PCPPA 3: Data and Digital Innovation

Online Programme (TGS-2024051073)

21 Jul 2026 and 23 Jul 2026

(2-Days Programme, 21 & 23 July 2026)

9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

(Singapore Time)

About The Programme

The world is going through rapid technological advancements; technology has become an important part of individuals’ lives. Like Singapore, governments around the world have recognised the importance and benefits technology, innovation and data and bring about to their societies economically and socially

In line with the government’s focus on building a Smart Nation, this short programme provides participants with an overview of Singapore’s policymaking journey in tackling the age of disruption and technological change. The programme allows participants to understand the implications of digital innovation for businesses and the government, and the roles and policies they can use to handle the digital world.

*This is one of three short courses within the Professional Certificate in Public Policy and Administration (PCPPA). It is not compulsory to attend all three PCPPA short courses unless you are working towards a Professional Certificate.

Please note that the maximum class size is 40 participants. Acceptance is on a first come first serve basis and registration will close once we hit a full class.

Learning Outcomes

Understand the strategies and policies that have helped the Singapore government develop its Smart Nation Initiatives.
Appreciate the context of disruption in society today and examine how innovation in policymaking addresses disruption.
Learn the principles of Data Analytics and examine how it can be applied to business problems, policy questions and cases.
Examine how digital innovation and technology can be applied to design and create public services.

Target Audience

Current or aspiring Policy officers, analysts, practitioners who are interested in the areas of data analytics, digital services and economy, technology-related companies, etc.

Programme Format

This programme will consist of live online lectures and discussion session.
Attendance for all Zoom sessions is compulsory.
Maximum class size of 40 people.
There will be a reflection exercise to be completed at the end of the course.
In order to complete the course, you are required to attend at least 80% of the online class, and submit the evaluation and reflection exercise at the end of the course.
Do note that if you fail to complete the course, you will be liable for bearing the full course fee.
At the end of this short course, you will be conferred a Certificate of Completion. Upon completion of all 3 PCPPA short courses, you will be conferred a Professional Certificate on top of the Certificate of Completion.

Key Topics

1. Big Data, Digital Disruptions and Public Policy

Understand the context of the Digital Revolution in relation to the 3 main revolutions preceding it.
Unpack the concept of “Big Data” through learning its key characteristics and understand its potential impact on industries worldwide.
Explore the intersections between Digital Transformation and Public Policy, through understanding various governmental roles and appraising their potential responses.
Gain key insights from both the lenses of Techno-Optimists and Techno-Pessimists.

2. Promoting and Regulating Digital Disruptions

Acquaint yourself with the historical background of the Digital Revolution and how past disruptions have forced mankind to adapt.
Unpack what “Digital Disruption” means through identifying its key characteristics, different stages as well as potential benefits and harms that can arise from it.
Appraise the impact of various emerging technologies and their influence on different industries.
Understand how digital technologies will invariably shape the practice of Public Policy, and the challenge of balancing different policy objectives and stakeholders.
Learn key, relevant Design Principles that can be applied to different policy issues.

3. Data Analytics and its Applications

Understand what Data Analytics is and its impact on a variety of industries
Learn essential tips in the application of Data Analytics, including how to enhance productivity gains

4. AI, Ethics and Public Policy

Understand what Artificial Intelligence is and its widespread impact on different industries.
Gain insight into key concerns that AI Technology may bring, such as Legal Liability, Privacy and Cybersecurity.
Understand what AI Ethics is and the Historical Development of AI Principles
Using extensive real-life examples, gain an understanding of International Policy and Ethical Guidelines on AI
Explore various ethical concerns with relation to the application AI

Enrol Now

Application Deadline: 21 June 2026

APPLY NOW

Programme Dates

Online Zoom Session will be held on 21 and 23 July 2026 from 9 am to 5.30 pm (Singapore Time).

Programme Fees

	Full Programme Fee (excl GST)	After 70% Subsidy (incl GST)	Additional ETS/MCES Funding ^*	After ETS/MCES Funding (incl GST)
Singaporean/Singapore PR	2100	686.70	420	266.70
International/ Others	2100	N.A	N.A	N.A

* 20% of the full programme fee excl GST

ETS (Enhanced Training Support for SMEs) – SMEs may enjoy subsidies of up to 90% of the course fees when they sponsor their employees to attend SSG supported courses.
MCES (Mid-career Enhanced Subsidy) – Singapore Citizens aged 40 and above may enjoy subsidies of up to 90% of course fees.
Do note that if you fail to complete the course, you will be liable for bearing the full course fee.
For more funding information, please refer to this website: https://www.skillsfuture.gov.sg/funding-individuals.
Subject to prevailing Terms and Conditions

Contact

Executive Education Department
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
National University of Singapore
469C Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259772

Email:lkysppoe@nus.edu.sg

YAACOB BIN IBRAHIM, Professor in Practice, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

Professor Yaacob Ibrahim is currently an Advisor, Office of the President, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), as well as Director, Community Leadership and Social Innovation Centre (CLASIC), SIT, where he oversees the University’s efforts in community-related projects and initiatives, and the nurturing of social advocate leaders who are grounded in research and community development. Prior to his current positions at SIT, Prof Yaacob served as a Minister in the Ministries of Communications and Information (2011 – 2018), Environment and Water Resources (2004 – 2011) and Community Development and Sports (2002 – 2004). Throughout the 16 years as a Minister, he was also Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs. Prof Yaacob started his political career as a Member of Parliament in Jalan Besar GRC on 2 January 1997, and held several political appointments before becoming a Minister in 2002. Prof Yaacob graduated from the University of Singapore with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1980. He worked as a structural engineer with a multinational engineering consulting firm from 1980 to 1984. He pursued his PhD at Stanford University from 1984 and graduated in 1989. He spent two years as a post-doctoral fellow at Cornell University. He joined the National University of Singapore (NUS) as a faculty member in 1990 where he became a tenured member. He took a leave of absence from NUS from July 1998 till his resignation from NUS in August 2018. Prof Yaacob sits on the board of several private companies and unions. He is Chairman of the Governing Board for the Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS). He is on the Board of Trustees for the Building Construction and Timber Industries Employees’ Union (BATU), and is a Board Member of Surbana Jurong Group. He is also an independent director of Chip Eng Seng Corporation Limited. Prof Yaacob was most recently appointed non-executive independent director for Oceanus Group Limited on 1 September 2020. He also serves as Advisor, AI Singapore, a national Artificial Intelligence (AI) programme launched by the National Research Foundation to catalyse Singapore’s AI capabilities.

NUS LKY