(From left) SIM country manager (Malaysia) Janice Chian, Singapore Tourism Board area director Jian Xuan Lee, Enterprise Singapore regional director (Kuala Lumpur) En Qi Chang, H.E. Vanu Gopala Menon, High Commission of Singapore in Malaysia first secretary (Political) Bhargav Sriganesh and Gerald Lum at the launch of SIM’s rebranding in Kuala Lumpur. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
SINGAPORE Institute of Management (SIM) unveiled its rebranded identity to mirror its new industry-focused and skills-based era of lifelong learning, benefiting learners from across the region as well as Malaysia.
SIM brand, marketing and communications director Gerald Lum said that some 13% of the overall international students at SIM are from Malaysia, making their rebranding efforts locally an important part of their overarching plans.
“In 2021, Malaysia ranked 46 in the Coursera Global Skills Report, falling behind other countries due to the shortage of digital skills.
“To address this issue, the Malaysian government has launched various initiatives to help upskill and reskill Malaysians, including #MyDigitalMaker Movement, eUsahawan, Premier Digital Tech Institute, Digital Skills Training Directory and Let’s Learn Digital among others,” he said in his speech at St Regis, Kuala Lumpur on Oct 5.
SIM’s commitment to Malaysia is exemplified by its existing Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with HELP University, CPA Australia and Kompas International College.
Lum added that through SIM students from Malaysia are able to obtain a degree of equal standing from universities in the UK, US, Australia and Europe at a fraction of the cost.
‘With the rebranding, we will continue to build on our two core entities; SIM Global Education and SIM Academy,’ said Lum.
He said that upskilling and reskilling is becoming the new norm therefore employers have been increasingly seeking out fresh graduates equipped with both academic and work-ready skills from the get-go.
“With the rebranding, we will continue to build on our two core entities; SIM Global Education and SIM Academy.
“SIM Global Education connects learners with some of the world’s best higher education programmes that have been developed in collaboration with leading educational institutions from the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and Europe.
“Under the SIM Academy, we have Professional Development and Enterprise Solutions (programmes). Professional Development offers business programmes for working professionals to develop industry relevant skills.
“(Meanwhile) Enterprise Solutions is to help companies develop their talent and human capital through customised learning using SIM’s Integrated Learning Model which enhance employability as well as support business objectives,” he said.
He added that through SIM Global Education and SIM Academy, SIM covers the gap in lifelong learning. There is something for everyone from undergraduates to enterprise learning and solutions.
‘SIM is also partnering with local and multinational companies in Malaysia which offer internships and management training programmes for Malaysian students and graduates,’ said Vanu Gopala.
In his speech at the event, High Commissioner of Singapore to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon said that SIM has been providing prospective students and parents in Malaysia personalised advice on SIM’s academic offering as well as on studying in Singapore.
“SIM is also partnering with local and multinational companies in Malaysia which offer internships and management training programmes for Malaysian students and graduates.
“I would like to congratulate SIM on its rebranding as it is significant for three reasons. First, it demonstrates commitment to building world-class talent through robust skills-based learning programmes and lifelong learning initiatives that can help to prepare Malaysian students to join the workforce.
“Second, it is a clear example of when Singapore and Malaysia work hand in hand, they can create mutually beneficial outcomes for our citizens. Third, this rebranding is an affirmation of SIM’s commitment towards lifelong learning,” he said.
The new face of SIM features the tagline ‘Learn for Life, Thrive for Life’, with a vibrant red and blue colour palette, with red representing the ‘little red dot’ and blue as a nod toward the future. Further, circular and triangular elements reflect SIM’s well-rounded approach to education, as well as its drive to help all learners reach their peak potential and to go higher in their pursuits of self-defined success.
The new look and focus come as many industries have undergone a well-documented rapid transformation brought about by accelerated technological innovation, increased automation, and a heightened need to be agile and adapt to the external environment.
Commenting on the rebrand and his future vision for SIM president and chief executive officer Seah Chin Siong said: “SIM has been at the forefront of encouraging lifelong learning and upskilling Singapore’s and the region’s workforce since its inception almost 60 years ago.
“Our new logo with its vibrant colours and strong identity is a testament to our dynamic approach to education and learning, and our understanding of the industry skills needed for the rapidly changing working environment now, and in the future.
“It is my hope that this new identity will resonate with learners of all ages, encouraging and inspiring them to embrace lifelong learning throughout their different life stages, and that an education from SIM will deliver a lasting positive impact for these learners, and society at large,” he said.
