TP to launch courses on Big Data

You are about to withdraw some urgently needed cash at an ATM.

But a notice flashes on the screen telling you the machine has run out of cash.

This problem would not exist if banks have more staff specialising in Big Data, which could be used to predict which ATMs will run out of cash so that prompt action can be taken.

Soon, more students will be trained to perform such roles, with Temasek Polytechnic (TP) launching Singapore's first full-time and part-time courses on Big Data last Wednesday.

The New York Times reported in August that Big Data refers to the abundance of digital data from many sources.

They include the Internet, sensors, smartphones and corporate databases that can be mined with clever software to enable companies to make smarter, data-driven decisions in every field.

TP's diploma in Big Data management and governance is a full-time course that trains students to extract, collect and manage data.

The specialist diploma in Big Data management is a part-time course to enhance the knowledge of working professionals for them to enter the growing field of Big Data. Both courses will start in April next year, with each taking in 50 students.

The diploma will have four main areas of study: IT skills, data management and governance, analytics, and project management.

Graduates can find opportunities to work in hospitals, banks and government agencies as data engineers, data specialists and Big Data operation specialists.

Graduates can also pursue degrees in computer science and related courses in both local and overseas universities.

Mr Oh Chin Lock, deputy director of TP's School of Informatics and IT, told The New Paper: "The job of a Big Data professional is very exciting as it involves bringing relevant data together to make better decisions.

"As Singapore is positioning itself to be a Big Data Hub and Smart Nation, there is a huge demand for data science professionals with the skills to harness and manage information."

INTRIGUED

Students taking their O levels this year were intrigued by this course.

Anne Wright, 16, from Outram Secondary School, said: "It sounds like a course that'll be essential in the future, but I wouldn't join it because I don't think I could handle a job in IT.

"But the course definitely sounds amazing."

On its website, TP says potential students should show a strong interest in mathematics.

ACS's Justen Khoo, 16, is interested, but concerned that he would not be able to keep up with the course.

He said: "The subjects seem interesting and I'll definitely consider it after my O levels.

"But I'm concerned that I wouldn't be able to keep up because my additional maths isn't as good as my elementary maths."

lwenqi@esph.com.sg

This article was first published on Oct 13, 2014.
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