[27 August 2004]
Singapore Management University and Singapore Computer Society
jointly launch Student Chapter

SMU’s Information Systems Management students leverage SCS’ vast network to gain real-world experiences to ‘bridge’ between IT and business

The School of Information Systems (SIS) of Singapore Management University (SMU) and Singapore Computer Society (SCS) today announced the joint launch of the SCS Student Chapter.

This collaboration brings together different strengths of both organisations to promote the development of skills and knowledge for the students in Singapore through symposiums, learning forums and other technical activities.

Launched in 2003, SIS education and research model develops the students’ competence in applying information technology and information systems capabilities within the context of business processes. This unique dual emphasis prepares students to be broader business-sensitive IT professionals and also develops their domain knowledge in specific industry sectors so that they are able to work effectively at the interface of business and technology in today’s knowledge-based economy.

Through the SCS Student Chapter, SMU’s information systems management students will have direct access to SCS’ activities and programmes. The chapter also provides a channel for students to network with IT professionals and help them gain first-hand experience that will prepare them for the world of work.

Commenting on the collaboration, Practice Associate Professor Desai Arcot Narasimhalu and Director of Industry Relations, SIS said, “Our programme is developing professionals with the ability to identify, design and implement new opportunities for creating business value with information technologies. Throughout the SIS programme, we expose our students to real-world industry challenges, practices and people, and this timely collaboration with SCS further enables our students to network with IT professionals, to get a view of emerging business-IT trends, and to develop internship and employment opportunities.”

“One of SCS interests is to reach out to the IT professionals of tomorrow and this is achieved through the Student Chapters. Today, with the launch of the Student Chapter at SMU, the Society is indeed proud to say that we have covered all the Tertiary Institutions in Singapore,” said Mr Tan Teng Cheong, Vice-President of the Singapore Computer Society Executive Council and Chairman of the SCS Student Chapter.

To kick-start the launch, a panel discussion on “The Evolving IT Scene and its implications to the IS Professional” will be held on 27 August. Chaired by SIS Dean, Dr Steven Miller, the other panelists from major organisations include Ms Angie Monsfield, Vice President of Application Projects, Singapore Airlines; Mr Saw Ken Wye, General Manager, Communications Sector – APAC, Greater China & Japan, Microsoft Operations; Prof Lai Kim Fatt, Chief Information Officer, Defence Science Technology Agency, and Mr Tan Teng Cheong, Vice President of the Singapore Computer Society Executive Council and Chairman of SCS Student Chapter, will be sharing their experiences and challenges of the changing IT landscape.