The Singapore Sports School (SSP) has taken another step towards preparing its student-athletes for life after their sporting careers through a tie-up with Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP).
A new diploma in Business Studies (Entrepreneurship Management Option) - or BS-EMGT - programme will be offered from January for a cohort of up to 25 applicants, both parties announced at yesterday's memorandum of understanding signing.
The course, held at SSP's premises in Woodlands, will include entrepreneurship-related modules while students will have to complete a six-month internship at enterprises with an entrepreneurship focus.
It will be tailored to suit student-athletes' schedules to "ensure minimal disruption to their training", said NP's principal Clarence Ti.
This is SSP's second partnership with a tertiary institution, after the Republic Polytechnic-Singapore Sports School diploma in sports and leisure management was established in 2011. It also takes in annual cohorts of up to 25 students.
SSP, which admits around 100 students each year, also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme as the third post-secondary through-train academic option.
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25
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The maximum number of students that can be accepted for the new business studies course offered at the Singapore Sports School
For the BS-EMGT, 15 SSP students have already been accepted. Students from mainstream schools can apply for the remaining slots when the early admissions exercise starts from June 22.
SSP's principal Tan Teck Hock said: "Quite a number of our student-athletes have indicated their interest in going into something a little more general, but they needed to develop certain skills like entrepreneurship, innovation and so forth."
Alumni like swimming star Tao Li and national sprinter Calvin Kang currently run their own businesses. Tao started a private swimming academy last year while Kang co-owns Impressionist Interviews, which specialises in equipping people with interview skills.
Prospective BS-EMGT student Jefferson Cheong, 16, selected the course to widen his options.
Said the national cadet fencer: "Watching my father grow his business and meet clients inspired my dream of starting my own business venture.
"This new diploma will prepare me for the business world."
