Delegation from Singapore Workforce Development Agency to visit SU

A delegation of professionals from the Singapore Workforce Development Agency and the Employment and Employability Institute will visit Syracuse University on Thursday, Dec. 9, and Friday, Dec. 10. At Syracuse, the delegation is interested in the design and use of adult learning spaces, use of technology to support adult learning and practical environmentally friendly and sustainable building designs.

Additionally, the delegates will meet with Tom Hadlick and Andrea German-Willis, director and assistant director of the WorkKeys Center at University College; Carol Hill, director of Workforce Solutions and Community Relations at Center State CEO; Dave Wall, director of Corporate and Public Partnerships at Onondaga Community College; and Karen DeJarnette, director of Workforce Development Initiatives at Empire State Development Corporation.

The Syracuse based Work Keys and workforce administrators are interested in learning more about the Singaporeans’ job analysis process and how that relates to the development and delivery of adult education/training, particularly in the foundational skill area, and to see if they share many of the same challenges as their counterparts in the United States. In turn, Mohamad Latiff, deputy director of the campus project office at the Singapore agency stated, “I would also like to learn how SU establishes connections with and support from business and industry, as we are using online instructional programs for building foundational skills. I am interested in seeing what models you are exploring and showing you the system we are using.”

Michael Frasciello, director of Information Technology Systems at University College, will also meet with the group to explain the use of smart technologies and classrooms. He will share information on the online platforms used by students, as well as the online support services provided for students. The group will also meet with Peter Weinhold, assistant dean for Information and Technologies and Michael O’Mara, computer consultant from the S.I. Newhouse School of Publications, to learn about the development challenges and achievements of the recently built Newhouse III building, followed by a tour of the facilities. From there, they will be transported to the Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems for a tour of the facility.

The delegation will also visit MIT, Northeastern University and Smith College.