• SIT pioneers Competency-based Education (CBE) for Engineering undergraduates with two new degree programmes in Academic Year 2025.
• The university also introduces a unique interdisciplinary degree programme that integrates Business and Infocomm Technology, with dual specialisations in Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Artificial Intelligence.

The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore's first applied learning university, is taking applied learning to the next level by pioneering Competency-based Education (CBE) for Engineering undergraduates. In the Academic Year 2025 (AY2025), SIT will be launching two new engineering degree programmes delivered through the CBE approach: the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) and the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Infrastructure and Systems Engineering (ISE). By transitioning to CBE, SIT builds on its applied learning foundation, focusing on the mastery of competencies that align with industry needs. This ensures that students not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also demonstrate tangible skills and abilities, making them industry-ready from day one.  

In addition, SIT is launching the Bachelor of Integrated Studies (Honours) in Business and Infocomm Technology with dual specialisations in Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Artificial Intelligence [BISBICT (HTM & AI)], Singapore's first interdisciplinary degree programme that integrates the specialisations of a business domain with that of an emerging technology from the first year of studies. This is in recognition that technology is an integral part of everyday life and a driving force in every industry. This new integrated degree is targeted at business students who want a deeper dive into how Infocomm Technology (ICT) can transform their professional field.

Trailblazing CBE for Undergraduate Engineering Degrees

The EEE and ISE programmes are the first-of-its-kind engineering degree programmes delivered through the CBE approach. This approach emphasises practical mastery of key competencies, shifting away from traditional academic curricula. The curriculum comprises a blend of modules and learning blocks, specifically designed to help students acquire and master skills that are directly applicable to real-world engineering problems.

Each learning block is self-contained to train students to acquire a set of related competencies. It includes an integrated project based on real-world scenarios, allowing students to apply and demonstrate their newly acquired competencies. This authentic approach, which was first adopted in SIT's Competency-based Stackable Micro-credential Pathway for adult learners, prepares graduates to tackle industry demands more effectively and efficiently. (Refer to Annexes A and B for more information on CBE and the two Engineering degree programmes.)

“At SIT, we believe in nurturing graduates who are knowledgeable, industry-relevant and future-ready. Our new programmes demonstrate our dedication to evolving education in line with rapid technological advancements and workplace disruptions. By focusing on real-world competencies, we are not only preparing our students to excel in ever-changing environments but also shaping the future of industries across Singapore and beyond,” said Professor Chua Kee Chaing, SIT President.

Integrating Business Expertise and Technological Innovation to Groom Future-ready Graduates

SIT will also introduce the interdisciplinary four-year BISBICT (HTM & AI) degree programme. The curriculum reflects Singapore’s push for digital transformation in industries like hospitality, addressing the urgent need for professionals who can modernise business operations while driving digital transformation, enhancing enterprise competitiveness and operational efficiency[1].

The programme is designed to equip future hospitality and tourism professionals with deep expertise in business fundamentals and advanced skills in applying AI. From the first year of study, industry-focused business core modules are infused with ICT elements to ensure that students understand how to leverage technological advancements to optimise and transform business processes. This integrated skillset is crucial as industries navigate digital disruption and seize opportunities for growth. (Refer to Annex C for more information on the degree programme.)

Curriculum Alignment for Business, Communication and Design Programmes

To better align with industry needs and enhance accessibility, SIT is introducing a standardised curriculum framework for its Business, Communication and Design (BCD) cluster. As part of this initiative, the university will rename four programmes under the cluster starting from AY2025 to provide clearer pathways for polytechnic graduates and reflect the comprehensive skill sets these degrees offer.

The updated curriculum will feature a harmonised structure, including shared Business Core modules in the first year across all BCD programmes. These modules range from a set of fundamental topics (such as Business Economics and Corporate ESG and Business Ethics) to functional subjects (such as Business Law and Applied Business Analytics). This integration equips students with essential interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in areas such as data analytics, sustainability, and digital transformation while preserving the specialised training required by their chosen fields. Through this unified approach, SIT reinforces its commitment to producing industry-ready graduates who can navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving business and technological landscape. 

AY2025 Admissions Exercise

For AY2025, SIT will offer 40 undergraduate degree programmes, of which 25 are SIT-conferred, 13 are joint degrees, and 2 are offered by overseas university partners. SIT also offers 4 postgraduate coursework degree programmes and 4 industrial postgraduate degree programmes by research.

Visit https://www.singaporetech.edu.sg/undergraduate-programmes for the full list of degree programmes. Applications for admission to SIT in AY2025 open from 8 January to 19 March 2025 at https://www.singaporetech.edu.sg/admissions/undergraduate.

Open House 2025

The SIT Open House will be held on 8 and 9 February 2025 at the SIT Punggol Campus for the first time. The Open House will offer prospective students and their families the chance to discover the university’s suite of degree programmes and experience how SIT provides a holistic, applied learning education. Those interested can explore the events calendar and register their interest to attend SIT’s Open House 2025 at https://www.singaporetech.edu.sg/openhouse. 

ANNEXES

Annex A – Competency-based Education (CBE) Pioneered by SIT

Competency-based Education (CBE) focuses on mastering specific skills and knowledge, emphasising learning outcomes and real-world application. SIT is introducing two first-of-its-kind Engineering degree programmes based on the CBE model. These programmes emphasise practical skills and knowledge that can be directly applied in the workplace. This forward-thinking approach reinforces our commitment to equipping learners with the tools to thrive in an evolving workplace.

