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Internationalisation Series: Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and E-Governance, Estonia

  • Internationalisation
  • Basic
  • SkillsFuture
  • Short Courses
Next course starts on
To be advised
Fee
SGD8,720* (as low as SGD1,216 after maximum funding) Learn More
Duration

Pre-trip workshops (in-person): 2 weeknights (7pm - 10.30pm)

5 days in Estonia

(See programme details under Topic/ Structure)

Level
Basic

Who Should Attend

  • Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
  • Start-up founders
  • Investors
  • Business leaders

PREREQUISITE

  • Participants should have at two years of working experience

Overview

Embark on a transformative immersion programme in Estonia, strategically positioned at the crossroads of the Nordic-Baltic region.

This course is designed for entrepreneurs, where it delves into Estonia’s economic strengths, particularly its prowess in Information Technology. Uncover the success stories of leading Estonian companies, exploring both established sectors and emerging industries. From understanding Estonia’s e-governance excellence to immersing in the vibrant start-up ecosystem, the course participants will gain profound insights, fostering a strategic approach to unlocking opportunities in the dynamic European market.

 

Learning Objectives

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Gain a comprehensive overview of the industry insights
  • Gain insights into Estonia's unique cultural aspects
  • Cultivate effective business networking skills
  • Discuss market entry strategies for successful market entry or expansion

Topic/Structure

Pre-Trip Workshops

Session A: Programme Overview & Pre-Trip Briefing

  • Welcome and agenda overview
  • Pre-trip briefing: goals, logistics, and expectations
  • Introduction by a Guest Representative from the Estonian Embassy, focusing on Estonia’s global position and opportunities
  • Understand Estonian culture and traditions to navigate social and business environments effectively
  • Key business etiquettes, communication styles, and networking strategies
  • Insights into company incorporation in Estonia

Session B: Exploring Estonia’s Economic and Business Landscape

  • Overview of Estonia’s history, macroeconomics, and political landscape shaping the business environment
  • Highlight of Estonia’s strategic location within the EU and its digital-first policies
  • Deep dive into Estonian innovations in FinTech and other emerging technologies
  • Examination of cutting-edge tools like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and digital banking solutions
  • Discuss on emerging opportunities in Estonia 

Learning Journey: Business Trip to Estonia

 Day 1
  • Site Visit - Enterprise Estonia 
  • Site Visit - Startup Estonia 
  • Welcome Dinner and Networking
 Day 2
  • Site Visit - e-Residency 
  • Telliskivi - Visit Estonia’s creative hub for entrepreneurs and startups.
  • Site Visit - Technopark
 Day 3 
  • Site Visit - Local University 
  • Site Visit - Tech Park 
  • Site Visit - Association
 Day 4 
  • Site Visit - FinTech Startup 
  • Site Visit - GameTech Startup
  • Roundtable Discussion - Networking with Association
 Day 5 
  • Site Visit - Tech Hub 
  • Site Visit - F&B
  • Networking Session
 Day 6
  • Closing remarks and reflection exercise on key takeaways of the programme 
  • Assessment (Written Assignment) 

Note: Site visits may vary based on the profile of participants enrolled into the programme.

*All schedules, itineraries, and business events are subject to availability and changes. Flight tickets, travel insurance, and VISA (if required) will be covered by participants.

Assessment

As part of the requirement for SkillsFuture Singapore, there will be an assessment conducted at the end of the course. The mode of assessment, which is up to the trainer’s discretion, may be an online quiz, a presentation or based on classroom exercises.

Participants are required to attain a minimum of 75% attendance and pass the associated assessment in order to receive a digital Certificate of Completion issued by Singapore Management University.

Fee Table

 COMPANY-SPONSORED

PARTICIPANT PROFILE

SELF-SPONSORED

SME

NON-SME

Singapore Citizen < 40 years old

Permanent Resident

LTVP+

$2,616

(After SSG Funding 70%)

$1,216

(After Maximum Funding)

$2,616

(After SSG Funding 70%)

Singapore Citizen ≥ 40 years old

$1,216

(After Maximum Funding)

$1,216

(After Maximum Funding)

$1,216

(After Maximum Funding)

International Participant

$8,720

(No Funding)

$8,720

(No Funding)

$8,720

(No Funding)

All prices include 9% GST

Post Secondary Education Account (PSEA)
PSEA can be utilised for subsidised programmes eligible for SkillsFuture Credit support. Click here to find out more.

Self Sponsored

SkillsFuture Credit

Singapore Citizens aged 25 and above may use their SkillsFuture Credits to pay for the course fees. The credits may be used on top of existing course fee funding.

This is only applicable to self-sponsored participants. Application to utilise SkillsFuture Credits can be submitted when making payment for the course via the SMU Academy TMS Portal, and can only be made within 60 days of course start date.

Please click here for more information on the SkillsFuture Credit. For help in submitting an SFC claim, you may wish to refer to our step-by-step guide on claiming SkillsFuture Credits (Individual).

Workfare Skills Support Scheme

From 1 July 2023, the Workfare Skills Support (WSS) scheme has been enhanced. Please click here for more details.

Company Sponsored

Enhanced Training Support for SMEs (ETSS)

  • Organisation must be registered or incorporated in Singapore
  • Employment size of not more than 200 or with annual sales turnover of not more than $100 million
  • Trainees must be hired in accordance with the Employment Act and fully sponsored by their employers for the course
  • Trainees must be Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents
  • Trainees must not be a full-time national serviceman
  • Trainees are eligible for ETSS funding only if their company's SME status is approved prior to the course commencement date. To verify your SME's status, please click here. 

Please click here for more information on ETSS.

Absentee Payroll

Companies who sponsor their employees for the course may apply for Absentee Payroll here. For more information, please refer to:

AP Guide (Non-SME Companies)
Declaration Guide (SME Companies)

Intake Information

Pre-Trip Workshops: To be advised

Overseas Dates: To be advised

Trainers

Ivan Ng
Entrepreneur, Investor and Board of Director
Ivan Ng
Entrepreneur, Investor and Board of Director

Ivan, the Programme Director for this programme, is a serial entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio of businesses spanning across investments, Technology and trading. As an active investor, he has strategically built a multifaceted investment portfolio across various sectors and asset classes. With 15 years of global leadership experience at Fortune 50 companies like Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, and Unilever, he has managed businesses across 50 countries. He is a senior accredited board director and serves as a board director and advisor for diverse organisations globally, including for-profits, start-ups, non-profits, NGOs and sports associations. Actively engaging in UN programmes and think-tank initiatives, Ivan is a passionate negotiator and also an accredited mediator, emphasising his dedication to fostering peaceful international dialogue and diplomacy.

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