APAC leaders of Vocational Business Education

15 Feb 2018

“Leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders.” – Tom Peters

The global employment market is fast-evolving and increasingly international. In a graduate field that’s vying, saturated and at times aggressive, prospective students should not underestimate the power of the vocational training programme.

Employers actively seek recruits who come equipped with that little something special. This is exactly why so many prominent education providers emphasise the cultivation of ‘work-ready’ graduates. And with a widespread skills shortage affecting industries worldwide, governments, policy-makers and educators are investing more and more in vocational education platforms. The Chinese government, for example, contributed a total HK$466 billion to career-based training providers throughout 2016. So how do we begin the gauge the positive, material impact this type of institution can deliver to its students?

“Academic education is good, but it’s not the only door for students,” writes Vietnam Manpower. “The mass participation in colleges and universities doesn’t guarantee high qualified output for the economy. Conventional education requires 4-5 years to complete a bachelor program with most theoretical knowledge.

“Conversely,” the publication adds, “students who choose vocational schools often take about 2 years to acquire both basic knowledge and practical skills for their jobs. Apart from tenure, [graduates of] vocational education and training also gain advantage from the connection between schools and businesses. Skills-based schools ensure that their students can work well right after graduation without or with little training.”

In a modern-day economy that lacks specialised talent, trade innovation and expertise form the new currency for development. While businesses and industries come face to face with the rise of automation, human personnel become their greatest asset. The headlines might paint pictures of a world run by machines, but to whom do they accredit the skill needed to invent, create and maintain these tools? Of course, it’s our vocational graduates. That is why corporations across the globe will always champion the individual equipped with creativity, industry experience and strategic expertise.

But to thrive in the fast-paced business sphere, graduates must identify the world’s most influential corporate hubs. According to CNBC data, six of the world’s most popular business cities are in Asia. Hong Kong and Tokyo continue to gain steady pace, and Singapore stands as the region’s most highly-ranked metropolis due to its position as a portal to ‘key Asian markets’ for nations in the West. On top of this, experts have predicted the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region will account for two-fifths of global wealth over the next ten years.

Gaining access to the APAC’s plentiful oasis of opportunity also opens the door to some of the world’s top vocational institutions. Choosing to pursue your business education in this region guarantees unique, sought-after opportunities, and that is a lifetime investment from which you will continue to reap rewards.

BOSTON BUSINESS SCHOOL – SINGAPORE

Shaped by a vision to become a known leader in adult and post-secondary education, Boston Business School (BBS) offers academics of the highest industry standard. This school constantly advances the Business and Management field through its relevant, rigorous programmes, redefining future talent for a workforce that is both global and highly skilled.

Nestled in Singapore’s vibrant Bugis district, students here are active, engaged and incredibly connected, with outstanding public transport links that get them to class within minutes. Known as a cultural melting pot and a global business centre, BBS students are the beating heart of industry’s latest developments.

Classrooms here are spacious, contemporary and comfortable, with additional classes offered to those in need of further support completely free of charge. A low student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1 (min.) – 31:1 (max.) means students receive the care and dedication they deserve.

The BBS Business course portfolio is comprehensive and diverse. Students tackle Marketing, Management, Human Resource Management, Business Administration and more, placing graduates on a direct path to their career of choice.

“Boston Business School is where our students begin their lifelong learning journey,” says Jeffrey Yung Yew Chun, the school’s Executive Director. “Our students are exposed to… a learning mindset that enhances their knowledge, skills and attitude.

“… Our graduates, armed with these skills and knowledge, have successfully carved out numerous opportunities in their careers and we are confident many more will follow.”

VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC) – HONG KONG

The VTC is set on becoming a dominant force in the APAC’s vocational and professional education.

Established in 1982, the VTC stands as Hong Kong’s most comprehensive provider of career-based training. Providing a breadth and depth of pre-employment and in-service learning programmes, the VTC empowers an annual cohort of 250,000 students with highly-specialised, globally-recognised qualifications.

Drawing inspiration from its many member institutions, as well its quality courses and accreditations, the VTC drives a brand-new spread of opportunity to learners of all ages, cultures and abilities. Teaching here is hands-on and centred on positive graduate outcomes, driving knowledge acquisition and action that serves the needs of the modern world.

“VTC is dedicated to forging lifelong development partnership with industries with an ultimate mission of ‘helping industries thrive’,” the website explains. “Our partnership with industry stakeholders is built on a common goal for developing market-responsive and demand-driven programmes to transform human capital into competitive-edge for industries.

“Industry support to VTC takes the form of input on course planning, curriculum design and quality assurance, as well as scholarship sponsorships, opportunities for industry attachment and job placements.”

KENT INSTITUTE – AUSTRALIA

Kent Institute Australia (KIA) is a popular choice among the international student market, offering reputed business courses with campuses in Sydney and Melbourne.

Founded in 1989, KIA prepares students for career success in Business and Information Technology. KIA is proud of its ability to challenge students academically and socially, leading them to the most rewarding opportunities in life post-graduation.

Kent’s business provisions give students the tools needed to forge successful careers in varied business fields, including Accounting, Marketing and Management. In its 29 years serving as a business educator, the school has driven 10,000 local and international students toward corporate success, helping them land powerful positions in Australia and overseas.

“At Kent we have a simple focus,” the institution states. “We want to help students from all backgrounds and all cultures gain access to quality higher and vocational education. We also strive to stimulate discussion, encourage critical thinking and empower our students to make confident, informed educational and career decisions.

“By choosing to study with Kent you can be confident you’re gaining a first-class education and working towards an industry-recognised qualification,” it adds. “Our accredited courses are the first step in launching your global career.”

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International