ST Telemedia Global Data Centers (STT GDC), the Singapore-based data center colocation provider, has signed memorandum of understandings (MOUs) with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Singapore Polytechnic (SP), NTU Singapore and National University of Singapore (NUS), to advance skills development and expand internship and early career pathways for Singaporeans entering the workforce.
STT GDC said in a statement on Monday that these partnerships will benefit more than 8,000 Singaporeans over five years through industry-aligned training in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and sustainable energy systems.
This ensures the scaling of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) — and the broader energy transition — is matched by the transformation and availability of skills, jobs and talent development pathways.
“Talent is the decisive enabler as we advance AI and sustainability infrastructure,
“These partnerships build a skilled workforce needed to strengthen Singapore as a global hub for advanced digital and energy systems,” said Bruno Lopez, President and Group Chief Executive Officer, STT GDC.
Key initiatives and impact of these partnerships included building a talent pipeline; developing industry-ready talent with ITE; sustainability leadership with SP; innovation and research leadership with NTU; graduate pathways with NUS.
Firstly, STT GDC will provide internship placements across ITE, SP, NTU and NUS over the next five years, with support from Enterprise Singapore.
The program offers immersive, hands-on experience in data center operations and corporate functions such as information technology (IT), sustainability, finance and marketing, supported by mentoring from industry professionals.
In addition, STT GDC will offer 100 sponsorships for Data Centre Foundation Certificate (DCFC) offered by EPI, a global certification body for data center facilities, data center operations and industry professionals, accelerating entry into the sector.
Secondly, the collaboration with ITE will benefit approximately 800 students annually — totaling 2,400 students over three years — from ITE’s engineering and information and communications technology (ICT)-related Higher Nitec and Work-Study Diploma courses.
Key initiatives include co-developing industry-relevant curricula for full-time and Continuing Education & Training (CET) courses in data center operations and sustainability; deploying a data center virtual reality system at the ITE Extended Reality Centre for immersive training; supporting lecturer attachments and student internships; and enabling students to pursue the sponsored DCFC course.
Thirdly, the partnership with SP develops expertise in environmental sustainability and green data center solutions.
Initiatives include joint exploration of green technologies and practices; industry seminars and events to promote sustainable solutions; and targeted programs for training, mentorship, applied projects and internships.
Fourthly, the partnership with NTU combines cutting-edge joint research and development (R&D) of solutions for AI data centers powered by direct current sources; training, curriculum and talent development for the AI data center sector; industry and career talks; and internship opportunities across STT GDC’s group of companies.
Fifthly, STT GDC’s collaboration with NUS supports accessible entry points for graduates through internships, training opportunities and ongoing career and industry engagement to raise awareness of digital infrastructure pathways.
“At ITE, our focus is on equipping our students with future-ready skills for Singapore’s evolving economy. Through the partnership with STT GDC, our students gain valuable real-world training and exposure to advanced tools in data center operations,
“This strengthens our efforts to prepare career-ready students and develop talent for Singapore’s growing digital infrastructure sector,” said Peter Lam, Chief Executive Officer, ITE.
Meanwhile, Soh Wai Wah, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of SP, said the institute is committed to developing a future-ready workforce that can support Singapore’s growing demand for sustainable and resilient data center operations.
“This partnership with STT GDC brings together our strengths in training, applied learning and industry collaboration to nurture talent in environmental sustainability and green solutions for data centers,
“Through co-developed programmes, mentorship, student projects and internships, we will build deeper capabilities and broaden pathways for learners to contribute to this important sector. SP looks forward to advancing this effort with STT GDC to support Singapore’s long-term industry and sustainability goals,” he added.
Professor Lam Khin Yong, Vice President (Industry), NTU, also said that STT GDC is a partner that shares their commitment to advancing impactful research and developing future-ready talent.
“Leveraging NTU’s strengths in AI, energy-efficient systems and translational innovation, this partnership will accelerate the co-development of next-generation AI data center technologies while providing our students and researchers with valuable real-world experience,
“Together, we are helping to build a robust pipeline of skilled professionals who will support Singapore’s ambitions in sustainable and AI-driven digital infrastructure,” he added.
Joan Tay, Senior Director, NUS Center for Future-ready Graduates, also said NUS’ partnership with STT GDC is timely, as demand grows for skilled professionals to manage complex, high-density AI infrastructure.
“Through internships, training, industry engagement and access to recognized certification, we bridge education and industry to equip students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in today’s fast-evolving digital infrastructure space,” she added.