A unique learning journey programme has welcomed 15 Saudi nationals to Singapore to take part in a new corporate training programme.

The trainees could observe first-hand the innovative Singaporean mind-set that has contributed to the island’s impressive developmental success.

Singapore offers an alluring mix of cutting edge infrastructure, a world-class education system and a cosmopolitan blend of East and West.

It is this global and Asian educational experience - a combination of global perspective, academic rigour and a vibrant learning environment - that attracts a strong international community to enrol in programmes with public and private institutions ranging from basic foundation programmes all the way to postgraduate executive education, a statement from Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said.

Attendees to the eight-week prototype   programme, dubbed the ‘Singapore Transformational Journey’, come from the family-owned Binzagr Group which has sent 15 of its promising middle management staff.

The group is currently taking part in three distinct programmes - communication skills, workplace effectiveness, and success through work and ethics – all of which are brought to life with Singaporean case studies.

Dr Ghazi Binzagr, president of Wisaal Development Centre in Jeddah, who has been a driving force behind the project’s inception and delivery, is collaborating with a leading Singaporean training provider - NTUC Learning Hub - for the co-creation of this progamme.

Besides classroom programme, participants are also given a transformative experience through out-of-class programmes and site visits to give them an appreciation of the work ethics and drive to innovate that Singapore has managed to successfully apply in building its nation, the statement said.
“The success of Singapore as a nation inspires many of us around the world. I personally respect how Singapore relied almost entirely on building the capacity of its people and the capability of its institutions as a strategy to reach its dreams and build a society of prosperity. There is so much of the “Singapore experience” to learn from and it is my hope that Wisaal Development Centre’s partnership with NTUC Learning Hub is the first of many,” commented Dr Binzagr.
“By drawing from Singapore’s success formula, we hope to share in its universal elements and ponder ways of applying its principles in ways that are relevant and meaningful to the cultures of our world. The example of universal principles that inspire me in the Singapore success story are the concept of meritocracy and the concept of harmony,” added Dr Binzagr.

Singapore Tourism Board is keen to forge stronger links with the business community in the Middle East as part of a wider initiative to develop its inbound executive education and corporate training offering – and leverage the country’s excellence in competiveness and governance, the statement said. 

“Singapore is the ideal place for executives from Saudi Arabia and beyond to learn, not only do we have a variety of world renowned institutions and a vibrant business community from which we can draw the latest business ideas, case studies and management concepts, but students are able to get first hand experiences on our work ethic and drive towards excellence.” said Jason Ong, area director, Middle East & Africa, STB.

The Singapore Transformational Journey began on September 12 and runs until November 5. – TradeArabia News Service