Singapore Poly's upgrading courses gaining popularity

SINGAPORE: The current economic downturn has led more Singaporeans to upgrade their qualifications and many are choosing unconventional courses to improve their job prospects.

One place offering such courses is the Singapore Polytechnic's Department of Continuing Education and Training.

Singapore Poly started a wine-tasting course, described as the science and art of wine, four years ago. It targets three groups of students – those from the industry, professionals and businessmen, as well as wine enthusiasts.

Although the course is popular, class size is capped at 25 to maintain quality.

Malcolm Tham, instructor, Continuing Education & Training, Singapore Polytechnic, said: "Teach them the ropes of the trade itself and how to set up a business in wine, in terms of services, import-export regulations..."

Another popular course is Chinese Geomancy or Feng Shui. The polytechnic said intake for this course has seen a 20 per cent increase in the last two years. There are presently 100 students from various backgrounds, including some non-Chinese.

Anita Zou, student, Continuing Education & Training, Singapore Polytechnic, said: "I chose Singapore because Feng Shui is an Asian study, so I wanted to study in Singapore where I heard all the masters are. I graduated around 2008 and I have been incorporating Feng Shui into my architecture career ever since."

The Polytechnic's Department of Continuing Education and Training conducts some 1,000 courses, attracting about 35,000 students annually.

It expects to add 30 more courses and see a 20 per cent jump in intake this year.

- CNA/so