Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry launches training academy

THE Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI) has launched a new academy that provides courses for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

To help business owners stay relevant amid an ever-changing business landscape, the SMCCI Academy offers courses in branding and marketing, business management, design thinking, digitalisation, financial literacy, halal development and soft skills.

The academy will also provide signature programmes catering to specific needs of startups, micro-businesses, asatizah - Islamic religious teachers - and aspiring youth entrepreneurs.

"With the growing trend of youths venturing into the business world, there is a need to ensure they are equipped with the right skill sets to prepare them for the changing economy and business landscape," said Farid Khan, president of SMCCI.

Each signature programme is broken down into different modules from 3 levels: foundation, intermediate and advanced. Participants are matched with the suitable programme based on a self-assessment of their current level of skills and knowledge.

The programmes for micro-businesses, for example, have modules such as "simplifying finance for small businesses" at the foundation level, "incorporation of companies" at the intermediate level and "business negotiation and deal closure" at the advanced level.

Besides classes, SMCCI Academy participants may also learn via other channels such as learning journeys, fireside chats and mentorship opportunities by seasoned entrepreneurs.

Upon graduation, the academy will assist to match employers and employees from its alumni database, as well as link graduates up with a network of various stakeholders such as SMEs, large local companies, multinational companies, trade associations and chambers.