Facebook, STB, Enterprise Singapore offer free online training for firms in virus-hit sectors

BUSINESSES and individuals in Singapore can now tap a greater variety of free online courses and webinars, to help them cope with the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

In one such initiative - by Facebook Singapore, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Enterprise and Enterprise Singapore (ESG) - a series of training sessions via webinars will start next week.

These webinars are meant for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in sectors that have been hit hardest by the Covid-19 crisis: travel, hospitality, events, retail and BTMICE (business travel and meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions) sectors.

The aim is to help these firms leverage Facebook's tools to upskill their workforce, adapt their business models and stay connected with customers during the pandemic.

The first webinar will air on April 30 at 10am, sharing insights on the impact of the outbreak in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region, along with an interview of a Singapore-based business on how it has adapted to the situation.

Companies can register for the virtual training sessions at digitalupskillingsg.splashthat.com.

In addition, Facebook has launched a business resource hub offering tools and guidance to help businesses manage and build resilience during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Meanwhile, the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and its partner organisations have also opened up 14 online courses for the general public.

Individuals can access these resources for free, till May 31 on the university's open access e-learning platform, UniLEARN, SUSS said in a separate statement on Wednesday.

They include complimentary courses related to technological disruption, big data, cybersecurity, supply chain management, lifestyle management, autism, and basic skills in nasogastric tube feeding for caregivers.

These courses are in addition to the previously announced free online training session on intellectual property essentials, designed for business owners and entrepreneurs, as well as a slew of ongoing webinars and lunchtime talks organised by the university.