Traditional engineering degrees typically take a bottom-up scaffolding approach, with mathematics, physics, and engineering fundamentals taught in isolation in the initial years. This progressively builds up to a focus on smaller engineering components, then to larger systems of greater sophistication over the learners’ candidature.

Our CBE approach presents a new paradigm of learning by shifting away from the traditional curriculum to an enhanced curriculum structured around self-contained Learning Blocks that allow learners to master a set of competencies that are relevant to a professional role in real engineering practice. Some examples of the Learning Blocks in the two new Engineering degree programmes include:

• EEE: Electronic Systems, Sensing and Actuation, Semiconductor Manufacturing & Process Control
• ISE: Engineering Design and Solutioning, Smart Maintenance

Each Learning Block includes an integrated hands-on real-world project to apply what the student has learnt. This approach ensures graduates are well-equipped to meet industry needs.

Annex B – About the New Engineering Degree Programmes on the CBE Model: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Infrastructure and Systems Engineering (ISE)

Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE)

EEE is a 4-year honours programme designed to train skilled professionals for Singapore's electronics industry and other sectors that rely on electrical and electronic engineers. The programme will equip students with robust technical expertise in electrical and electronic engineering, essential for addressing complex engineering challenges in our digitally interconnected world.

Graduates of the EEE programme can contribute as skilled electrical and electronics engineers in diverse sectors, including energy and power, electronics manufacturing, transportation, telecommunications and engineering services- —essentially, fields where electrical and electronic systems play a key role.

Key aspects of this programme:

• Students will acquire competencies in areas such as data analytics, operational excellence, sustainable energy systems, and semiconductor manufacturing, empowering them to design and develop systems, devices, and technologies pivotal to our daily lives.
• The programme offers students a choice to specialise in Semiconductor Manufacturing.
• Students will participate in the Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP)[2] that spans two to three continuous trimesters (equivalent to 8 months to a year), offering them hands-on experience in industry.
   

Infrastructure and Systems Engineering (ISE)

ISE is a 4-year honours programme designed to enhance the traditional mechanical engineering curriculum by incorporating in-demand competencies, producing graduates that are desired by various industry sectors that require mechanical engineers. The skills taught in the programme are highly versatile and transferable; they can be applied across various engineering industries, including transport, logistics, and engineering services.

The ISE degree programme prepares graduates to excel as mechanical engineers in key sectors such as transportation, logistics, and engineering services in Singapore. Graduates will be equipped with the skills to adopt advanced technologies that enhance productivity and efficiency, meeting the demands of these industries.

Key aspects of this programme:

• Students will acquire competencies to design, integrate, manage and maintain complex engineering systems using in-demand skill competencies such as data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence, robotics and automation.
• The programme allows students to specialise in several areas such as Railway Engineering.
• Students will participate in the IWSP that spans two to three continuous trimesters (equivalent to 8 months to a year), offering students hands-on experience in the industry.

Annex C – About the Bachelor of Integrated Studies (Honours) in Business and Infocomm Technology with dual specialisations in Hospitality and Tourism Management & Artificial Intelligence [BISBICT (HTM & AI)]

The Bachelor of Integrated Studies (Honours) in Business and Infocomm Technology with dual specialisations in Hospitality and Tourism Management & Artificial Intelligence [BISBICT (HTM & AI)] programme is a four-year interdisciplinary programme designed to address the need for talents who can meet business goals with emerging technologies and lead digital transformation plans for organisations.

The unique structure combines a robust core in HTM with an ICT integration focusing on AI:

• The business core provides a solid foundation in essential business knowledge and skills in HTM. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of business processes, operations, and requirements, and develop expertise in the HTM sector.
• The interdisciplinary programme integrates AI, by fostering a strong understanding of AI and Data Analytics. Students learn to innovate and harness these technologies to enhance business processes while supporting digital transformation. They also develop the skills to address critical considerations such as risk management and effective technology implementation.

Key aspects of this programme:

• Students will work on industry-relevant projects through Integrative Industry Projects (IIP) and an Industry Capstone Project, both of which enable real-world application.
  • The IIP allows students to apply business and ICT knowledge to real-world problems, collaborating with ICT peers and industry experts to develop user-focused solutions in areas like Software Engineering and Applied AI that fulfill business transformational needs.
  • Students will complete a final-year Capstone project during their IWSP, applying ICT and AI skills to solve real-world problems. Evaluated through presentations, demonstrations, and reports, the project aligns with their work or explores related topics.
• Students will participate in the IWSP that spans three continuous trimesters (equivalent to 12 months/one year), offering students hands-on experience in industry.
• Students will be trained on the latest technology platforms and solutions relevant to industry trends through the Emerging Technologies module. SIT partners with technology leaders like Microsoft, AWS, and Google for this module to incorporate their Digital Competency Roadmaps into the curriculum.
• Students are also required to obtain certifications that are recognised and valued by the industry, not only in AI but also in other emerging technology areas such as in areas like data analytics, cloud solutions, or cybersecurity. These certifications are curated in collaboration with SIT’s industry partners.