Singapore, 3 January 2024 (Wednesday) – Straits Interactive, a pioneer in data protection and governance solutions, today announced a new course offering from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), the largest and most comprehensive global information privacy community and resource. As an Official Training Partner of the IAPP, Straits Interactive is now an authorised trainer of the IAPP’s AI Governance Professional certification (AIGP), bringing AI governance training courses to professionals in their surrounding community.

Straits Interactive will partner with SMU Academy, the professional training arm of Singapore Management University (SMU), to offer the three-day hands-on AIGP certification programme, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.  The AIGP prepares candidates for the certification examination and equips professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the increasingly complex landscape of AI governance, supporting the Singapore National AI Strategy 2.0.

"The AIGP certification sets the competency benchmark for AI Governance professionals and extends a clear competency roadmap for data protection and data governance professionals," said Kevin Shepherdson, CEO of Straits Interactive. "Through this partnership with SMU Academy and IAPP, we aim to empower individuals and organisations to leverage the power of AI responsibly and ethically," he added.

The AIGP certification programme is specifically designed for professionals working in AI development, deployment, or oversight. The curriculum covers a comprehensive range of topics, including:

• Foundations of AI
• AI Impacts and Responsible AI Principles
• Current Laws and AI
• Emerging AI Laws and Standards
• AI Development Life Cycle and Risk Management
• Implementing Responsible AI Governance and Risk Management
• Ongoing Issues and Concerns in AI Governance

One of the unique features of this course is the integration of an AI Tutor developed by Straits Interactive to support learners. This AI-powered tool provides a personalised learning experience, tailored to each participant's individual needs and learning pace. Through interactive exercises and simulations, the AI Tutor helps participants to gain hands-on experience with real-world AI governance scenarios.

“In a data-driven era where artificial intelligence has become increasingly prevalent, the AIGP certification programme will guide professionals through the complexities of AI governance. This partnership with Straits Interactive and IAPP builds upon our existing AI Governance offerings at SMU Academy, reinforcing our commitment to shaping a future where the potential AI aligns with responsibility," said Jack Lim, Executive Director of SMU Academy.

Supported by SkillsFuture, the AIGP training complements SMU Academy's existing AI governance courses, such as the Advanced Certificate in Generative AI, Ethics, and Data Protection. Jack Lim added, “By offering a comprehensive range of AI governance training programs, we are committed to supporting professionals in developing the skills needed to thrive in the AI-powered future."

“As the scope of artificial intelligence continues to grow, so does the need for qualified and well-trained AI Governance professionals,” said J. Trevor Hughes, President and CEO of the IAPP. “With over 35 countries already working to develop AI regulations, it is critical that professionals are given the necessary tools and training to ensure that AI systems are developed, integrated and deployed in line with emerging laws and policies in a way we can trust.”

The AIGP certification programme aligns with the goals of the Singapore National AI Strategy 2.0, which emphasises the importance of building a trusted and responsible AI ecosystem. "This certification programme will play a vital role in empowering a pool of skilled professionals who can help ensure the responsible development and deployment of Generative AI in Singapore, " said Denise Wong, IMDA, Assistant Chief Executive - Data Protection and Innovation Group.

The AIGP certification programme will commence on January 15, 2024. For more information and to register for the programme, please visit https://academy.smu.edu.sg/certified-artificial-intelligence-governance-professional-aigp-10206.