SINGAPORE - Singapore Sports School (SSP) student-athletes now have the added option of pursuing their sport aspirations via the new Diploma in Business Studies (Entrepreneurship Management Option) (BS-EMGT) programme offered by Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP).

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two at SSP on Tuesday. Starting in January next year, up to 25 student-athletes under this customised programme will undergo lessons in SSP with a focus on entrepreneurship management.

NP's principal Clarence Ti said: "Much effort will be put into the customisation, such as adopting flexible lesson schedules and suitable delivery pedagogy with the help of technology, to ensure minimal disruption to their training."

Fifteen SSP student-athletes have already been accepted into the programme, with up to 10 slots also available to interested applicants from mainstream schools when the Early Admissions Exercise opens on June 22.

It is the latest addition to the existing post-secondary through-train academic programmes offered at SSP - the other two being the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the Republic Polytechnic-Singapore Sports School Diploma in Sports and Leisure Management.

SSP's principal Tan Teck Hock said: "The Diploma in Business Studies will cater to the segment of student-athletes who have an interest in a business-related education.

"It is heartening to see the growing support that the Institutes of Higher Learning have in SSP in our bid to nurture Champions for Singapore."

Fencer Jefferson Cheong, a prospective BS-EMGT student-athlete in Secondary Four, said: "Watching my father grow his business and meet clients inspired my dream of starting my own business venture.

"This new Diploma in Business Studies specialising in Entrepreneurship Management will prepare me for the business world."