The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and International Enterprise Singapore (IE Singapore) have forged a partnership to support career development in the areas of international trade and financing.

Students at four Singaporean polytechnics can enroll in the newly-launched International Trade Associate Programme (ITAP). This will offer industry-accredited professional certifications through the ICC Academy and tailored career development opportunities through internships and outreach activities, such as career talks and roadshows.

ITAP was developed to address the growing need of companies and banks for skilled employees in trade-related roles. The companies involved in the programme include Bunge, Charles & Keith, Chinese National Offshore Oil Company, IKEA, DBS, Dole, INTL FC Stone, Kaybee, Lobb Heng, OCBC, Raduga, Sing Lun, Sportmaster, Texline and Valency, and Wilmar.
“The robust programme supported by [the] ICC and four polytechnics enables trading companies to have direct access to a pipeline of specialised talent. This complements Singapore’s connectivity and strong capital advantages in enhancing our role as the trading hub for Asia,” says Gina Lim, trade services and policy group director at IE Singapore.

Thierry Senechal, senior director, ICC Academy digital learning, adds: “The International Trade Associate Programme delivers on the ICC Academy’s vision to enable trade by ensuring that companies can access skilled talent for specialist roles […] We see this as a model that can be replicated in other economies in the future.”