developing skilled professionals capable of driving innovation across various sectors.

Khoong Chan Meng, CEO of NUS-ISS, emphasized the urgency of preparing professionals for rapid industry transformations driven by artificial intelligence. “Across industries, transformation is accelerating, and jobs are rapidly being redefined with the advent of generative and agentic artificial intelligence,” he stated. “As part of this commitment, NUS-ISS has introduced a series of programs on AI and related technologies to equip industry professionals with the knowledge and skills to harness AI-driven developments.”

In conclusion, NUS-ISS remains dedicated to shaping the future of digital talent, ensuring that professionals are equipped to meet the challenges of an evolving landscape. The institute’s ongoing initiatives and collaborations position it as a leader in digital education, both locally and globally.