Course Overview

Domain
Infocomm Technology
Business, Communication and Design
Format
Short Course
Duration
4 weeks
Fee Subsidy
Up to 90% SF Funding

Open source software is essential for innovation across all business sizes, driving the demand for skilled Chief Open Source Officers (COSOs) to manage and integrate these technologies effectively.

This executive programme is a comprehensive four-week course designed to deepen understanding of open source and its significance in today’s business landscape, with each week focusing on specific aspects of the topic.

Learners will explore the history of free and open source software, as well as open data and open hardware, examining how these concepts have become integral to various industries. The course will encourage them to critically evaluate how open source technologies can deliver significant benefits to their organisations.

Learners will also develop strategies for integrating open source into their organisations, managing risks, ensuring compliance, and innovating business models.

Lastly, they will present their learnings in a Dragon's Den-style format to a panel of open source experts, including project leaders, enterprise open source adoption authors, and executives with proven track records in implementing corporate open source solutions. These industry veterans bring real-world experience leveraging open collaboration and transparent development practices.

Designed for aspiring, career-oriented, and current technology leaders – including Chief Technology Officers, Chief Information Officers, IT directors, and distinguished engineers – this programme equips them with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to excel as a Chief Open Source Officer.

Who Should Attend

  • Technologists who have been in the industry for about 10 – 15 years, seeking to transition into technology leadership roles such as Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) and Chief Information Officers (CIOs). This group also includes Chief Open Source Officers, Distinguished Engineers, and senior staff members aspiring to equivalent positions.
Prerequisites
  • A solid understanding of version control tools like Git is beneficial. Furthermore, the ability to work asynchronously and collaborate effectively in small remote teams is also important.

What You Will Learn

Introduction to Open Source and its Importance

  • Overview of Open Source and its evolution
  • Benefits and challenges of Open Source
  • Open Source licensing and legal aspects
  • Open Source communities and collaboration
  • Case studies: successful Open Source implementations

Open Source Strategy and Adoption

  • Developing an Open Source strategy
  • Identifying and evaluating Open Source solutions
  • Implementing Open Source in the enterprise
  • Managing Open Source risks and compliance
  • Open Source and business model innovation

Open Source Leadership and Culture

  • Building an Open Source culture
  • Leadership and collaboration in Open Source
  • Communication and engagement in Open Source communities
  • Managing and motivating Open Source teams
  • Open Source and diversity, equity, and inclusion

Open Source and Emerging Technologies

  • Open Source and artificial intelligence
  • Open Source and blockchain
  • Open Source and Internet of Things
  • Open Source and cloud computing
  • Open Source and cybersecurity

Teaching Team

Harish Pillay
Harish Pillay

Open Source Strategist and Consultant

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Ian McLoughlin
Ian McLoughlin

Professor, Infocomm Technology, Singapore Institute of Technology

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Schedule

DatesTimeActivity
14, 16 April, 7 & 9 May9:00 am – 6:00 pmIn-person teaching
18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30 Apr, 2 & 5 May9:00 am – 6:00 pmLecturer-led discussion sessions (Zoom)
9 May9:00 am – 6:00 pmIn-person group presentation of case studies with invited guests as the assessment panel

Certificate and Assessment

A Certificate of Attainment will be issued to participants who

  • Attend at least 75% of the course; and
  • Undertake and pass non-credit bearing assessment during the course

Participants who meet the attendance requirement but do not pass the assessment will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Assessment Plan

Assessment Type: Group Presentation
Duration: 1 hour

A one-hour group presentation in a Dragon’s Den-style format, featuring invited external guests as part of the assessment panel.

Fee Structure

The full fee for this course is S$8,720.00.

CategoryAfter SF Funding
Singapore Citizen (Below 40)S$2,616.00
Singapore Citizen (Above 40)S$1,216.00
Singapore PR / LTVP+ HolderS$2,616.00
Non-Singapore CitizenS$8,720.00 (No Funding)


Note:

  • All fees above include GST. GST applies to individuals and Singapore-registered companies.
  • Fees above are subject to change based on the SkillsFuture Grant Calculator and Funding Eligibility.

Course Runs

February 2025
calendar-day
10 Feb 2025 - 07 Mar 2025
clock-five
4 weeks
delivery-mode
In-person
map-marker
SIT Punggol Campus, 1 Punggol Coast Road Singapore 828608
dollar-sign
SGD $8,720.00
Up to 90% SF Funding
Apply By:
19 Jan 2025 23:59
April 2025
calendar-day
14 Apr 2025 - 09 May 2025
clock-five
4 weeks
delivery-mode
In-person
map-marker
SIT Punggol Campus, 1 Punggol Coast Road Singapore 828608
dollar-sign
SGD $8,720.00
Up to 90% SF Funding
Apply By:
23 Mar 2025 23:59