Strengthening Collaboration with Educational Centers in Singapore for Startup Training and Innovation

On October 24th, Mr. Duong Hoang Van Ban, Deputy Director of the Danang Department of Science and Technology, led a working delegation, including members from the Department of Planning and Investment of Danang City and the Danang Innovation Startup Support Center, to visit and work with two educational centers in Singapore: the Republic Polytechnic (RP) and Reactor School. The purpose of the visit was to enhance connections and promote entrepreneurial and innovative activities in Danang city.

Mr. Lim Boon Hong, Manager of the Entrepreneurship Development Office, representing Republic Polytechnic, Singapore, shared insights into training and developing entrepreneurial and innovative startups.

Republic Polytechnic (RP) is a public institution under the Singaporean government, established in 2002. The college comprises seven schools and five affiliated centers, serving over 14,000 students and employing 1,500 staff. During the meeting, representatives from RP introduced the activities of the Entrepreneurship Development Center. This center focuses on technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, providing students with not only entrepreneurial skills but also fostering a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. RP has participated in unique entrepreneurial activities such as the i-Developing Aspiring and Ready Entrepreneurs (iDARE) Challenge and the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, offering resources and support to students to start their own businesses through guidance from experienced individuals and collaboration networks.

The working delegation explored the collaborative model of innovative startup development between educational institutions and businesses.

Throughout 2022-2023, RP had previously visited and collaborated with the Danang Innovation Startup Support Center, Duy Tan University, the High-Tech Park, and the Song Han Startup Incubator.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Duong Hoang Van Ban, Deputy Director of the Danang Department of Science and Technology, shared, "We hope that this collaboration will bring mutual learning opportunities and help build a strong entrepreneurial community in Danang." The delegation proposed and expressed the desire for RP to share experiences regarding how the government can support startup projects and how to organize activities between educational institutions and startup centers in Singapore. They also sought insights into training programs for incubating and accelerating startups.

Dr. Terence Chong, Director of the International Collaboration Office of Republic Polytechnic, discussed future collaboration plans, including training exchanges, internship programs for innovative startups between Singapore and Danang. The delegation proposed the creation of the Danang Innovation Startup Space in Singapore, modeled after initiatives in Singapore.

The delegation from the Department of Science and Technology took commemorative photos with representatives from Republic Polytechnic, Singapore.

Additionally, the delegation visited and learned about the education and startup incubation model of Reactor School, which collaborates with the Singapore Management University (SMU). This education program specifically focuses on supporting individuals under 30 in entrepreneurship. Reactor School is currently collaborating with governments of various countries, along with 60 universities and 300 high schools worldwide. Reactor School acknowledged Danang as a city with strengths in technological talents. Discussions during the meeting included proposals for Reactor to coordinate in organizing international entrepreneurial and innovative startup events in Danang, sharing experiences in developing innovation startup centers at universities and colleges.

The collaboration between Danang and Singapore is not only a significant step in strengthening the relationship between the two localities but also opens up opportunities for the development of entrepreneurial and innovative startups for young talents in both countries. It creates an environment for learning and business full of opportunities and potential. The combination of specialized knowledge and innovation is the key to creating breakthrough startup businesses and promoting sustainable economic growth in both Danang and Singapore. 

The working delegation also took commemorative photos with Mr. Ryan Lim, Head of the Strategy and Cooperation Department at Reactor School.